Uniforms, they were made for order. They were enforced to promote unity, professionalism, and common ground. Uniforms are the fabrics you wear to be identified as one of the students of an institution and be socially known. What you wear is what you identify as; if you study at a specific institution, you wear their uniform and the ID provided. It is what we represent—it is who we identify as. However, as it may bring social order, it sometimes reaches a point where students are belittled for being who they are.
Hair color, hair length, what you wear, and what you are. Students are fitted into a box and shaped into one identity—one person. As many institutions may quote, “one school, one soul.” However, we, as individuals, were not made to become the average person but to reach beyond the soul.
You look outside the windows, you’ll see pure art: Buildings, bridges, sculptures. So why is it defined as socially incorrect to become one with art itself? How come, as someone who can create art, they cannot possess the creativity in their whole being? Art is a part of us as human beings. Yet when it comes to us ourselves, it is suddenly inappropriate.
I am not embracing unprofessionalism; however, we, as people, know what is right and wrong. And if you’d ask me? Hair colors and other artistic ways of expression are not inappropriate in an institution.
Although I get the mere fact that many institutions possess different kinds of values. Yet, it is not for them—for us to decide what a person can and should be. This is not simply just about social order, but how many institutions perceive expression as disrespect.
Education does not stop from expressing yourself—education is not limited just because you are unique from other students. And to be honest? After years of education, I noticed how people work efficiently when they get to be themselves simply because it is freeing.
Social order, professionalism, they are all important, especially in both work and school. Yet we are not puppets for you to control, nor be shoved into a box.
We are human beings—we feel, we sense, we express. That is simply our human nature.
Written by Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH
Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
