I walk through the Prudential Center wearing my old black Adidas sweatpants and a simple graphic t-shirt, surrounded by young men and women dressed head to toe in designer brands. I walked past Gucci, the bright lights and gold paneling yearning for my attention. The windows were filled with the new collection and some classics. That is when I saw them. These $250 Gucci slides in the window. The green and red stripes, a key element of any Gucci product shouting so loud that I could hear their warrior cries through the glass, never mind where I would get the money to buy them. All of the selfies and mirror pics I have seen on Instagram, all of the malls where I have seen them worn, reminded me that I needed them. And, I wanted them...really badly! But, then I collected my thoughts and asked myself, “Do I truly like the design and the wearability of this item, or do I want it just for show?” Does slapping a designer name on the slide change the plain, black chunk of rubber underneath? Would I really want my friends, parents, and people I don’t even know to see me walking around in Gucci shoes, thinking that I am better than the other guy? The guy wearing $20 Nike slides which are already overpriced, and way more comfortable. Should I want more expensive shoes than my sneakers, my sneakers which impoverished kids around the world need desperately? After really thinking, I decided that those slides aren’t really important to me and that they wouldn’t give me more friends or help me feel better about myself at least for an extended period of time. I ask you a question, What are some of your values? (wait 5secs)

Nothing can change others’ views of you except yourself, and I think it is unhealthy to rely on expensive products to make you feel special. Not only do these brands’ market you to lure you into making quick, irresponsible decisions to spend a lot of money, but they also trick you into thinking these items are going to make you feel part of an exclusive group, part of it. A sense of true value should come from how you have added to the world. How you have positively affected other people’s lives. I get my value from my family, friends, and past experiences. My sister has taught me to always value who I am because you always will have total control of yourself, self-esteem always comes from. 

Just think, you can never lose yourself in a cab coming home from a big rager, or leave yourself at a friend’s house. You are your greatest investment.