Modesty was never important to me until two years ago. I could never understand why women would want to cover up and be so uncomfortable and hot. I thought those women were oppressed and sad. However, it wasn't until I experienced that world first hand that I decided to be modest inside and out.

When I was in 9th grade I decided to go to a Chabad camp and see how I liked it. The specific camp I went to didn't require girls to wear skirts and let them grow at their own pace. When I arrived in the winter of 2014 I felt out of place as the only girl in jeans, which is usually the opposite way around in the secular world. Even though the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle was new and out of my element, I felt a connection and enjoyed myself.

Once I decided to go the following summer, I got some skirts which were surprisingly comfortable. People were proud and happy I took this step, but I still felt out of place. That school year, I wore pants and shorts, and not really that many skirts. When I went back as a staff in training, everything changed.

Seeing everyone in there Shabbos (Jewish day of rest) clothes, looking beautiful, I wanted to be beautiful for something other than my body. I dressed more modestly because I knew it was important for me to be a role model for the younger girls. As time went on, I did it more for myself and felt a sense of pride. It's my way of connecting with God and being able to focus on who I am on the inside instead of constantly worrying about how I look.

In December of 2016, I decided to dress modestly full time (except for work for safety) which meant wearing my skirts to school.

It was hard being an outsider but it made me feel proud. My confidence has boosted and modesty was the start of me finding myself.

My standards today are wearing skirts that go at or below the knee, short sleeves on a long day but 3/4 length sleeves minimum, having the area around or fully covering my collarbone. Sometimes I'll wear pantyhose or shorts underneath my skirts to be more comfortable. I understand everyone doesn't have a choice in whether they want to dress modestly or not, but I personally love it.

It is hard not being able to go out in sweats and be lazy with my look, but if I can connect to my soul and God then it's worth it. I learned that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover and people are more than the way they dress. Dressing modestly has changed my life for the better and I'm so grateful I'm able to do this with my friends and family supporting me.