To The Left, To The Left: Happy International Left Handers Day

There’s something to be said about being left handed.

Although you may struggle with scissors, get lead on your hands when drawing and bump elbows with the common right-handed folk in class, you get the benefit of an entire day being dedicated to your existence.

That’s right; today, August the 13th, is International Left Handers Day, an annual celebration for the 13 per cent of the population whose brains are wired a little differently. The tradition began in 1992, to celebrate and raise awareness of the difficulties those who are left handed face each day.

Beyoncé may be right handed, but she's responsible for one of the most famous left hands in music video history.

It is thought that the right hemisphere of the brain (known for its emotional and creative tendencies) is dominant in left handed people due to brains being cross-wired. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that every left hander is the next Michelangelo, so don’t go asking for a portrait.

However, the list of left handed famous people is quite extensive; from presidents and musicians, to celebrities and historical figures. Of the last seven American presidents, five - including current President Barrack Obama - were left handed. So look out righties, that left hander you teased in class might just be our future Prime Minister.

Celebrities range from Tom Cruise to Oprah, Angelina Jolie to Brad Pitt, Jimi Hendrix to Paul McCartney, all the way to Justin Bieber (but you can decide whether or not it's worth remembering that last association). If you want to be the next Oscar winning Jennifer Lawrence – another lefty - being left handed is a great way to start.

The Princess Bride, giving us the rare all-left handed sword fight.

The next time someone exclaims, “You’re left handed?” as if there is something wrong with you, embrace it, and remember all those who have succeeded before you.

For fun ways to celebrate this Left Handers Day, why not create a left handers zone and have your friends and family do menial tasks with their non-dominant hand only. (Be prepared to laugh at their writing attempts and cooking skills).

You can be sure that I’ll be raising my left hand in celebration of all that you’ve accomplished in a right hand dominated world.

Sarah Bellis is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.