03/18/2020
Project Beauty 2020- here are is her experience and the way it has affected the way she feels about herself.
“Throughout middle school and high school, I anticipated senior year to be the year that I would finally look pretty. You know, the mature kind of pretty that somehow accompanies all senior girls—the kind of pretty that luxury makeup and luscious hair can afford. But I developed cystic acne. Though I was initially embarrassed by my condition, I am not ashamed anymore to admit the grueling details of having cystic acne: because my skin is dry and flaky from the medication I take and because the slightest drop of oil can cause painful lumps to appear across my face like stretches of mountains, I have not worn makeup or used excessive hair products in over five months. I was initially scared to make the transition to bearing my natural face and hair in public, because I was afraid of being judged on account of my acne scars, under-eye circles, and frizziness; however, I have learned to not let my appearance define who I am on the inside, and I can see my confidence growing every day when I talk to strangers without feeling judged, when I get higher grades on tests after studying the same amount, and when I feel relaxed because I know that everything will work itself out. with has showed me the confidence that I do not usually get to see in myself, the confidence that has been long concealed under layers of unneeded makeup. Don’t let society fool you, the scars you wear are not signs of defeat but are symbols of courage. So let them shine!”
