As children, we are brought up thinking that it’s okay to be different … as long as we’re not too different. But when does the boundary between conformity and deviance from social norms become too subjective?

Race, sex and physical and mental handicaps are just a few of the ways in which people differ from one another. Whether you’re walking down the streets of New York City or in a room of only 10 people, you won’t find anyone who is exactly like you.

I find college to be such a great experience because of the diversity factor. For some, coming to college is a chance to start over and showcase their differences in ways that will benefit them. People who were socially inept in high school are out at the same parties as jocks, and it doesn’t even matter.

Binghamton University is a SUNY known for its diversity, both demographically and socially. Being a freshman, I found it very easy to adapt because, well, there isn’t really much to adapt to. Most people I’ve met have been more than happy to interact with others who are nothing like them, showing that we’re not as superficial as we’re chalked up to be.

Maybe I’m just na√É.√Øve, and I’ll look back on this someday and wonder what I was thinking, but I find students here to be very accepting and open to different things. I love this aspect of our school, but I’m not going to lie, it always eases my conscience when I spot that other girl wearing rain boots when there’s no longer a cloud in the sky.

On a broader spectrum, there are celebrities who dare to be different as well. Lady Gaga, for example, is the epitome of different. Not only do her voice and songs sound unlike anything I have ever heard, but the way she represents herself through her attitude and fashion is undeniably unique. Watching her music videos makes me wonder if she’s absolutely crazy or just not afraid to be herself.

By no means am I trying to give off a “holier than thou” attitude or act as if judgments about others will ever stop. It’s normal, and life would be less entertaining without them. I’m just saying that maybe if we better understood just why we are so hesitant to stand out, we would be a lot more comfortable with ourselves.

As humans, it is in our nature to try to fit in. Oftentimes, however, we go overboard with these desires and find ourselves losing who we really are. It’s completely natural to want to conform, but when we begin to rid ourselves of our individuality, we become just another face in the crowd.

In an ever-changing world, our differences may be the only things that will remain the same. Call me crazy, but I think it makes everything a lot less boring. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.