My Third Grade Photo
When I look at my third-grade photograph, I cringe. I’m not sure what my parents were thinking when they picked out my outfit that day, but it’s clear that fashion wasn’t at the forefront of their minds. I was a little girl, and I’m wearing a bright red plaid flannel shirt. To top it off, I have a pair of bright orange suspenders.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that my third-grade photograph isn’t something to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s a reminder of who I was at that age and how much I’ve grown and changed since then. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be different and to stand out, even if it means taking risks and making mistakes along the way.
Looking back at my third-grade photograph now, I can’t help but laugh at myself. I look like Mad Magazine’s Alfred E. Newman. I can see the humor in my parents fashion choices and the innocence in my smile.
10 Comments
Stacey C. Johnson
Love this, Thomas. It may be fun to bring back those suspenders on occasion! I am thinking of parallel cringe outfits of my own and considering the same, as a loving embrace of the inner misfit : ) Thank you for this.
Thomas Slatin
I’ve always subscribed to the belief that if it makes you cringe, it’s funny. I like to think that my fashion choices have improved over the years. But more than that, they have become a reflection of who I am as a woman—confident, modern, and unapologetically feminine. And yet, I will forever and always embrace the fact that I am a misfit, despite my successes. Besides, who can possibly deny that the way we dressed in the 1980’s with bright suspenders wasn’t actually cool?
Stacey C. Johnson
Love this!
Thomas Slatin
Thank you, Stacey! And thank you for your lovely comment! 🙂
Pooja G
Older pictures are always a little embarrassing at first glance but soon we remember the memories behind them instead of anything else.
Thomas Slatin
I agree with you. While the picture itself is cringeworthy, it brings with it a bit of nostalgia.
mydangblog
My seventh grade photo is similar—me in a yellow plaid shirt and green corduroy overalls! What was I thinking? Eek! Anyway, you still look really cute.
Thomas Slatin
Thank you, Suzanne! Just for fun I’m including another cringeworthy photo from when I was a little girl, around age 8. 😉
mydangblog
I really hope you were at Disney Land and that it wasn’t just a fashion choice!
Thomas Slatin
This was taken at Disney Land in California. Also, this was my favorite sweater as a little girl, and my parents have TONS of pictures of me wearing it. 🙂