All Nonfiction
- Bullying
- Books
- Academic
- Author Interviews
- Celebrity interviews
- College Articles
- College Essays
- Educator of the Year
- Heroes
- Interviews
- Memoir
- Personal Experience
- Sports
- Travel & Culture
All Opinions
- Bullying
- Current Events / Politics
- Discrimination
- Drugs / Alcohol / Smoking
- Entertainment / Celebrities
- Environment
- Love / Relationships
- Movies / Music / TV
- Pop Culture / Trends
- School / College
- Social Issues / Civics
- Spirituality / Religion
- Sports / Hobbies
All Hot Topics
- Bullying
- Community Service
- Environment
- Health
- Letters to the Editor
- Pride & Prejudice
- What Matters
- Back
Summer Guide
- Program Links
- Program Reviews
- Back
College Guide
- College Links
- College Reviews
- College Essays
- College Articles
- Back
Friday Night
July 3, 2021
I wear my prom dress while doing chemistry homework
To feel a little less lifeless.
I watch videos of reverse photoshop
In a desperate attempt to reprogram my mind.
I paint cherry red on my lips
Wondering if I'll look in the mirror to discover
A beautiful woman.
I act stronger than I believe myself to be
But as time goes on, it becomes all too clear
If I am not enough without it
I will never be enough with it.
© Jessie Y., Ahwahnee, CA
Similar Articles
Previous Next
I've spent most of my teen years comparing myself to women I found to be far more beautiful and far more worthy than the girl I saw in the mirror. I used pick apart my appearance, wondering if I'd ever be truly satisfied with it. What these turbulent years have taught me is that I am far more than just beautiful and worthy. I look in the mirror and adore what I see because I love myself for all of the intricate details that make me who I am. I am so thankful that I was given a heart that loves poetry and hands that can put my many thoughts into words, and above all, these embody the kind of beauty I wish to exude.