What Do You Stand For?

Written By: Lavanya Menon

When I was in 7th grade, I went for a summer camp at our school. I don’t remember much from it, but I do remember about one day. That day we were supposed to sit in a class when a substitute teacher came to us. I remember thinking we were going to do some fun activity or drawing or crafting, but instead we all just sat there for a while. Then the teacher got up from his chair and asked us one question; “What do you stand for”. The first thought that came to my mind was ‘what does that even mean?’, but then again. I was a child. That day I went home and the question kept me up all night because I didn’t know the answer to it. I asked my mom, but she didn’t know either and eventually I forgot about it.

A few days ago, I saw this very same question on a post on my feed and it got me wondering again. I thought for a long time, but then I stopped, and I looked. I looked around me and how far I’ve come and the people I’ve lost and gained along the way. ‘What do you stand for’ is an empowering question, and I had already found the answer to it by just looking? That would be impossible, but it’s true. I did find the answer to it and it’s that simple. I looked back to my 12- year old self that thought so hard about the answer to this very question and wished I could tell her that the answer was right there. You just have to see it.

So what do you stand for?

Do you want to be someone that is known for being understanding? Do you want to be someone that is known for their passion? How about someone that wants to make a difference in the world? Or do you want to be someone that is known to get things done right there. When your world gets messy or scattered and when you feel like you’re living for someone else, what do you stand for? What is that thing that you are willing to give it all up for? It’s simple.

You stand for whatever inspires you, whatever drives you to do better. To think better. And to love better. So, choose that ‘something’ that pushes you to be a person when you feel like the entire world is rooting for you to fail. Find your purpose and hold on to it because as long as you know who you are, you’ll be okay, I promise. Always remember that there is beauty in you no matter what.

That is what you stand for.

All the love,

Lavanya