Knowing true beauty is a deep struggle our society faces everyday. It's something I've dealt with all my life -- and even more so after the propeller accident last year.
On Dec. 3, 2011, a 16th of an inch of steel changed my life forever.
A fractured skull and collarbone, a scar down my face, cracked teeth and a missing eye and hand. These were details I couldn't keep ignoring.
Almost every woman in her early 20s has aspirations and dreams of the future. At that point, I had a jumpstart to my career -- two incredible New York internships under my belt and a promising beginning as a fashion journalist, being the founder and editor of LOLO magazine.
Like any woman would in my situation, I worried about my career. I worried that no guy would find me attractive again. I worried I would never have the guts to walk out in a tank top with my new prosthetic hand and eye. How would I ever go rock climbing again? Or water-ski? How in the world would I drive with one eye and hand?
Unlike how the media labeled me, I was not a model, and I didn't perceive myself as one either. I was a fashion journalist.
My world was filled with art, and I was still on a journey of finding the true meaning of beauty. I was someone who loved to balance the outer exterior of personality with the inner. But at the same time, just like the rest of the world, I fought with the habit of judging by exterior qualities. This was no exception to how I viewed myself many times.
During my hospitalization and my recovery, I now know much of the media has dehumanized what me, my family and friends went through and were still going through. My new book, "Still Lolo," gives us a voice and offers a raw, truthful encounter that will offer life lessons for almost anyone.
Waves of shock had spread when news hit each family member and friend: I was struck by a propeller and was in critical condition.
By Jan. 17, I had been weaned off all my pain medication, and I was no longer the upbeat girl my family and friends had seen at the hospital. Depression hit me hard.
The gravity of the situation slowly began to sink in. As much as I'd like to say that I overcame everything smoothly and always saw the bright side of things, I can't. Even with my strong foundation of faith, many times I couldn't see through the dark days; some days I didn't even try.
I hated the mirror and avoided it as much as I could. A glimpse would only remind me: I'll never be normal again.
Life may be about the big picture, but it's also made up of the little things. With so many little aspects of my life impacted, it was tough placing things in perspective.
Now, looking back, and even to this day, the only way I've survived emotionally and spiritually is by the people surrounding me. Even the very night of the accident, so many friends and family members showed up at the hospital that they needed to be provided a separate room. Every person that came for me prayed earnestly to God for my survival, despite the odds of my condition.
Yes, time brings healing, but the right people can too. They reminded me of my faith and destiny. I believe in the power of prayer. Many times, I may not have felt it, but it was a strong current in my life that pushed me forward.
I was still alive; I could still think and talk. I could have been brain-dead but wasn't. I can relearn how to do many activities I'd always enjoyed. I could still be a fashion journalist. Most of all, I have people who love me dearly.
Constantly, I'm humbled to read and hear people's caring comments and words of encouragement. Though it wasn't through an ideal way, I now know that "being recognized" is a trait that can be used to serve God in new ways and be a testament of true beauty.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.