"I always struggled with my weight. I was always a heavier set girl. I hated it. I wanted to change. So I began dieting and lost weight, but once i started i couldn't stop. It had become an obsession and I feared gaining any weight and big meals. I developed an eating disorder and was hospitalized.

I have been struggling with an eating disorder for about 3 full years now and still struggling today.

All I remember at the time was not knowing what a mental illness was. I was terrified. I thought there was no way to get better. 

Then, with the help of  my mom and my FCCLA advisor, we created The BraverME Project to teach middle school kids about mental illnesses and  introduce them to healthy coping skills. 

I want to prevent what happened to me. Having a mental illness isn't fun. So, I want to provide resources and information to those who need it."