Personal Narrative: Seven In Ten Girls

It is estimated that “7 in 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members” (Linton 1), which is an astounding ratio, and certainly used to encompass myself as a victim. Throughout my middle school and early high school years, I was incredibly self-conscious of my body, looks, and somewhat gauche personality. I was at least eight inches taller than most girls in middle school, and as a result was a bit more heavy-set in my anatomy. I felt as though I was hideous and intimidating in stature, and my shyness as a result of that led to me making few friends during those years. I felt isolated in my struggle, and did not
ever consider that there were plenty of other people around me that felt just as insecure as I did. Although, as I got older, people began to catch up in terms of height, weight, and other factors indicative of reaching puberty, and I began to feel more comfortable with myself. I believe that members of the Carolina community, specifically my peers, could learn about self-love and personal growth from me.
However, this slow change in outlook was hardly influenced by others catching up to me.
By my junior year in high school, I was exasperated with myself over the constant fear of being judged and ridiculed for my looks. I began to force myself to say that I looked pretty when I checked the mirror in the morning, and bought clothes that I liked rather than what was currently popular. I spent two years learning to love myself and my body through daily encouragement, taking photos of myself, and viewing others in a more positive and accepting light. Through this training, I’ve learned that the “fake it ‘till you make it” approach really does work to an extent, and that complimenting others--even if it is just to yourself--can really boost
self-esteem.
Many of my peers still struggle with self image and fitting in with others, and are still unsure of themselves even after many years.
Through my experience with those kinds of feelings, my advice to members of the community is to find small things that they feel comfortable doing, whether it is planning outfits or posing in the mirror, and practice them regularly. These steps may not feel like much, but over time they will culminate and produce even greater results in one’s general confidence and happiness. Lastly, if it is possible, take time to compliment others. Not only will you feel better after having done so, but you may make the day of the person whom you complimented. Learning to love and support others through their struggles is essential to loving
yourself.