One person really can make a difference. Emma Sloan is a great example for her generation by setting up a fundraiser to help teens overcome certain anxieties. She is taking a substantial step towards the future for not only herself, but her fellow peers in acting on the vast difficulty of body image. Her “bEAT It Fundraiser” revolves around the hinders of eating disorders, specifically anorexia and bulimia, to form a “better” version of the person one sees in the mirror. Her fundraiser will consist of a Chinese Auction held with donations from local shops and restaurants, and a public speaker from NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association). A woman will also be speaking about her struggle and recovery from anorexia.
While sitting down with Emma at the Beach Bakery to get details on the event, she describes why she has taken this problem to the public’s attention; “I was in school and I heard a couple rumors about girls being bulimic.” She described her close friend who was one of those girls. “This really hit home for me and I wanted to help other people. After struggling for three years with my own disordered eating, I also took this opportunity to help myself recover. I got home from school that day and called NEDA, asking for guidance on how to bring a speaker to my school.”
Being in high school, Emma has learned how to take things into her own hands. This event will be a sizable step forward after her past hardships. She wants to be available to many students who need support on these issues, but she can’t help to feel nervous. “My eating disorder was something I’ve kept a secret for three years and I wasn’t anywhere close to opening up about it. I was always the person that my friends went to for advice, especially about things like this” she said while sipping her coffee and trying to find the next words to say. “I didn’t want people to think I was a hypocrite for telling them to stop their bad eating habits while I was still struggling myself.” Confidence plays a huge role in the preparation for the event. To stand on a stage in front of her family and friends, and tell the world about her past will not be easy. “Physically I just need a microphone and a cute outfit, but mentally, I need confidence” she jokes.
Ultimately, Emma Sloan wants people to come to her for their issues. She hopes that the “bEAT It Fundraiser” will allow people to open up about their struggles and find hope for a brighter future. “I want people to know, specifically younger children and teens, that everything on social media is a lie and that you shouldn’t harm yourself in order to look like a role model who is photoshopped.” The Fundraiser will be held October 14th at the WHBHS Auditorium from 6:30 to 8:30pm.