Growing up a tomboy definitely had its effects on me. Most of my childhood scraped knees can be attributed to sports, pick-up football games and wild bike ride adventures. Whatever it was, I was up for it, and it was easy for me to be considered one of the boys. My demeanor hasn't really changed much to this day, nor has my attitude.

A secretary at my elementary school used to tell me how cute it was that I would run around during recess with one hand on my skirt and the other on a football. Today, seeing me in a skirt is a rare sight and back then I was hardly striving to make a fashion statement. Most of my clothes were my sister's (or two brothers') hand-me-downs and most outfits consisted of a whacky combination of both. Hot, right?

I have obviously matured since then, but my fashion sense has stayed rather conventional. Jeans and a T-shirt are the daily M.O, paired with Converse sneakers and the occasional flannel. I don't care much for trying to impress people through clothing. I find it to be very superficial. If others want to click-clack their way to class in heels, that's fine, but I'll save mine for the runway. (Not that I'll ever be on one.)

It's not that I don't appreciate the world of fashion. I actually do. I just think there is a time and place for everything. Doing my hair and makeup has also fallen by the wayside. I have officially given up the search for the right bronzer, straightener, eye shadow, lipstick - egh, too much. Way too much. A messy bun will have to do. Take it or leave it.

As far as dating goes, guys seem to really appreciate how genuine I am and that they don't have to peel back 10 layers of foundation to see my face. I will willingly spend the day paintballing or playing hockey and then go slam a burger at the nearest restaurant. I have been tanking food without mercy for years now, a habit I have nurtured through a lifetime of athleticism and there's just no going back. I will never order a Cobb salad for the sake of looking dainty, unless I want it of course.

I am a person without grace, and I have accepted it. My brothers have ruthlessly torn my self-esteem down through hours of rough housing and countless insults, and so I have grown some pretty thick skin. Really brings you down to earth!

Though I am 100 percent a tomboy, I am still a woman of quality, and I look back at all the cringeworthy moments and laugh. Each phase, even the skater phase (hate to say it), has shaped me into who I am today, and I couldn't be prouder. At least I never had a bowl cut (but if I did I would have totally rocked it)!