Yes, I am fat. You might be wondering why I describe myself in such a way. Well, that's because everyone else described me like this before they even got to know me. I've come to love my body, and since I don't really like being "fluffy" or "chunky," I call it was it is: fat.

It's a no-brainer that this is one of the first things people notice when they meet me. The excess skin on my body greets people before I get a chance to. It saddens me to say that because this happens, a lot of people turn away before allowing me to speak. Yes, I am fat, but I am also so much more.

I am creative.

I love crafting, writing and anything else that challenges me to think outside normal boundaries. I paint. I draw. I write poems, short stories, and essays. I live outside the box and only come back in when it's raining.

I am fun-loving.

I spend a majority of my days off outside and doing something. I love adventuring in Ames because there are so many parts of it I haven't seen yet! I'm also always down for a road trip, no matter the destination or distance.

I am an active person.

Since my car broke down and I haven't gotten a new one, I ride my bike wherever I need to, within limits of course. My bike is a four-year-old beach cruiser and can only handle so many miles.

I play tennis in my spare time, and my friends and I like to golf when we get a chance. Though I might not be the best, I enjoy being active.

I am a foodie.

I make desserts when I'm stressed, but I never eat them. I think my friends love me most when I'm stressed - just kidding, I know they love me all the time. :) I love trying new recipes that I find on Pinterest or StumbleUpon.

I am body positive.

Because no matter what my shape or how anyone describes me, this body is mine, and it rocks. I take care of it to the best of my ability. This is my body's composition, and like any piece of art, you either admire it or you simply don't understand it.

So yes, I am fat, but I'm also charismatic, adventurous and loving. I'll give out 100 compliments and not expect any in return as long as I make someone's day. I'll turn my stress from school into cake pops to help others relax with a little comfort food. I am so much more than what I look like, and I hope you'll take the time to see this the next time we meet.