<p>Fat. That one word has shaped my whole life. Its a curse. Its a gift. Its a factor that has tremendously attributed to my personality. I cant remember life before fat. It encompassed my whole identity. Im still dealing with its after effects.</p>
<p>Fat came into my life in the September of 2007. I was moving away from my hometown. Coming from a somewhat diverse area, I wasn't prepared to enter the white shelled egg, that was my new town. I am middle eastern which automatically separates me from my peers. But aside from that I felt as if I gave off an aura that automatically told others I was unwelcome in their town. I remember the first day at my new school. I felt as if the word,different, was branded into my forehead. I had many friends in my old school but it was as if this new town flicked off my social switch. I felt anxious as I watched students catching up with each other, discussing their summers. I stood near the door in shell shock, this new environment, these new people, it put me in a place I hope to never return. The teasing and bullying was something that I could have never prepared myself for. I became the punch line of everyones jokes. I couldnt make it from one class to the other without hearing at least a couple of jokes about me. I was put into a place where I couldnt trust anyones kindness. Its still hard not keep my guard up.As the years passed I gained weight. My lack of a social life was covered with piles of food. Food made me feel good. It gave me a distraction from the loneliness, the bullying, the town.The bubbling personality I had in my old town had popped into non existence, leaving me hollow, empty. The purpose of this essay is not to make you feel sorry for me. I dont need yours or anyone elses sympathy. I struggled, sure, but I have chosen to write about this topic because it changed me. I was forced to completely reconstruct myself. But some parts of this experience I wouldnt change at all.</p>
<p>My family became my world, it was with them I felt happy, they reassured me that life was more than just school. These years of being socially outcast gave me a strengthened relationship with my family that I will always cherish. Going through life overweight has also shown me what my parents go through. Always being at home gave me time to spend with my parents. I saw what truly comes with raising a family.Since then I have always made sure to show my appreciation towards others, whether that be my parents, a librarian, a waiter. I always make sure that a kindness is acknowledged. I take pride in this habit.</p>
<p>But fat brought me one gift that I wouldnt trade for anything, clarity. Being the kid who was constantly teased for their weight put me in a place that made me realize that appearance is what is judged, not the actual person themselves. I had so much to offer to the world, unique ideas, innovative solutions, but all of that was locked up behind my weight. I learnt through this experience that the saying dont judge a book by its cover rings true in most cases. Ill admit that I didnt apply this much then, I was just as shallow. But after going through that Im proud to say that I now look at the person inside the body. I dont judge by their appearance.
Its been 7 years since that pivotal September. The years have given me a thick skin. Ive learnt to care only about the opinions that matter.What doesnt kill you makes you stronger. I have first hand experience on this absolute truth.</p>