I am a 17 year old recent high school graduate and I am half Guatemalan half white (I don't look white at all).
I have a slow metabolism and my weight has gone up and down my entire life. During my sophomore and junior years of high school I was 5'6 and 180 lbs. I felt unwanted, ugly, and worthless.
I went to a school in Utah full of wealthy skinny white girls. Being a poor heavy latina from Maryland, I felt like the standard of beauty was much too high for me.
My parents had recently divorced and I moved across the country to start a new school. I ate my feelings away and began to hate myself to the point where I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror. I had decided that I was going to end my life.
But one day I received a glimpse of hope. I then realized that the only way to solve my problems was to learn to love myself. I turned my life inside out. I tried out for a dance company and was accepted. Then I changed my diet to eating only farm fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean meats. I involved myself in consistent community service and learned to forget my problems by helping others with theirs.
Now I am a model/dancer/actress and work for a talent agency. I have come so far and I only want to encourage women to love themselves and have peace in their mind, body, and soul. I am continuing to loose weight so that I can reach my goals in being a healthy role model.
Don't ever give up on yourself or tell yourself you can't do anything! I hope my story has inspired you in some way and I wish you the best of luck on your journey to a happier, healthier you!