Growing up, I would say that I lived a relatively normal childhood. I didn’t always have the best circumstances but I did the best with what I had. Obviously, this didn’t stop me from growing up to be majorly mentally ill. I got diagnosed with my first mental illness early on- I want to say in the summer before 6th grade. My general doctor had noticed some things and made the diagnosis after further examinations. After that, there was a steady increase in how many things I was getting diagnosed with and so I was recommended to a therapist.

TW- body hate, body dysmorphia, bad eating habits, etc.

The preschool I attended did documentary-style videos throughout the school year and by the end of it, would sit us down in front of the camera and ask us what we wanted to be in the future. Without any hesitation, I answered that I wanted to be a mother. Growing up, I never let go of that dream. Of course, now, I have a career I’m pursuing and am receiving my education toward it, but I would still love to be a mom and raise my kids.

I have been playing soccer recreationally and in teams/clubs for the past 9 years of my life. And so, for the past 9 years of my life, I have been hearing comments like “Oh you play soccer? That’s so cute!” or “You play varsity soccer?” as if it’s the most unbelievable thing in the world or I play because its “cute”. So, you can imagine that seeing that we had to read an article called “Throwing like a Girl” by Iris Marion Young for class was entirely too triggering. I have heard the exact statement “kick like a girl” by all the little boys I used to be in a club with and even well into my teen years. I would go home crying in my room, thinking I wasn’t good enough and that I would never be as good as the boys on my team.