In 2011 when Selena Gomez released her hit single, "Who Says", I knew then that she would always be a celebrity I would love and respect. As a female in the public eye, she has been heavily scrutinized for her appearance over the years only to respond with the utmost grace. Her music is empowering and it tells a story that women worldwide share, because despite our differences we all just want to fit in.

In 2017, Selena Gomez underwent a kidney transplant after she became ill as a complication from lupus, an autoimmune disease. An hour after the surgery, her newly donated kidney ended up turning and broke an artery leaving her with a very noticeable scar. The procedure was kept from the public and in order to fully recuperate, Gomez made the decision to take a break from music and her hectic schedule. After months of silence and isolation, Gomez took part in an exclusive interview alongside her kidney donor and friend, Francia Raísa, with Today where she explained the transplant and the extent of her illness.

On March 19th, 2018, the internet was flooded with pictures of Gomez displaying the scar from her transplant complication for the first time while boating in Australia with some close friends. The public response was brutal as commenters critiqued her slight weight gain, calling her "thick". As if it was possible for me to love her anymore than I already do, she publicly addressed the hateful comments the following day on her Instagram, silencing haters everywhere.

"The beauty myth- an obsession with physical perfection that traps modern woman in an endless cycle of hopelessness, self consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfills society's impossible definition of flawless beauty. I chose to take care of myself because I want to, not to prove anything to anyone." This was the caption that accompanied a short video showcasing Gomez's friends alongside her boating in Australia, the very same day paparazzi captured her transplant complication scar for the first time.

I am one of millions of girls who have felt uncomfortable with their body and appearance at one point or another. Gomez's response so eloquently summed up the impossible image we as women try to uphold time and time again, only to fail feeling more defeated. Rather than cowering away, Selena Gomez said what we all struggle to say for ourselves, that we are not perfect.

I have a scar on my left hand from an anxiety attack where I accidentally burned myself with a curling iron because my entire body began to shake uncontrollably while I was trying to get ready for a night out. This of course is nothing compared to the scar Selena Gomez will have to live with for the rest of her life, but like her, my scar serves as a reminder. While her scar will remind her of an illness she has overcome, mine reminds me of my battle with anxiety that I am learning to manage day by day. Our scars don't make us who we are, but they do tell the story of where we've been.

There is so much beauty in individuality, in telling our own stories, and in LOVING who we are. I hope that with time, humanity learns to be more accepting and to throw away this perception of perfection that will forever be impossible to fulfill. Until then, I hope that we can follow Gomez's message and learn to take care of ourselves first. She doesn't have to prove anything to anyone, and neither do you.