She experienced this firsthand last fall.
“Suddenly I fell into this community of people who were all so supportive,” Miller tells SELF.
So Miller decided to create a photo project where college women could share what they see as their vulnerabilities.
Titled “I Am Movement,” she started the project two months ago.
It’s part of who they are, but they’re not defined by it entirely.
“Girls will just kind of tell me their stories,” Miller says.
Those people dont even know each other," she says.
Its like the mask falls and theyre just ready to be who they are.
Its honestly been such a rewarding experience to watch women go through it."
I looked around and everyone had this fair complexion, blonde hair, blue eyes.
I was called names like ‘monkey’ and ‘ugly girl.’
I never felt like I was beautiful.
Being an African American in a world of white beauty standards.
it took a long time and still everyday, I am learning to be and accept myself.
Yes, I have dark skin, dark eyes and big lips.
It’s what makes me who I am, but that’s not all there is to me.
I am beautiful in my own skin.
There came a point where it took over my mind and the emotional pain seemed too much handle.
I am not my scars and neither are you, not physically, not mentally.
“Image Credit: Ali Miller
“The last thing I remember was being pushed onto a mattress.
Or Ali Miller, the girl who lied to get attention.
But now it’s time to be who I really am.
I am not a victim, I am a survivor.
What makes you different makes you incredible.
The harsh reality of our world is that you will be judged.
I am Monica Nordgren.
I fall in love with boys.
I fall in love with girls.
Some days are easier than others.
In sixth grade I started pulling out my hair.
On my worst days it feels like I have no control over my thoughts and feelings.
I no longer have bald patches in my eyebrows, but the anxiety is still there.
Every day I have to remind myself that I am in control of my life.
