I, Cooper Neuendorff, at the tender age of eight, am the proud owner of a mullet that has become the talk of the town.

A few years ago, my uncle, Uncle Clint, made a bet with my older brother, Corbin. Uncle Clint, always up for some fun, promised Corbin $100 if he grew a mullet. Corbin, always eager for the promise of some extra cash, accepted. Over the next several months, Corbin’s hair grew long and shaggy in the back, while staying short in the front, earning him admiration and a few laughs from friends and family. Uncle Clint, true to his word, handed Corbin a crisp $100 bill.

Inspired by my brother’s success and the attention the mullet garnered, I decided I wanted in on the action. The idea of growing a mullet was thrilling to me, admiring the boldness it represented. Plus, the promise of $100 was too enticing to ignore. A year or so ago, I announced my decision to grow a mullet, much to the amusement of my family.

As my mullet started to take shape, it quickly became more than just a hairstyle. It became a symbol of my unique personality. My teachers soon grew to love it. Ms. Tafolla, my homeroom teacher, even told me that she’d be sad if I ever cut it off.

This past March, it was time for me to receive my reward. Uncle Clint hid a crisp $100 bill in my Easter basket. I beamed with pride, not just for the money, but for having followed through on my decision and embracing what makes me unique.

But my mullet isn’t just any mullet. I added my own twist to it, making it even more special. On both sides of my head, I had my favorite barber, Jonathan Balboa from Goldstar Barber Studio, shave lightning bolts into the short hair, a tribute to my favorite brand, Bruce Bolt. The lightning bolt symbolizes speed and power, qualities that I admire and aspire to embody.

Every time I look in the mirror, I see the lightning bolt and am reminded of my favorite brand and the excitement it stands for. My mullet, with its flowing locks at the back and the striking lightning bolts on the sides, is a badge of honor. My friends think it is the coolest thing ever.

My mullet has grown into more than just a bet or a fashion statement. It is a testament to my courage to be different, my determination to see things through, and my desire to be my true self. Every time someone asks about my mullet, I proudly share the story of how it came to be, from my brother's initial bet to my own bold decision to keep the tradition alive.

My mullet is not just a hairstyle; it’s a legend in the making.