Disney's D23 Expo is coming to a close this weekend and with it came a major announcement. There had been rumors of a new leading lady coming into the spotlight, but little was known about her.

Polynesian princess, Moana, has finally shown her face—and she is gorgeous. She has a rich, tanned skin tone and long, flowing, dark hair. She wasn't wearing a smile. Instead, she was smirking, perhaps hinting at her adventurous and fierce personality. Traits such as these are uncommon in the realm of Disney princesses.

As someone who grew up with Disney, I can honestly say that how the princesses look didn't bother me as much as it did for other people. It wasn't until I curiously searched through the Disney auditions website that it hit me that I could never be a Disney princess. It was heartbreaking coming to the realization that my tan skin, dark brown eyes, and curvy figure would never fit the typecast the industry was looking for.

When Moana's appearance was revealed to the public, I cried. There was a wave of relief that came over me when I saw the qualities that we shared.

I am unbelievably excited to see Moana roll in and show off her strength as she goes on adventures on the ocean. I am even more excited to see her personified in the Disney parks, because I know I'll actually be able to identify with her.