PHOTO McKenzie Lookebill

“I struggle with my weight because I am not happy with the way that I look and I feel like I am being judged all the time. High school norms of judging people make me feel more singled out. Most people see the norms as being skinny and the pictures you see in the magazines, if you see the ‘popular’ kids they are all fit which discourages me. Public or private schools can still give you this feeling, wearing a uniform can make you feel judged because people see it as wearing the brand, even though you could be wearing the same style clothes. Being dressed up and looking the way I want makes me feel happy with the way I look and I do believe in loving who you are and not trying to be someone you are not, but wearing bigger clothes so no one can see me helps me feel better too. It is nice to either be with friends or do school work so I don’t notice people because I am focused on something else. I have started this thing where I get up and workout for a half an hour every morning so that makes me feel good about the day and know that I am making a change. You shouldn’t worry about what other people think, if you don’t want to change, don’t change. If you do want to make a change, make a change and stick to it, you won’t see a difference right away but you will if you work hard.”