"Healthy body image and beauty is about confidence, pursuing your dreams and taking care of your health. Show us real students who embody that definition and we'll pay attention."
This is what dozens of UGA students told us in focus and discussion groups last year.
As we watched the orientation leaders guide new students through the amazing journey of becoming “Bulldogs,” we saw that they represented the diversity and energy of the UGA student body. Who better to promote our message than the OLs? They quickly agreed to participate and helped us develop messages specific to their own posters. We also selected a UGA student artist to design and create the posters. Kyoung Min "Kelly" Kim photographed each OL and crafted the poster to reflect their personality and unique message. Hopefully you’ve seen them in the residence halls or the buses. If not -- enjoy them here.
We know that every UGA student could have their own poster -- what would you want on yours?
Print an Adobe pdf version of Laura's poster
Why did you become involved in the UGA Campaign for Every Body?
The opportunity to be part of a campaign to encourage healthier body image came along at just the right time. Like many other UGA women, I occasionally struggle with those issues. As an Orientation Leader last summer, I was so engaged in the work – I felt like I was doing something meaningful and focused on doing the best I could for the new students. When the summer was over, I realized that we had not discussed our weight or body image issues and I hadn’t even thought about it very much. To have spent an entire summer not dealing with that was very freeing.
Why did you choose to be singing in the poster? What does that have to do with body image?
I really believe the message that our beauty comes from being engaged in life and with other people in a meaningful way. I love to sing – it makes me feel good about myself!
What did you want to say to other students with this poster?
Your own unique beauty and a true appreciation of it really comes from following your passions and being fulfilled in who you are.
Print an Adobe pdf version of Christy's poster
Why did you become involved in the UGA Campaign for Every Body?
I am passionate about promoting health and I thought this would be a great way to do that. Health includes all aspects of your life – the emotional, spiritual, and mental for example – and we need to take care of every part. Being positive about ourselves and our bodies is one important way we stay healthy.
Do you work out regularly?
I really love being active! I’ve done cheerleading, tennis, gymnastics and I just recently became a personal trainer at Ramsey. Exercise helps me be healthy in all the ways I mentioned above. I also stay healthy by doing other things I love such as shopping, reading and studying – yes really - studying!
What did you want to say to other students with this poster?
Exercising is important to me and I think being physically active helps us feel good about ourselves whatever our body shape and size. I’ve found my passion, but everybody is different – find something you love, get involved and just be you!
Print an Adobe pdf version of Missy's poster
Why did you become involved in the UGA Campaign for Every Body?
I love the diversity on campus and wanted to help students realize that they can be appreciated for who they really are. Being one of the only Jewish females in my hometown, I was never exposed to the acceptance that UGA promotes around diversity. I appreciate open-mindedness because I believe we can all learn from different people. I believe it’s important to recognize the good in people and that is what the UGA campaign for Every Body is all about.
What does your picture have to do with body image?
In my picture I am leading a meeting at my sorority. My leadership roles on campus really contribute to my positive body image.
What did you want to say to other students with this poster?
Do what makes you happy! Whether that’s being a campus leader, being involved with clubs on campus, or volunteering with your favorite organization-do something that makes you feel good.
Print an Adobe pdf version of Adam's poster
Why did you become involved in the UGA Campaign for Every Body?
As an orientation leader, I spent the summer helping incoming freshman feel more comfortable at UGA. I would act crazy and just have fun with them. UGA is made up of people with all different personalities and everyone has something unique to contribute.
What does your picture have to do with body image?
In my picture I am swimming at Ramsey. I just started swimming and even though I’m new to it, my friends and I have so much fun playing around in the pool! I encourage everyone to try new things and as my poster says, don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself!
What did you want to say to other students about body image?
The meaning of life is being the best person that you can be. This can mean helping yourself or someone else, living your life and being spontaneous, criticizing yourself before you criticize others, and loving and respecting people for who they are.
Print an Adobe pdf version of Priti's poster
Why did you become involved in the UGA Campaign for Every Body?
I love to see people who have their own style and are comfortable with their own individuality. Too often I see girls who are afraid that "who they are" isn't good enough and feel pressure to subscribe to a certain image. I like that this campaign is encouraging UGA women and men to be real and follow their own path. It took me awhile to get there and I'm happy with who I am, so I want to encourage others!
Why did you have your picture taken at the climbing wall?
I have noticed the times I have grown and learned the most in my life is when I have stepped out of the box and challenged myself. So, I set challenges for myself regularly and I've always wanted to try the climbing wall, and this was a great opportunity. This was the first time I had tried climbing.
It was a little difficult both physically and mentally, but it was a great feeling to reach the top! Additionally, it was a feeling of rush and excitement to accomplish something new and different.
What did you want to say to other students with this poster?
This poster symbolizes to me that anything really is possible and it's true that the sky is the limit. So get out there and do whatever you like because by having faith in yourself you can get anywhere you want to. Respect yourself and gaining the respect of others will come with you believing in yourself. Believing in yourself comes from not shying away from facing the challenges in your life, but welcoming them as opportunities for growth.
Print an Adobe pdf version of Becca's poster
