Max, Week 14 — I Can't Go Back
There’s been a trend on TikTok recently: Under an audio that repeats “I can’t go back,” people post lines that always start with “remember that…” followed by something like “side part you had?” or “old haircut?” and then show a picture of the hair they are referring to, which is usually really silly or goofy (please look at the attached photos for a better understanding).
Credit: @kjmcknight_ on TikTok
Well, this is definitely a trend I could partake in. In freshman year, I literally looked like a mushroom (I am not willing to include a reference photo). My parents told me to cut my hair, and I just wouldn’t listen. Sorry to everyone who had to see me like that—traumatizing, I know. I am deeply regretful of my previous appearance…
It’s now a joke that I get teased for. My amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing best friend Eunchan (I couldn’t love her more, as you can tell) is threatening me by saying she is going to write a blog on my freshman year haircut, so I just have to post a rebuttal before she gets that done.
Though I am regretful of not cutting my hair, it’s served as an amazing benchmark of personal growth. Every time I am unhappy with my appearance, there’s always that voice in the back of my mind: “At least you don’t look like…that.” It’s always good to have that sense of reassurance that you are improving or getting somewhere in life—and bad memories like these do exactly that for me.
And it’s not just my hair that serves as a benchmark for personal growth—it’s also my fashion (I used to wear only three hoodies constantly on repeat), my teeth (I don’t have braces anymore yay), and my personality (looking at 7th grade me texting gives second-hand embarrassment), among many more.
And this obviously isn’t to say that I’ve reached my peak. I hope I don’t just peak in high school or college (like Tom Buchanan). I hope that I continue to grow as a person: Work out more, clear my skin (I literally don’t understand why I keep breaking out), be more creative and expressive, etc. And I’ll have my high school me to look back on and see my personal progress.
Thank you to my good friend Eunchan for inspiring me to write this blog. I didn’t know if she was seriously going to write her blog on my hair, or if she was just joking…
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Max!
ReplyDeleteYour blog was quite funny and interesting to read this week! I’ve seen a bunch of videos on TikTok doing this trend, and it’s so funny. To make your blog go from a 10/10 to a 11/10 I think you should’ve also added a reference photo of your hair in freshman year! However, I think many people can definitely relate to you about their old hairstyles, outfits, etc. (like seen on TikTok). I think these memories serve as a humbling point for everyone, and that no one is ever perfect, especially when you look back upon yourself. These memories can be a good subject to talk about with friends and family, deepening your bonds over funny and embarrassing moments. I enjoyed reading your blog that felt almost like a conversation this week, and hope you don’t peak in high school!
-Colin
Hi Max, I’ve never heard of that trend, but that sounds really fun. I would definitely do it with my self-tied ponytails when I was in fifth grade; something about the way the elastic hair tie was loose on my hair just made it droop onto my back weirdly. It’s so funny that she in fact did write a blog briefly mentioning your freshman year haircut, and at least you were able to finish writing your blog well before the deadline because of her! I often see stories of people hypothesizing about how every time there is a big turn of events in someone’s life, they are inclined to cut their hair–as a symbol of their personal growth. I often look back at old images of myself or messages that I’ve sent and wonder how other people tolerated me; they often make the shortcomings of modern day me less foolish to ponder about. I’ve definitely seen my clothing styles change as I slowly get older, which I see as a positive sign for further improvement to never be satisfied with something that is simply “okay.” Looking back upon younger elementary school me upon reading your blog really made me reflect on how much I’ve changed!
ReplyDeleteHi Max! I’m not familiar with the TikTok trend and I didn’t know you in freshman year, so your blog immediately made me dig out my yearbook and search the pages for your photo. I was fully prepared to come on here and assure you that, no, of course you didn’t look like a mushroom, but now…no comment.
ReplyDeleteJokes aside, I wholeheartedly agree that all these small pieces of memory–whether they be old photos, small trinkets, or past messages–serve as a “benchmark” of growth. (I’m never using the word “benchmark” again–it reminds me too much of iReady. I guess even words hold memories.) For example, I have been able to eventually convince myself that, just because those small oval eyeglass frames look cute on that one girl, does not mean it will look the same on me. I, too, imagine myself to be more confident and expressive as a college student and adult (and hopefully smarter with better time management–I think I’ve been watching too many “get ready with me” videos, to be honest), and I’m interested in seeing how much I change, whether it be in a year or five. Thank you for sharing!