For some of my life, a certain standard of beauty would be how I saw myself. If I didn't have favorable characteristics, then I would want to change those characteristics to become favorable. Nevertheless, as I grew older, I realized that if I didn't want to change them (and the "I" is italicized because it's me making the decision and not other people), then I shouldn't have to. Everyone should be able to do whatever they want to be happy with themselves. My route was appreciating what I once thought as "flaws."

To my tan skin,

You've been here ever since I was born. I remember as a kid, you would be more prevalent on me than on any other of my friends. When I used to swim in the summer, you would get more and more noticeable. I remember learning in school that people liked to be tan, wanted to be tan. But, those were white people, and I wasn't white. So I didn't want that. Asian people, on the contrary, wanted to be pale. White skin is equivalent to wealth, I learned. As I began to watch more Asian media and follow more Asian stars, I noticed how pale they all were. And, how the tan ones were also made to look paler.

But, skin is skin. I can't change you, and wouldn't want to even if I could. I rarely burn (so thank you for that,) and I always look ready for the summer. Sure, the world would like me to be paler, but I like you just the way you are.

To my small eyes,

You're small, but you're great. In fact, all eyes are great. I used to wish you were bigger, so I looked more like the standard definition of beauty. But, I can definitely appreciate the way you are now. I like how when I smile, you become crescents, and everyone can tell exactly how happy I am.

To my big teeth,

After years of braces and retainers, you were quite expensive! When I used to think my teeth overwhelmed my face when I smiled, I'm not sure if I smiled as wide. But again, all teeth are great teeth. As long as you work, you're good enough for me. (Our obsession with perfect teeth is quite strange anyway).

Best,

Jenett