more than just pretty faces!

Dec 1, 2011

Amanda J.

Thanks Jasmine and Victoria. ^.^ Life is so much easier now. I thank God everyday that what I went through doesn't affect my physical health. I don't know what I would do if I had cancer or something like that. People with physically debilitating diseases or birth defects are very strong. Much more strong than I could ever claim to be. I've had struggles, and am sure I will have more in the future. But I know that I can get through them. :D Everybody on here, God bless you! You are all amazing, and very beautiful! Inside AND out! :)

Dec 1, 2011

Ning C.

When I was in elementary school, I was supposed to be on the cover of TIME magazine for an issue called "Asian Whiz Kids" (little piece of trivia: Masi Oka from "Heroes" went to the same school as me and he was on this cover) but I ended up going on vacation to Yellowstone with my family and getting scarlet fever. Sometimes I feel like that was my "Sliding Doors" moment—what would my life have been like if I had done that cover shoot? A few years ago, I ran into the girl who replaced me in the photo—she went on to Harvard Law School and was a high-powered lawyer!  

Dec 1, 2011

Amanda J.

Wow Ning! That must have sucked! Losing an opportunity like that would be devastating! But I'm sure you ended up doing something you enjoy more than what was expected of you? :) 

Dec 1, 2011

Tanziina G.

Oh wow reading everyone's messages, and I'm sitting here thinking ohhh what's my greatest achievement!? I'm doing an English degree? My mind feels blank, and I thought I was confident with myself! Anyone else feel like that at all?

Dec 1, 2011

Courtney Z.

I love this topic! I am all about "inside beauty" and "self improvement" I think it is terrible what the media does to us young girls. So many of us have eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and among other issues that we can overcome through hard work, effort, and my personal favorite, creative outlets! Such as blogging about something you love (fashion, beauty, design, etc.) I also love to write! I think writing is great for everyone! :D  

Dec 1, 2011

Krista B.

adding to what courtney was saying about eating disorders and depression and such i just watched a great documentary on social media and its effects on girls called missrepresentation it was awesome good watch for anyone!

Dec 1, 2011

Anneka F.

K, you guys are so amazing!
And reminded me of other things I've done, no matter how mediocre I think they are. I love to cook and bake - and it's getting more exciting and challenging now that I've become vegan.
I bungy jumped off the Auckland Harbour Bridge (in New Zealand, where I'm from). Which took place about 3 months after I developed a terrible fear of heights. :S
I played loads of instruments when I was younger for many years including the violin, flute and oboe.

I don't know if this is an accomplishment, but when I was 17, my house burnt down (because of me. >_< an accident, of course) and although my friends and family didn't realize, I was really depressed afterwards - and ALREADY having depression anyway didn't help much. But I got through it. Mostly alone... But I did it. I still have depression, but burning down the house doesn't haunt me any more like it used to. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 

Dec 1, 2011

Krista B.

i agree you are all so amazing!!

Dec 2, 2011

Ash S.

This is such a great topic! You ladies are all amazing and I love hearing all the different things we can do :)

As for me I love cooking, video games, photography, and writing!

And I just learned to crochet :) Does anyone want a scarf? that's all I can make so far hehehe

Dec 2, 2011

Jessica S.

I have worked as a Support Worker in the Disability, Mental Health & Aged Care field for almost 6 years. I love helping/supporting people.

A very huge accomplishment was getting through & dealing with my abusive childhood. I never thought I'd get out of that. But I made it through :)

oh, and I married the man of my dreams a year ago :)

Dec 2, 2011

Amanda J.

Wow Jessica! I have people like you to thank for where I am today! Thank you so much for everything you do! :) Congratulations for getting through that, and I hope your life is a lot better because of him! ;) 

Dec 3, 2011

Jessica S.

Aw thank you so much Amanda :) I love the job I do. Its hard at times but so worth it. Life is much better these days :)

Your story is amazing by the way. You seem like a very stronge person :) x x

Dec 3, 2011

Ning C.

Hi Amanda, I always think that we wouldn't be the people we are today without our experiences in the past. Maybe having TIME in my life would've meant that I would never have became a beauty editor :( 

Dec 3, 2011

Vanessa b.

not much of an accomplishment, but i guess the fact that i have been a dancer of many styles for only 3 years and my dance teachers say that i seem like i have been doing dancing since i was a little girl, I have also placed in many of my dance competitions. And I have been playing piano for 2 years without going to lessons, I have just learnt through youtube and I am now playing advance songs (:

Dec 5, 2011

Amanda J.

@Ning: Yeah, I get what you mean.
@Jessica: Cool! Thankyou. I guess I am. lol

Dec 5, 2011

Kailyn D.

I grew up with a rough childhood, I had an abusive mother who left my father without a job with my 3 sisters and myself. It was really hard on us all, things that my mother told me led me to have a negative self image, then with all the hurt from everything going on, unsupportive friends, boyfriend after boyfriend braking up with me for being "prude", and body dismorphia syndrome. I was so down on myself I turned to anorexia, I got down to 98 pounds, my hair was falling out, i was pail and sick looking and missing my menstrual cycles. Finally I turned to my boyfriend, hes such an amazing guy and helped me however he could, as well as my mom (shes my "stepmom" but to me she is mom) and i did everything to help me get better, i got into therapy which helped alot! Im all better now, through it all though im still me, ive stayed the sweet, shy at first and talk you ear off later Kailyn!! My boyfriend tells me that what he loves most about me is that trough all the tough times ive had, Im not mean, a rebel, ive turned into this beautiful, and sweet woman :) <3 My mom tells me that she is proud of who I am today! So i suppose with all that wear and tear on my body, heart, and mind and sticking true to myself, and finding peace with my body is such a great accomplishment! :) 

Dec 5, 2011

Vanessa b.

@ Kailyn D. that is such a great story ! so inspirational, im glad that your al better now because you seem like a really nice person who doesnt diserve to go through that

Dec 5, 2011

Kailyn D.

aww thank you vanessa! You are very sweet! I read what you posted on here, and I just want to say that is an accomplishment and you should be veryy very proud! Keep up the great work!! 

Dec 5, 2011

Tara L.

@ Kailyn D. I agree with Vanessa, Kailyn! That was such an inspirational story, and it seems like you were so positive throughout all of those experiences. I think we all forget that other people have issues, and can feel so alone when we're going through something. It takes so much courage to share a story like yours, and reading it makes you remember that everyone goes through something and you aren't alone :) Thanks for sharing it! xx P.S. your boyfriend sounds like a keeper! :)

Dec 6, 2011

Amanda J.

@Kailyn D. You are so amazing! It's really great that you decided to take your challenges that way. I know that if I hadn't decided to strengthen myself through my challenges, I would be a very bitter woman. You are very strong! Us girls got to stick together! ;) Good luck, and I hope you and your beau the best.

Dec 6, 2011

Nickie W.

I survived an abusive marriage, 3 months of bedrest for preterm labor and preeclampsia during pregnancy, and postpartum depression. I have a gorgeous, smart and vivacious three year old daughter. I am an RN with certifications as a sexual assault nurse examiner, a certified forensic nurse, and a level 3 medical examiner. I care for and collect forensic evidence on adult and child victims of abuse, sexual assault and homicide. I also collect forensic evidence from suspects and at crime scenes. I testify as an expert witness in court, often giving a voice to those who no longer have one of their own. This was my way of fighting back after the abusive marriage when I felt helpless and powerless.

Dec 6, 2011

Boneca B.

I know how to read & write & speak fluently in portuguese.
I also was mvp for the badminton team. :)
I love the elderly. Did my highschool co-op at a nursing home & volunteer hours.

Dec 6, 2011

Courtney Z.

WOW! All of these stories are so inspirational and amazing, especially Kailyn D.! :) 

Dec 6, 2011

Kailyn D.

Thank you ladies! My modo when im feeling like the world is against me is "why complain about what you have, when there are people who have it so much worse." That really helped me! I would always think there are people who have NOTHING!! and are fine with their lives!! It wasn't easy for me to type that and share a hard story but i hope that if there is anyone who has any of these problems can read that, and know that they can get through it!! :) Thanks for reading guys! You are all amazing women! Stay strong in whatever you are doing!! :) And never be afraid to cry! We cry not because we arnt strong but because weve been strong for so long! <3 xo 

Dec 7, 2011

Amanda J.

@Nicki W. You are just so amazing! It's really awesome that you are fighting back against the wrongs done to you. ^.^ You are amazing.