A very dear friend of mine has often noted, half-jokingly, that she doesn't fit into anyone's boxes for categorizing people (for jobs, academia, etc.) for a variety of reasons too great to deal with here. The usual response is a stifled laugh, a reassuring line or two that something will work out. But why stress about all of this when it should be celebrated? Why blindly go through life trying to fit into everyone's boxes when you are meant to stand apart from everyone? Those of you who have talked to me/read this page lately know that I feel so free of the expectations of others. It's like I've been inside someone's box and finally managed to escape, and I don't ever want to go back. And neither should any of you. Don't just "go with the flow" or accept the status quo. Resist. Challenge your assumptions. Find out what's outside of Pleasantville. Make your own boxes.