Discovering an alternative self

Stella says that she didn't recognize herself when she cut off her hair at first and then she did. She saw a soul sister in her new face. Similarly, Mo Banerjee says that she didn't recognize the person with leaves in her hair, making out with a soccer start in the bushes. It didn't fit her plan for herself. In both cases, the girls found other aspects of their personalities, and started to incorporate them into their lives. As much as Mo, in particular, had a plan and even Stella has expectations, based on her family, and her IQ scores. These alternate selves take chances risk embarrassment and come out on the other side having done something impressive. Mo, for instance, learns to relax, and enjoy herself, instead of always stressing out about medical school and her parents' disapproval.

Charlie, too, has this happen as...