We’re a country that values independence above all else: financial independence, being self-reliant, starting our own businesses. The fixation on self-support begins early in life, especially in college, which is the first true taste of independence. We distance ourselves from our parents and support systems, eager to make it on our own. If this desire to be self-sufficient is so strong, why is it that we turn to others for so many of our needs?
There are lots of services that we pay other people to do for us, simply because we aren’t knowledgeable or capable in certain areas of expertise, such as car maintenance, handy work and some beauty procedures. The exchange of services for money is many people’s livelihoods, and supporting their businesses is very important. However, there are tasks we definitely can be doing ourselves.
Take meal preparation, for instance. It’s easy to just order takeout after work and classes or pick up something on your way home. Sure, you’re not guaranteed the best quality or nutrition, but at least it’s easy, right? I’m guilty of this, too.
When I lived at home, I would cook all the time. But at school, I fell into the habit of just picking up pizza or something from the meal exchanges. At the beginning of the spring semester, though, I didn’t want the same thing to happen: I was going to cook for myself.
It was hard at first, adjusting to meal prepping in a dorm kitchen, but I figured it out, and I’m so happy that I did. I love taking the time in the morning to make breakfast, starting my day off right. I love a good, healthy meal for dinner after a long day, and even better, the satisfaction I feel knowing that I made it myself.
It might seem like a hassle to take time out of your day when someone else could do it for you in half the time, but it’s so rewarding knowing what’s going into your food, and being your personal chef can be fun.
It isn’t just the preparation of our food that we’re pawning off on other people, though.
Getting a fresh haircut or manicure is one of the best feelings ever, but the prices aren’t feasible. I know, as a broke college student, I’m not looking to drop hundreds of dollars a month on beauty maintenance, but I still want to look my best.
Since the start of my first semester at Miami, I’ve been teaching myself how to do my own nail extensions and manicures. It’s taken a lot of practice, but I’ve gotten pretty good at it; I’ve had people ask me where I get my nails done, and I get to tell them that I do them myself.
It’s so much easier to get started than people think: I ordered the supplies on Amazon — which all cost less than a single set of salon-done nails — and found inspiration on Pinterest. It’s a learning process, but eventually, I got to the point where I can do more complex designs.
Not only is it more cost effective for someone paying for school, but it’s also so much fun. Best of all, I know I’ll always like how they turn out, because I’m the one doing them.
It’s easy to let other people do things for you, but there is something to be said about the process of learning something new and the satisfaction of accomplishing it by yourself.
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If we want to be independent so badly, then why don’t we start actually doing things ourselves? Even if it’s something as simple as painting your own nails or making breakfast, it can be a step towards greater self-sufficiency; eventually, you’ll realize you’re capable of doing all sorts of things on your own.
Kenzi Perkins is a first-year journalism major from Somerset, Ohio. She is a staff writer for The Miami Student in both the Opinion and Culture sections. She is also an active member of the Miami University Chapter of Delight Ministries.
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