Parents and authority figures often laud creativity as a desirable characteristic for young people finding their area of giftedness. However, when staring at a blank canvas or empty Word document, originality seems harder to grasp.

In the midst of other traits that receive positive press from parents and other authority figures, the struggle to find a medium can put a damper on those seeking the attractive affects of creativity. This roadblock breaches the question: is originality worth all the work?

The American culture has proven a tendency to conform to successful concepts for increased profits, exposure and “happiness.” After the success of amateur author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, books and TV series about vampires began cropping up everywhere. Writers followed a lucrative trend, deliberately sacrificing their true creativity.

Sometimes the influence of popular culture is even more inherent: our commercialized view of Christmas has thoroughly saturated our thinking to the point that lawn displays can be seen with Santa Claus worshipping baby Jesus.

That is not to suggest that eradicating Santa and making religion the focal point is a triumph for originality. Indeed, even the church community has clung to clich