second year jake head

Recently I’ve been struggling with what it means to be an authentic person. I catch myself changing personalities and ways of speaking to appease the people around me, and I’m tired of doing this. I want to be the same, unique version of myself around everyone. I have found that Ilana Glazer from Broad City is the perfect role-model for how to live a genuinely authentic life. Here are three lessons I have learned from her:

Ilana does not dress for anyone but herself: In every episode, she’s dressed in a unique and incredibly colorful and bold outfit. No matter what the situation, whether it be work, dates, or weddings, Ilana dresses to show her personal sense of style. Even when her boss pleads that she dress more appropriately for the workplace, she never sacrifices her funky and unique taste.

Lesson learned: The clothes we wear are our second skin, and it’s important that we don’t let any outside force affect what we choose to put on our bodies. I think we all fall into the stressful habit of dressing for other people, but we should strive to represent our beautiful personalities with the clothes we choose to wear.

Ilana never changes her way of speaking to make others more comfortable: Ilana will talk about whatever topic she pleases, no matter how vulgar, to anyone that will listen. She doesn't change her way of speaking to make others more comfortable. She is always blunt and vulgar, and never refrains from talking about the things that bring her joy (ex. bodega breakfast biscuits, Lil Wayne, sex).

Lesson learned: We should not change the way we speak in order to feel more accepted. If we remain honest and passionate about the things we love, we will attract people that have the same values and accept us for (or despite) what we love.

Ilana remains loyal to those who cherish her no matter what: Ilana is by no means “fake”. No matter what her best friend Abbi does, she is always there to show encouragement and support. Ilana lives honestly and authentically, and surrounds herself with people who do the same.

Lesson learned: We have to surround ourselves with authentic people in order to truly be authentic. If we surround ourselves with vapid, superficial people, we will inevitably absorb their bad qualities.

While it’s not always wise to be completely uninhibited in dress and speech at all times, I think we can all learn a thing or two from Ilana. She takes no shit, she never sacrifices her personal identity, and she is loyal to those who are loyal to her. While I could never ever be nearly as bad-ass as she, it doesn't hurt to try.

“Broad Campus:” striving toward authenticity with help from Ilana Glazer