Mirror, Mirror

*Trigger warning- in-depth discussion and description of eating disorders, especially in “The Mental Impact” section*

September 18, 2019

What controls how you feel about your body? Is it what you eat, how much you exercise, pictures on social media, your old gym teacher? Or is it you?

Despite our best efforts to see ourselves differently, the world around us plays a significant role in body image. From a young age, children are bombarded with images of a “perfect, healthy” body, with little variation from the norm. Girls should be slim with no belly fat while maintaining hourglass curves; the ideal boy will grow up to be tall, broad-shouldered and muscular.

Many students struggle to reconcile the reality of their bodies to an unattainable image. Five of Liberty’s girls have decided to share how this battle has affected their lives. Five athletes, scholars and leaders are embarking on an everyday journey to break past idealism and love themselves. View Their Stories Below.