My Anomaly: Being a Mix of Everything

When I'm using scissors, I cut with my right hand. But when I'm using a knife, I cut with my left, unless I'm eating with a fork and knife, in which case the fork goes in my left hand and the knife goes in my right. I am a righty thrower but a lefty kicker, a lefty writer but a righty tennis player. My dad calls it my anomaly; I'm not a righty or lefty or ambidextrous but a mix of everything.

When I was younger, I hated this quality about myself. In elementary school kickball, I never knew which leg to use. Without a clearly dominant side, I could barely remember my rights and lefts much less put my right hand on the left side of my chest whilst simultaneously reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. But, as my anomaly and I grew up together, we eventually reconciled our differences. I realized that this little quirk was not only an interesting talking point, but also a crucial part of who I am.

So, how does this set me apart? To this day, I am still learning about myself—whether I strum the guitar with the right or the left hand or which arm first touches the ground when I cartwheel. What’s even more fascinating is that I find myself unable to predict which side is dominant in any given task until I actually try it; each trial is a new moment of self-discovery that I will cherish forever. I apply this same mindset to every aspect of my life, always leaving my mind open to explore new interests. It’s the reason I tried gymnastics, piano, soccer, and swimming before eventually finding my passion in tennis. It’s the reason I joined six clubs my freshman year before choosing to dedicate my time to Make A Wish and History Club, and it is the reason I am eager to join all aspects of college life at the University of California.