CYNDY'S CORNER - CYNTHIA OBINWOGO

"Being judged because I'm beautiful"

Coming to terms with being perceived as "beautiful" wasn't easy.

It soon became how people knew me.

People seemed to forget or simply ignore my accomplishments. They disregarded the fact that I'm a student, I'm intelligent, and I'm incredibly ambitious...

Others did not bother to look past my appearance and actually get to know me, satisfied with the kind of person I looked like I could be.

As a teenager, I found this frustrating...

I was still trying to figure out who I was for myself, while the rest of the world simply decided who I was based on my appearance.

I went through different phases as I tried to find a way to draw attention to other aspects about me.

I only wore flip flops and oversize T-shirts,

I tried to brag and bring up my achievements during conversations so people would know that there was more to me than my looks, and when all else failed, I simply tried to blend in.

It was this that set me back while trying to find my true self and passions in life.

I dulled myself down, personality- and appearance-wise, for long, trying to be appreciated for something other than my looks.

It was not until to my 3rd year in the university that I realized how amazing it is to be yourself in such a diverse place, and I never looked back.

Sure, I still get catcalled just about every day.

When there are no dirty words said, there are still looks, and whistles, and friends tapping friends to "look at that chick."🙈

I don't bother noticing anymore. As I have gotten older, this has expanded to looks and awkward situations from creepy professors, bosses, and colleagues. But again, it is not worth my time, and I ignore it🙌

I have come to realize that I hold the power in these situations👌

By not responding to this behavior, I'm discouraging these people from doing it again to someone else. With my lack of response comes a wave of rejection to the pursuer or the stranger on the street.

It also shows that I demand to be respected, both my body and my mind, because believe it or not, there's more to me than just my looks.

#IAMCYNDY