My dad gave me many things in life, which included food on the table and teaching me and my siblings the value of hard work. Despite this, one of the shortfalls he gave me and my older brother was a genetic condition many people refer to as Acne.
Now most people would probably say “What’s the big deal!? It’s just some pimples!”. Believe it or not, acne has traumatized me in very subtle ways over the course of my 29 years of existence.
I specifically recall an incident in 8th grade where the teacher called on one of my classmates to use the word “pinnacle” in a sentence. The classmate, who I won’t name here, said “the pinnacles of John’s pimples are very sharp.” I wasn’t outwardly offended, but the fact that I still remember that comment reveals a whole lot. Although acne didn’t actually hinder me from doing much in life in the same way that being poor or being discriminated against does, it does come with a certain stigma. With the advent of a society where you can make a career being an Instagram model, it’s a reality that looks matter in the world, and people often succeed in life on the merits of their outward appearance.
I do think that people often misjudge people who have acne although unintentionally. I’ve had people told me in the past “I should wash my face” or I should stop eating oily foods. No matter how much you do either of those things, the condition of having acne can supersede those elements.
I’m sure in more ways than one I was super awkward in high school because of my acne. In college I was a little better because my acne disappeared for a bit, before coming back. The inconsistent nature of the condition led me eventually to use Accutane, which has successfully allowed the clearing of my pores in life. I took my final pill yesterday!
I’m hoping with a new face and a new spirit, my confidence will continue to grow and I will continue to evolve into a better version of myself. Thank you to everyone that remained friends with me over the years despite my condition.
