Pre-Release Special: 15 year old girl on importance of community

Amber S. is a fifteen-year-old girl who has a close relationship with her parents and older sister. However, she felt a strong need for a community of her own peers with whom she could grow and learn. I asked Amber to share some thoughts on the communities in her life that she believes have helped her figure who she is and who she wants to become.

Self-image is something I struggled with in middle school. I didn’t always believe I was beautiful in comparison to some of my friends. I now have a few groups that have shaped me and have helped change that belief. My parents have always told me I am beautiful and that they are proud of me and while I believed them I wanted more confirmation.

My youth ministers at the church I attend have been a huge factor in my new mind set. They provide girls with specific events that will help them see their true beauty. One of my favorites is the West Texas Girl’s Conference. It is a yearly meeting for girls 6th through 12th grade. It helped me realize that I have to love the person that I am in order for me to grow and become a stronger person. I attend a small Wednesday night bible class at my church that focuses on forming relationships with God and others.

The adult women teachers answered any questions I had and supported me when I needed them. That changed my view of myself. Some of these women have gone through their own confidence struggles and now they encourage and teach me and other girls. They have become the blue print for who I want to become. One piece of advice I would give to someone who struggles with self image is just believe in yourself and people will see you as a confident, beautiful person.