Growing up in the U.S. certainly isn't easy. I became exposed to a lot of things and become influenced by them. For some reason, I used to love to read magazines when I was a little girl, even magazines like Cosmopolitan.

I mostly saw size zero, white, tall, and blonde models who made me feel like complete and utter crap. I remember just staring into the mirror for a good 10 minutes wondering to myself why my skin wasn’t lighter, cleaner, and smoother like those girls in the magazines. I even tried to scratch off those tiny bumps on my face.

I also became concerned with my weight at a very young age. I would try to stay away from candy and eat more fruits and vegetables. My mom refused to let that happen and she literally spoon fed me chocolate. My internal struggle had to do with the fact that I had to achieve the "perfect image."

Of course, it didn't get that serious, but it was still a big struggle I had to deal with at a young age. I also remember sitting in my room cutting out models heads taping them on my mirror to compare. I also tried all of these home remedies to have silkier and smoother hair because naturally my hair is big and curly.

This was something that has bothered me for a long time. Society always pressured me to look a certain way and to act a certain way but the reality is that not everyone can look the same. If we did, the world would be a boring and horrible place. I am a brown, chubby 5 foot 5, curly haired, crazy, and loud teenager and I am so proud that I am!