Then:
Did you consider yourself an ugly duckling in high school?
Definitely. My nose was too big for my face, my eyes were too brown and I had a big butt. That’s what I thought anyway (I would kill for that butt now). I was happy enough doing my rebellious, nerdy, arty thing, but resented the popular kids, I guess because I wasn’t one of them. Of course I never tried to be one of them, so I don’t know what I was expecting..
Now:
When and how did you officially “swan?”
In my senior year of high school, I had enough credits to start taking classes outside of school. It made me more independent, and more interesting. But it wasn’t until a few years into art school that I really felt comfortable in what I was doing and who I was. And to be honest, it sometimes takes even longer than that, but I think growing up on the inside is a very slow process.
Advice:
What advice would you give to the Before you?:
You are beautiful, and all the other girls probably feel the same awkward way. Yes, even the popular kids. No matter what happens in high school, when you and your classmates grow up you’ll all be the same. Adults with your own lives, your own interests and your own unique qualities. Try not to spend a lot of time worrying about silly things. You’ll be grown up soon enough. Just make the best decisions you can, and your future will unfold in its own special way.
Gudrun blogs every other Thursday at Fierce and Nerdy. Read her past blogumn HERE. And submit your own THEN and NOW story HERE.