When I was just starting my freshman year, I found out I had severe scoliosis (the spine is twisted instead of straight). Mine was the worst in the entire district and I had to wear a "Milwakee" Back brace for two years to see if I could avoid surgery.

That brace started from the base of my chin all the way past my hips. It was HUGE piece of bulky metal and plastic. I thought I would never get through school, and I always wished I could be anybody else but me! But by the time school started, I accepted it and myself, and ended up having the most confident two years of my (short) life. (: Because I'm the only one who could have brought myself down! Because I'm me whether I have that huge piece of plastic on or not!

It taught me to be a little less materialistic (because I was stuck in oversized sweatshirts and pony tails) and rely more on personality.. it was a nice lesson! (Although I'm ecstatic to be back in fashion and cuter hairstyles!)

Whoo... anyway.. I was thinking about it while I was drawing this! No matter what you look like, no one could ever better replace you! Inspired (obviously) by The Little Mermaid. Ariel had it really good as a mermaid!