I see pictures from middle school, 

pimples, plump cheeks, people staring at my quiet demeanor. 

I was not happy with myself. 

I would look in the mirror and wonder why I was the way I was. 

Then one day, 

I stopped caring what others thought. 

I saw beauty in who I was, beauty in what I did. 

I became the person I am today. 

Still nervous and anxious and scared for the future. 

But

Moreso, I am excited, determined, ready. 

I see myself in the mirror and feel flawless, because all of the 

flaws that I thought I had, were really what made me beautiful and strong.