Harjas Singh

So over the next few years, I tied the turban off and on, mostly on special occasions like friends' birthdays or family events, because those felt like safe moments where I could put the turban on and become comfortable with its weight.

And every time I tied the turban by myself, the weight of the turban started to feel lighter, as if the turban itself was evolving to fit with my head, becoming one with me.

So on the morning of my high school graduation, I woke up and I went through my morning ritual again.

I oiled my hair, combed it, braided it, tied it into a bun.

I put on my school uniform, my navy blue pants, sky blue shirt and tie.

But instead of choosing to wear the patka like I had for so many years before this, I chose to wear my turban on this day.

I decided I was done feeling afraid of who I was and I wanted to be proud in who I am.

I rolled the turban from either side into a long pipe.

I carefully put down layer after layer of the turban over my head.

And when I was done tying, I stood in front of the mirror again and I asked myself, why do I look like this?

Why can't I just blend in?

But this time the answer came from within.

Why try to blend in when you were born to stand out?

Thank you.