Karolina, 19

I am all women who are fighters, who are strong and who are independent. I am all women who won’t back down till they reach the goal. My mom is the strongest woman I know. Working two jobs, going to school and with my dad being in the hospital, she didn’t have much time for us, which left a mark on our relationship. When my dad passed away, I was lost. I shut myself out. I became distant from the people who loved me. I was seeking confirmation of others, looking for attention and something that was missing. I wasn’t happy at that time. I thought every imperfection on my body was ugly. And when I found out I have scoliosis, I wasn’t feeling any better. I knew I needed change. I started focusing on myself, on my happiness and always putting myself first. Cutting the negative people out of my life and keeping the ones who were worth it. Even my scoliosis got better and I began to love myself and am still learning. I am proud of who I am and who I am becoming. I am strong, but most importantly, I am happy.

As I was growing up, I hit a lot of bumps on the road, but I am thankful for them today, because they shaped me into a person I am today. I hated every imperfection on my body and finding out about my scoliosis was the final straw. I then started focusing on myself and started playing sports, which helped my scoliosis so much, I don’t even need an operation. It’s still one heck of a challenge, but I am now strong and determined to overcome any difficulties.