Teen Social Entrepreneur. Author. Creator. Engaging Speaker. Passionate Powerhouse.
Teen Social Entrepreneur. Author. Creator. Engaging Speaker. Passionate Powerhouse.
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As many of you know, I have spent the past three years researching, writing, editing, revising, formatting, crying, not sleeping, and drinking lots of coffee over a book. I’m calling it Survival of the Prettiest: The gender, mental health, and sexualization crisis as told by a teenager. For more details on what it’s about, click here.
I’M PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT SURVIVAL OF THE PRETTIEST IS OUT FOR SALE ON AMAZON IN 3 TO 5 DAYS - I am SO beyond excited to share with you all the book that I needed when I was younger :)
So, to amp you all up for the book launch, I thought I would give you a few paragraphs from the book each day.
Without further ado, here is your bit for day one of seven:
“My story is similar to many kids and teenagers growing up today - perhaps even yours. I’ve struggled with self-esteem, body image, expectations, media, popularity, friendships, pressure, and unhealthy relationships. I have been down on myself and afraid to get help, I’ve been whole heartedly confused on sex and sexualization before, and I have gossiped as well as been gossiped about.
I used to be an insecure, miserable, ashamed mess who wouldn’t speak up in class for fear of judgment. One time, I sat next to a ‘popular’ boy and apologized to him, because I really believed that I was not worthy of sitting next to him. My potential was being wasted - my energy was spent on hating myself, my focus was spent on rearranging my body so no one would see my thighs, and my concentration was used on being invisible. I was holding myself back.
And so were my friends. I have watched every single one of my smart and amazing friends suffer thanks to poor body image and low self-esteem. I have watched tons of my friends refuse to get help, despite needing it badly. I have watched girls get asked for nudes time after time, and I see them get called names like ‘slut’ and ‘whore’ when they refuse. I have seen friends affected by racial stereotypes and slurs. I have seen friends go through abusive relationships, and I know girls who have been raped and sexually assaulted. I have watched bright, bubbly, amazing people lose their voices and give into the pressure that comes with growing up today. Myself included.
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It may have taken me a while, but I have rediscovered my voice. And I would like to share it with you.”
Well my friends, that’s the first official HuffPost sneak peak of the book :) I hope you enjoyed the tiny bit you got, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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