"Little Women"

When I was growing up, I played with Barbies, Bratz, and Polly Pockets all the time. I remembered wanting to have the same outfits as they did, but I can't recall ever wanting to look exactly like my dolls. I certainly never felt that I was ugly because my body wasn't shaped like my dolls'. I guess I figured I was still a kid and my body would one day become more "womanly". My parents blocked off a few violent or adult channels, but I was sometimes allowed to watch their TV shows with them, probably because they could explain any explicit behavior to me. I was never not allowed to buy a toy because it was too "scandalous." When I was 11, I started watching MTV, which was when I first saw scimpy outfits, plastic surgery, and sex on TV. I did begin to notice my body more, and I'm sure I was concerned that I would never develop curves like the girls on TV had, but I don't ever remember hating my body. I started wearing makeup in seventh grade and I started caring about the clothes I wore. Even though I was exposed to some pretty trashy TV shows, I tried to maintain my self-respect. When I entered high school, I became more relaxed about my appearence. Because Mount is all-girls, I don't fix my hair (or even brush it) in the mornings, and I don't wear makeup like I did in grade school. I still get dressed up on the weekends, but I'm very comfortable with the boys and girls I hang out with. I've never been on a diet or worked out extensively to lose weight. I've learned to ignore ads of pin-thin girls dressed like prostitutes and wear only clothes that I feel comfortable in.

Sources of My Identity

My parents and I have always been very close. Though they both work, they always take time out of their busy schedules to bond as a family. Whether it's having a bonfire in the backyard, biking the Perkiomen trail, or taking a full vacation to Mexico, I always enjoy spending time with my parents. Our time together has shaped me as a person. My father has taught me to be assertive, ambitious, curious, and thoughtful. My mother has also instilled certain qualities in me such as creativity, friendliness, compassion, and optimism. I am very thankful for the caring and nurturing environment they have provided for me, and they are most responsible for the person I am today.

Since I have no siblings, my best friend, Katie, is like a surrogate sister. Katie came to my grade school in third grade, and we quickly became close. She lives right down the street from me, so, even before either of us could drive, we would be at each others' houses constantly. Katie was really athletic, and urged me to try out for sports. I never became an all-star, but I did really enjoying playing on a team, and she has definitely made me more open to trying new things. Katie is a very organized and responsible person, and she has definitely helped me mature as we grow older. However, Katie accepts me unconditionally, and I do and say things with her that I wouldn't with anyone else. She's taught me that every part of my personality is special, and I'm so blessed to have her in my life these past ten years.

Coming to Mount four years ago, I only knew three people. I remember being terrified I would lose the friends who didn't come with me to Mount and wondering if I would ever make new ones. But, these past four years have been some of the best yet. At Mount, I've challenged myself more than I ever have before. I've experimented with clubs and discovered new passions. I've met new people who share my interests and inspire me to always try harder. I can't believe my time here is almost over, but Mount has fully prepared me to take the next step in my education. I entered Mount as a girl, and I'm leaving as a secure, aware, and ambitious young woman.