I have not always been pretty in my own eyes. I remember when I was a little girl just wanting to enjoy everything that life had to offer. I remember going to school feeling like everyday would be a good day. I felt that I would have the opportunity to make new friends and build life long friendships. All of those little hopes and dreams came crashing down when I realized that I was the little "black girl," that would be teased everyday. Boys and girls would call me ugly, burnt (because my skin was so dark), and tar face. This in just a few of the bad names that they would call me. I remember running home everyday with tears in my eyes because I was so hurt. I did not understand in my little mind how other children my age could say such mean things. Most of all I couldn't understand how other children with the same skin complexion could frown upon me. I remember feeling so bad; I felt ugly and I thought that I would feel this way forever. Everyday I would come home and cry to my mother and father. I would tell the how the other children said mean things about me. I would tell my parents that I wasn't pretty like the other girls and that my skin was so UGLY. My parents always reassured me that I was beautiful and in order to see and believe that I was beautiful I had to "stay true to myself." Everyday my mother would make me look in the mirror and say "I am beautiful, I am beautiful." At first I didn't understand why I had to say this to myself when I felt totally different deep inside. One day I looked in the mirror and smiled because that simple daily affirmation gave me hope. The EMPOWERMENT that my parents gave me through their love and support helped me become the woman that I am today. I stay true to myself by always and believing in who I am. I am a woman of color. I am smart and intelligent. I am a leader and educator. I am phenomenal woman. I am LOVE!
Regardless of what other people say about you, Always Stay True to Yourself!!!
