Dare to Undress.

She was born in Russia, and she takes pleasure in writing and reading. She treats people with kindness and modesty. I just gave you this description and I am sure you like it because she sounds like a good girl huh? Most of us grew up hearing what people think we are, we prove it, we believe it, and make it our identity. I was wondering if I can pick a day to undress myself from all the titles and reputation I have got so far, just to see my nakedness. Are we empty without these names, reputations, or fame?

Here is a story from a Russian acquaintance, I find it relevant to my country too.
“Some people in my country divide all people into two types. The first type is physics, and the second one is lyrics. Physics in their opinion is interested in computers, programming, math, and of course, physics. They say people should not read too much or study foreign languages. If you are physic, you should work as a programmer, web designer, photographer, or scientist. You should not go to charity work or write.
But, if you are lyric, the situation is the opposite. You should read a lot, if you are a writer it’s your advantage. You should know at least one foreign language, take care of weak people and do charity work. You should not understand high-tech too much and you should call a master to download your Photoshop. You should work as a translator, journalist, or librarian.
The majority of the Russian teachers or parents call all girls lyrics, all boys as physics in primary school.
All of my life I was sure I was a lyric. I did not try to understand math, computer science, or physics. But I was sure if I were in physics I wouldn’t like reading or knowing English.
But, when I was 22 years old, I began to study programming. To be exact, I was interested in programming in high school but I dropped out. I thought I was a lyric simply because I was a girl. But later I began to refresh my skills in programming. I began to communicate with other coding girls, I understood you can love reading and programming at the same time. And you can love Math and handicraft at the same time. And nothing is wrong with you.
I think there are no physics or lyrics. There are people with their advantages and disadvantages. And it’s so silly to dictate a person’s future according to his or her gender.”

After reading this, I remembered when I was joining college; I wanted to study for two degrees in three years. It sounded almost insane because it is not how the system works in my country, although I knew my brain and my body would handle that. Haha, I wasn’t persistent enough so I could not accomplish that. Therefore it is best to see the naked you, to be the very you, and to do all that you believe you can do regardless of what the society is saying because you CAN.

Story Inspired by Anna Mulyar,

Saint Petersburg, Russia.