ABOUT

          Being an adolescent during the explosion of social media, I have experienced the effects of the body image crisis first hand. From a young age, girls are taught they are supposed to look a certain way. These beauty standards are deeply rooted in our brains. At the age of fourteen, I underwent major surgery leaving a large incision on my abdomen. As a teenage girl, I looked in the mirror and hated what I saw. I was devastated I could not wear bikinis anymore or crop tops or ever show my stomach. I looked in the mirror and was disgusted with what I saw. What should have been a symbol of strength and courage was twisted into another reason to dislike my body. I am ashamed it took me so long to not only accept but be proud of my scars. The media and social influences have always determined the ideals of beauty, but it is up to us to break through these molds.