Turn Beauty Inside Out Day

Discuss the definition of TRUE BEAUTY.

Ask students to write an essay about someone “beautiful” in their lives (emphasize that it doesn’t have

to be a girl). This can be assigned as homework or completed as an in-class writing activity. When students

have completed their essays, ask for a few volunteers to share their pieces with the class and to

receive feedback from their peers.
 

These are two winning essays from "Turn Beauty Inside Out Day"

LILY GONZALEZ: AGE 13, ILLINOIS (SUBMITTED BY MONICA BROWN)

The most beautiful girl I know is my best friend in the whole wide world. She’s the best person to

hang out with because she knows how to make you laugh no matter what the circumstances are.

Lily is strong emotionally. She gets teased because she is one of the shortest people in our grade,

but she doesn’t let anyone get to her. She just tells them what’s on her mind and then walks away. I

like that about her. Once when two kids were mean to me, she stepped right up and told them off.

Then she said, with a self-satisfied air, “Thank me later.” I cracked up. Another time she was sent to

the principal’s office for no reason. When she got there, she stood up for herself, and they worked

it out. She walked away with a hurt ego but an innocent heart.  At school, I tend to use a lot of big words like “procrastination,” “melancholy,” and “devastation.” Lily always says, “And in English, that would mean…?” She calls me her “walking, talking dictionary.” She has a great sense of humor.  Lily is the best friend a girl could have. She’s funny, strong, energetic, and friendly. If she doesn’t fit the definition of beautiful, I don’t know who does.

“A beautiful person speaks from the heart and has a positive attitude and strong feelings. Stand up

for your rights and be proud that you’re one of the many beautiful girls in this world.”

—Lily Gonzalez,

Beautiful Girl

MICHAELA SHAW: AGE 13, MASSACHUSETTS (SUBMITTED BY KYLE AHLERS)

What makes a girl beautiful? Long blonde hair? The latest fashions? A steady boyfriend? No. To me,

she has to be a good, understanding friend. She has to be honest and supportive. A beautiful girl

makes a difference in the lives of those she meets. This describes my best friend, Michaela.

She’s the most supportive friend I’ve ever met. When people make fun of me, she recognizes that it’s sometimes hard for me to speak out against put-downs, so she intervenes.  Mippy, as my 4-year-old brother, Tucker, calls her, is great with kids. While I’m quick to snap at Tucker, she’s patient with him. And she can make everyone laugh with her perfect imitation of his silly behavior. Kayla’s a straight-A student who excels in basketball, skiing, and kayaking. She’s a beautiful dancer and flute player. Her entire personality is strong, and she strives to be the best she can be. But mostly, Michaela is my supporter, playmate, and best friend. She makes a difference in my life. Isn’t

that what a beautiful girl should do?

Becoming Beautiful the Michaela Way: “The less judgmental you are toward others, the more beautiful you become.”