After a unit taught to students about media, body image and self-esteem, students at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart decided to take action. These 12, 13 and 14 year old girls were exposed to a documentary titled, Cover Girl Culture by Nicole Clark that shines a different light on how they might be impacted by the media. Students then read through, processed and discussed current editions of Teen Vogue magazine for proof. This film inspired all 119 students to write and send letters to the editor and chief of Teen Vogue, asking for her to not only take accountability of the impact of their ads, but to also make a change. Each student hand wrote their letter identifying how the ads, specifically in Teen Vogue, make her feel regarding her body, how it has impacted her friends, and what she thinks the editor could do in order to make the messages more empowering. The director of Cover Girl Culture, Nicole Clark, also displayed their work on her website:http://www.covergirlculture.com/?cat=4 

Their body image unit consists of about six groups. The unit is meant to help these girls learn more about the way they see themselves, the messages they receive, and how to reframe any messages they no longer like. For example, each girl identified negative thoughts and was helped to correct them; by replacing them with positive mantras. Each student is then asked to write a personal affirmation on a mirror in the counselor's office bathroom, where she keeps them up all year. The students reflect the power of using a mirror and seeing these messages regularly.

The students spent some time redefining beauty. Clark also gave the wonderful idea of creating masks that display what true beauty is for them. The students wrote poems and designed masks to give a clear picture, which included words, of how the word "beauty" should be defined. Students created posters that displayed words of how society defines "perfection". The girls spent time sharing how difficult it is to constantly try to fit inside society's standards. After some processing, the students were able to redefine and create their own definition of beauty, standing up against the "box" society constantly tries to push them in.  Each girl's voice was heard, and it seemed they were all shouting the same message: "Stop trying to change us! Embrace and empower us instead!"   

About Ashley Terwilliger, MA, NCC:

Ashley Terwilliger is a licensed school counselor and a mental health counselor. In the school setting she has designed and implemented a developmentally appropriate curriculum meeting the challenges of modern life, particularly through individual and group counseling, as well as through parent and faculty consultation. In the private practice work that she does, she works primarily as a substance abuse counselor and with people who are also struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, and more.  Contact her at  ashleymedora@gmail.com or visit www.ashleymedora.com.