This girl right here experienced being labeled as "fat" growing up. Even though it was traumatizing, it changed my life. I consistently avoided going to the gym due to the fear of being seen by acquaintances. At the age of fourteen, I developed eating disorders. I drowned myself in food as a way to cope with my body image struggles. I did not have a enough strong mindset to pursue healthier choices for myself.

During my senior year of high school, a turning point arrived when I learned that Planet Fitness was offering a free summer membership for teenagers. This appeared to be a chance for me to initiate a positive change in my life. I started working out consistently and shocked myself with how much I loved the adrenaline. When I met my boyfriend, he introduced me to the world of powerlifting. The supportive community that I was surrouned by helped me realize my inner strength and the beauty of it. Embracing powerlifting became a big part of my life and changed my mental state. While it was unhealthy for me to have criticized my appearance during my younger years, it helped me grow into the person I am today. Now, I am hoping to show off my strength soon at competitions and break state records.