According to dictionary.com, the word “cool” has nothing to do with describing someone that everyone likes, or something that everyone should be. Too many people try way too hard to fit in with everyone else in high school, and also in life. Who is it that sets this “cool” standard that everyone is trying to be or live up to? Is it that charming, witty, senior boy that everyone seems to know and love? Or is it the prettiest girl at the prom, the one with the most expensive dress and the cutest date? Isn’t it obvious that these people, while they may be adored by their peers, should have nothing to do with the standards that you set for yourself? I think it is, but a lot of other people don’t seem to think there is a problem with altering their style, personality, appearance, or even some of their basic beliefs in order to be “cool.” Obviously, not everyone in high school is that cliché, insecure teen who is willing to change anything and everything abou t their life in order to gain and maintain friends or social status. This isn’t The Secret Life . Whether or not you’ll admit it, everyone has gone through the problems of fitting in at some point in their life; two words: middle school. Now that we’re in high school and have at least passed the test of puberty, it’s time to figure out who you are as a person. It sounds cheesy, but without any sort of goals or guidelines for yourself, what’s stopping you from getting swept up with the wrong crowd? Who is the wrong crowd? Speaking of the “wrong crowd,” this comes down to people judging other people. I’m not going to say that I’ve never done that before, because that would be a lie, but it’s something that I try to avoid doing. Just like there is no such thing as “cool” or “normal,” there are also no specifications for who is “lame” or a “loser,” All of these adjectives are based on what society tells us to think. Why is it that we’re almost programmed to like the skinny, fashion-forward girls or the jocky, funny guys? Alright, that’s not exactly everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a fact that every girl has wished they could change something about their appearance, and that every guy has wished they could be better than their friend at least one time. The point: in and out of high school, people are insecure, and they look to others for guidance. Much like this article, it’s all about opinion; the ultimate labeling of your peers is up to you and your personal beliefs alone.