I was about 16 years old combining my studies in highschool with my semi-professional education as a dancer when my boyfriend at that time started to call me ‘rebel’.
I kind of liked that nickname as it sounded positive to me. Knowing that a rebel is sometimes perceived as someone being against the rules. I have never been against the rules, just because I wanted to be against them. However I was not the kind of girl that would just accept anything they told me to believe.
I wanted to think by myself and make my own decisions of what was right and what was wrong. I realize that I stayed that teenager with a strong idea and vision on the world.
I looked up to some of my teachers and I remember that one teacher being a journalist, reporting on the Golf War and besides that giving us classes. Great guy, inspiring ! A bit rebellious, for sure, but that was one of the things I liked him for.
Authentic I would call him, having his own thoughts, sharing them with us, youngsters, leaving us space and time to reflect and share our own thoughts.
Maybe the dream to once be a journalist started there…
I choose to go for my career as a dancer first, also based upon role models around me. So I think more than ever we need to be aware how much youngsters look up to those they perceive as role models.
We need to show authenticity, be a rebel from time to time and stop trying to fit into any box out there.
I think authenticity is attractive, because it is brave. It shows someone who has gotten in touch with herselve.
Actually isn’t being authentic not as being a rebel, daring to go against the stream? Someone that is internally that strong to show and tell the world: This is who I am, take it or leave it.
At least at 16 being called a rebel, I did feel very attractive and ever since I love that feeling and I hope I never lose it.
