Editor’s note: Emma Schroeder, 10, won the spokesmodel category of the Kansas pre-teen division of the American Miss Pageant with this speech about positive body image.

If I were to ask all of you the question “What do you see when you look at me?” I can only imagine that someone would reply “cute,” “pretty,” “smart,” but then there would be that one person in the back who would say, “I see a chubby girl from Kansas with flat feet and freckles.”

Positive body image is a topic that is close to my heart. Today I am going to share with you my platform, “You are beautiful just the way you are.”

Girls are taught at a very young age that they are defined by what they see in the mirror. Snow White is a prime example, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of us all?” Girls begin judging themselves based on looks, weight, and hair color. Media makes this trend worse as these little girls grow up.

I believe that we are only defined by what is in our heart. I want to continue to spread this message to other girls so that when they look in the mirror they see their goodness, kindness ,and generosity. I look to the Bible for my example — Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image …” We are made in the image of the only One who is perfect. I believe that is the best way to see yourself.

When I look in the mirror do you know what I see? I see a chubby girl from Kansas with flat feet and freckles, and that’s ok with me!