Rolling back the years, flashes and videos play in my head-Recollection of elementary and secondary school. I remember how we were mandated to wear uniforms-same colour, same pattern, same accessories. Back then, we were really mouldable. We literally did whatever we were told. Now, I'm older, slightly wiser, and more discerning. We were never meant to wear uniforms. Childhood/Adolescence were the years when we were supposed to have free rein over our individuality. Our styles, colours, inclinations. All these were supposed to reflect who we were- as long as these expressions were within the bounds of decency. I now understand that different things on earth suit different people in different ways. Colours, for instance, are one of the greatest expressions of individuality. Colours existed before us. So, it's only natural that we, as individuals, resonate with different colours. School had us wear the same colors for the best part of 12 years of our growing life. The result? Dull adults who believe in ‘minimalist' appearances, grown-ups who think some colours are superior to others, and people who get mocked for trying to be expressive with colours. We were also made to wear the same cloth styles to school daily. Same shirt, same shorts, same trousers, same gowns. The only difference was size. I bet if they could make us all the same size, they would. Everything about our early schooling set us up for a dull, monotonous, and confusing life plagued with identity crisis. The system that was meant to enlighten taught us to be cogs in a bigger system. Talk about our hair? Is there really an irresponsible way to keep hair? We were taught that men who keep hair were irresponsible. But the truth is, low cuts don't fit everyone. What's also wrong with applying colour to your hair? Absolutely nothing. But school prohibited this-Because they wanted us to look the same, to conform, to lose our identity. Schools aren't the only institutions responsible for handicapping our capacity for pure self-expression. The good news is, we are part of a ‘woke' generation and some of us were able to reflect on our formative years to see where we were groomed poorly. Civilization is also accepting people for their individuality in the larger society. Best news of all? We are able to use this knowledge to groom our children better.