Jen Mahuet,
Cincinnati, OH
Everyone is a product of their genetic past, which is evidenced by their physical appearance. My grandparents came from Eastern Europe, poor and in search of a better life.
I am proud of the culture I was born into and treasure our traditions. I like my hooded eyes, not considered beautiful in some other’s opinion; that doesn’t bother me. I resemble my family, I am a part of our history. This is a part of who I am.
However, and this is really my point: Valuing myself does not cause me to devalue others. We all carry our genetic history, and can embrace it, while embracing the beauty of others.
