Her dark jeans, Slip-Knot t-shirt, brightly beaded bracelets and dread-extensions stand out in the halls. The whispers and judging stares are obvious, but she isn’t willing to change for anyone.

Ashley Nicholas, freshman, is used to the comments and looks she receives on a regular basis. They come with the style, she said. They may not bother her anymore, but they do become an annoyance. People think they know her just by looking at her, but according to Nicholas, they really don’t.

Despite the rumors about her “yarn dreads,” Nicholas’ dread-extensions are made out a material called kanekalon, a type of synthetic fiber, the same material used to make weaves. And while she may listen to musical artists such as Marilyn Manson and Slip-Knot, Nicholas grew up listening to anything from country to classical, rap and hip-hop.

“People need to be mindful and just learn to be nice to others regardless of what they look like,” Nicholas said.

When wearing “normal” clothes, Nicholas tends to feel more tense, sits with her arms crossed and is less talkative.

“I’m not trying to be different,” Nicholas said. “I’m just most comfortable like this.”

Her mother, Mary Nicholas, said her style is her business. As long as her daughter is happy, she’s happy for her.

Nicholas began to transform her wardrobe in fifth grade, cut her hair short and dyed it black in seventh and got her first piercing (other than ears) in eighth. Her naturally curly hair was braided into her first set of dread-extensions Aug. 3 of this year.

A former Pacific, MO resident, Nicholas sees Kirkwood to be more accepting and open-minded, while the teachers are understanding and respectful of their students. With her mind set on pursuing a career in liberal arts, Nicholas works especially hard to maintain nearly perfect grades.

“Having good grades is imperative for getting an art scholarship, as well as taking all of the art classes and art opportunities that I come across,” Nicholas said.

Tomas Mata, senior, met Nicholas last summer through his older sister. After spending time with her, Mata realized she was easy to get along with.

“I thought she was pretty shy at first,” Mata said. “But we ended up getting along just fine. She’s really cool and creative.”

Her mother describes Nicholas to be sweet and polite, both in and out of the house. Her best characteristic, however, is being humble.

“She’s honest with herself, and has realistic goalsand expectations,” Mary Nicholas said.

Nicholas is not what her peers expect her to be. She said her style does not tell the whole story; there’s more to her than just dark clothes and piercings, including high hopes for her future.

“I look at all of the adversity I’ve faced as something to motivate me to do well in school, to make myself stron- ger as a person, and to learn from mistakes my family and friends have made,” Nicholas said.