Alexa Riccardi
Professor Toohey
ENG 170-28
Visual Memoir 1
27 February 2024

You’re Gorgeous

I live in Shango Hall and though that can be unlucky sometimes, we are very lucky to have very sweet RA’s who care a lot about us.
When using the bathroom I noticed these little notes that an RA had put all over the mirrors. “You are AMAZING!” “You’re gorgeous” “Have an awesome day!” “You are perfect” they read. Although they all stuck out and meant something to me, I’m focusing on the one that speaks about being gorgeous.
As a young female living in today’s society, I very much struggle with the insecurities of living the teenage life. Some days I look at myself and don’t feel pretty at all. I pick apart every single flaw about myself and think about what needs to be better. What can I do better to change the way I see myself?
I know tons of other girls who experience the same things. And comparison with other girls continues the ongoing cycle of self hate.
So when I saw these messages taped onto the mirror, they really caught my attention. Because where else would be a perfect place to display such affirmations that college aged girls may need.
These messages are not only eye-catching because they are hot pink and decorated with cute little symbols, but also because they are right in front of you while you are looking at yourself. Especially when you’re ready to put yourself down.
Having affirmations on the mirror can be impactful because it’s a daily reminder that influences how we perceive ourselves. When we see positive statements reflected back at us, it reinforces those beliefs in our subconscious mind. Over time, this repetition can boost self-esteem, promote a positive self-image, and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life.
Affirmations often use repetition, stating the same positive message multiple times, which can enhance their impact and reinforce the desired belief or mindset. Affirmations focus on positivity and on what one wants to think of themselves or become rather than what one wants to avoid. This positivity creates a more uplifting and motivating message.
I took so many pictures of these affirmations not only for the assignment, but also for myself. I think they are very important to think about. I also thought it was really amazing of the RA to uplift us, even though she doesn’t really know all of us as people. It just makes me feel like I live in a really safe and supportive environment and that if I ever needed to go to somebody for something, I am able to. I think a crucial part of being an RA is definitely to be able to build trust between you and the residence and doing kind things for them definitely builds up that trust.
The affirmations also just make me very happy. I shared them with some of my friends because all girls can benefit from hearing kind words. We truly all are gorgeous and perfect in our own ways.
So every time I use the bathroom in my dorm (especially early in the morning when I look half dead) and before I decide to fill my mind with hateful thoughts about myself, I look to my left, my right, up, and down, and I see everything I need to see. “You’re gorgeous.”