… And Now I am Beautiful …?

Abstract

The first time I can recall having a conscious thought about my body was in second grade. My mom had enrolled me in ballet, so whether I liked it or not, I had to attend and perform with the other girls. Everyone in my class was slim and tiny; compared to them, I felt huge. My stomach angrily protruded and my thighs seemed to take up more space than necessary. I was eight years old.