This experience has definitely changed me. I realized that how I see myself is different from the way other people see me. That I do have magic within me.

I truly believe something came out of me that day. All the negativity that my own mind had thought up or the negativity that others have put into my head, it all left. I own my feelings and happiness. No one else can control that. And no matter how many times I’ve heard those negative comments and even for future negative comments, rise above Stephanie because you are beautiful, you are strong, and you can do this!

I am a 28 year old single woman who is alone most of her days. I was raised in a tiny ass Lutheran school with 3 other classmates throughout middle school, then thrown into high school not knowing a soul. I was overweight, awkward, quiet and the definition of what it means to be insecure.