‘Maintaining good health and being a girl on a college campus is hard’

Adjusting to college life impacts us all differently, and it is safe to say that many of us have found ourselves in positions where we’ve felt hopeless and alone. But imagine putting all your insecurities online in a web series for your peers to see. That is exactly what sophomore, Kelly Myers, has done. Her online vlog series and social media movement, The Rose Project, is her journey combatting the challenges of college while grasping her love for life again.

How it all began

“For the majority of my life, I have been very physically fit. I had done martial arts and played varsity tennis all four years in high school. Managing what I ate was never a problem for me, and neither was staying fit. Once I got to college and was stripped of playing sports, I should have changed my diet, but I didn’t. I continued my eating habits without exercising, and gaining weight became very easy. After freshman year, I realized something needed to change.”

The turning point

“I was on vacation this summer and I found myself ashamed of my body. I didn’t want to wear a bathing suit, and I felt myself becoming more reserved. I knew I should be able to be proud of who I am, and came to the realization that my opinions of myself were internal. So once I got back to UD for my sophomore year, I made it a goal to start loving myself again.”

I realized there was no turning back

“I have trouble holding myself accountable for things, so I knew just keeping a diary would allow me to slip back into old habits. Bringing it to the public allows for someone to hold me accountable, plus I can create a relationship with those facing similar difficulties. Maintaining good health and being a girl on a college campus is hard. No one should be isolated going through this – it should be a community effort.”

The takeaway

“I want those who join me on this journey to feel inspired to take care of themselves and be active, as well realizing they should love themselves along the way. I want to make it clear that you are not at an incorrect point in your life – you are constantly growing. There is no ‘right way’ to do this – we are all in this together. The Rose Project is for any girl who is unhappy with her weight, for any girl who feels like she is less than, or for any girl who is surrounded by people who make her question her self-worth.”

What’s next?

“I really hope this gains a big enough backing to reach multiple college campuses. I would love to get to a point where there can be different chapters on other campuses to create networking groups for support and growth. This is much bigger than UD; girls nationwide are struggling with these same issues every day.”

Why this movement should matter to you 

I’m sure many of us can say we’ve turned to the online community when we’re struggling – hoping to find tips from those facing similar challenges. What makes the Rose Project so unique is Kelly’s ability to connect with real women in college. She shoots everything in her non-air conditioned dorm with her laptop; there are no gimmicks, everything she produces is raw.

She speaks of personal experiences, being as open and honest as she can about her life. Being able to watch a fellow peer make such strides in her own life is truly inspiring, and I am so excited to see where Kelly’s journey takes her.

Subscribe to The Rose Project on Youtube, as well as follow their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

#LearningToLoveLiving