When you see me,
You will notice
Blue eyes,
Blonde hair,
A pale face.
Straight teeth,
Freckles,
A soccer fit body.
By pop-culture standards,
I am society’s definition of flawless.

When I see me,
I notice
Ears that have heard the phrase “at least you’re pretty”
To justify a bad grade, a bad game, a bad day.
A mouth that is told not to complain,
Because girls who look like me have no right to be insecure.
I see eyebrows scrunched in guilt,
For still not being satisfied with how I look,
Even when I’m told I’m “beautiful” on a daily basis.
Eyes that have read articles and blogs blaming my body,
The one I was born with,
For the reason society forces extreme expectations on women.
A smile that has felt the sting of the envious phrase “you’re so pretty,”
The hateful taste of the compliment turned insult,
Leaving me feeling empty every time those words are uttered in my direction.
I see a face minimized to just a “pretty face,”
Disregarding any other capability I might have,
Lowering all expectations.

I am so much more than a pretty face.
I was captain of my high school soccer team for two years,
A starting player on my college’s varsity team as a freshmen.
In my senior year,
I coordinated my senior prom,
Maintained a 3.7 GPA,
And volunteered nearly 200 hours at a local elementary school.
I have spent the last seven months of my life,
Dedicating my time to serving my country,
To making a difference in local communities.
I plan to attend college,
Receive a degree,
Create my own non-profit organization,
And one day serve in Peace Corps.  .

What you can’t see,
What makes me flawless,
Is my passion to help others.
I’m flawless because,
Even in this bitter world,
I believe in the good in people.
My “pretty face” won’t be famous
For being in a Victoria’s Secret ad;
It will be famous for receiving the Nobel Peace prize.
I want to dedicate my life to serving others,
To bringing hope to those who face struggle every day of their life,
To supplying abundance to the hungry,
To creating warmth for the homeless,
To giving love to the lonely.

I have blue eyes,
Blonde hair,
A pale face.
Straight teeth,
Freckles,
A soccer fit body.
I have passion,
Open mind,
A strong heart.
Positivity,
Courage,
An ability to create change.

I’m going to make a difference in our world,
And that is why I’m flawless.