Overcoming Anorexia One Brave Sophomore's Success Story

Author: Jen Nightingale

Watching the sexy and confidant beauties (male and female) stroll down the catwalk in the African American Alliance (AAA) fashion show, I left knowing I had witnessed a unique and inspiring event. Here's one of many reasons why:

I'm more or less your typical sophomore Midd chick; I get decent grades, love a long hike and have my weekend fun. I, too, should be writing a paper on this beautiful Saturday! And, also typical, I'm battling a disease called anorexia. Yes, you've read about it. But have you discussed it with a survivor? Maybe you're concerned about a friend, or suspect you're dealing with it yourself? Please, read on! You might learn something, whatever your situation is.

One year ago I was 5'7", 150 pounds and unhappy with my body, so I started working out. A lot. I stopped eating. A lot. By mid-August, I was down to 125, where I should have stayed. And yet, there I was — mid-November of my sophomore year at 108 pounds and on the brink of being "sent away to a program" away from my school and friends — all because of what I was doing to myself.

Well, fortunately for me the threats were enough. I'm about to finish my sophomore year, and am now a happy and healthy 130 pounds. I would like to tell you gals and guys what sucks about eating disorders — and the rewards of beating them!

When I looked in the mirror at size 2, maybe I could have modeled in some magazine, but I knew deep down that those bones weren't supposed to protrude. When you look in the mirror and see what the media and/or the people around you seem to suggest versus the pleading of your conscience (Jen, you're killing yourself and you know it), your heart struggles. Luckily, I caught myself before my conscience lost its voice. But those chronic anorexics master the control over their inner voices, finding comfort in protruding bones.

Anorexia makes you think about eating like it's a fifth or sixth class. I've probably memorized more calorie counts than dates in my art history classes. It's pathetic, and it's detrimental. I used to get nauseous from exhaustion climbing stairs of Coffrin — and no, it wasn't those orange doors! Anorexics and bulimics also increase their risk of devastating osteoporosis and other side effects by — well, I'm not a doctor — but an incredible amount.

It takes strength to have an eating disorder, but it takes more strength to beat one, and you have to make the decision for yourself. To those of you who are struggling: When something inside of you is begging for more lettuce, a single Golden Graham while leaving Proctor or more coffee to fill you up and energize you — listen to your body, your best guide — and you'll realize that its asking for a lot more.

The amazing thing is, when you get better, you have new energy and confidence! You come out of your room, you smile, glow, radiate — because you're so much healthier. If you ask me, there are few things sexier than a chick that loves and is comfortable in her natural body.

I hope I don't seem like I'm ranting, raving or lecturing. I just want to say, with a personal stake in these words, that anorexia doesn't have to take over your life. If you have a friend who you fear might be dealing with it, let them know you're concerned, and hear them out. They might push you away, or even burst into tears — but they'll think about it. They need to. People die. Often, anorexics are in denial or unaware of their problem. But often, all it takes is one concerned friend to help ...

I can't forget to remind you of one other thing. Granted, we all enjoy a little "eye candy" now and then, but true beauty is found INSIDE a person! How often do we forget this when we're on the salad line? Listen to your hearts, girls, and release yourself from the introverted anorexia bubble. There are few things hotter than a person who believes in him or herself. It shows, inside and out.

I'm a little scared about this being published, and I hope I didn't offend or hurt anyone. I guess I'm willing to take the risk because I feel that dialogue is essential to help the situation, maybe even save lives? So, the year is coming to a close, but let's all aim for a nice, healthy outlook in the summer and fall? I know I'll be heading to Florence, Italy with exactly that — tough life, huh?

It can happen to you. Get help, and get better. You will be so much happier.