I was once a nerd. Who am I kidding? I still am. But it doesn't matter, because even though I may not have been the coolest girl in school, I was loved anyway. And now over a decade later, those friends that looked passed my coke bottle glasses, greasy bangs, annoying laugh, strange fashion sense, and..... I think you get the point.... Those friends who liked me then, still like me now.
I am so lucky to be able to look back on my years of awkwardness and not feel a sense of sadness or embarrassment. It took 34 years to become comfortable in my own skin, but I really hope I can teach my kids to do it much sooner.
Although this story doesn't end with a miraculous transformation into a beautiful swan (as depicted to the left), the love I have been shown by all of my old friends has always made me feel like one. Thank you all, for your unconditional friendship.
(Especially those of you who knew me in middle school!)
