This is the lady I grew up with and who I call my Aunt. Veronica was more into fashion and beauty, she was the smartest girl I knew. She’s a type of girl who doesn’t care about how fat or ugly her stretch marks might be, she loves her body and she is grateful for it.

In this day and age, young girls look up to older girls as sources  of inspiration to feel more confident and empowered by being unapologetic and becoming more of their authentic selves. Many inspire the same girls who like me, don’t feel like they’re skinny, pretty, curvy, or even skin tone worthy enough. The greatest thing in life is doing what people say you cannot do. Do what you love to do and make your self proud of who you are.

One day when I walked into the school, there were four girls standing staring at me, and as I walked past them they stopped me and said “Linda you are so ugly, you are fat, you’re black, and that no one will ever like you with the way you look.” I cried and told my auntie and she told me this.

“Linda look at me. Those words are not true. You are a beautiful young lady with the most beautiful smile. Don’t make [let] other people tell you all those words, cause they’re not true. You as a young lady – you take care of yourself and be proud of who you are.”

I’m Linda Mahe and this is my part of the story.