Im Emma and I’m an Air Force ROTC cadet at Virginia Tech. This is me without makeup just after chopping off almost 12 inches of curly hair (its flat-ironed here) for the Pantene Beautiful Lengths project. For a long time I felt like my physical beauty was very much central to my hair, so I knew it was going to be a personal struggle and feat to finally cut it all off. Knowing it was going to be difficult, I figured I might as well go all out and wear no makeup of any kind, not even Chapstick, to kind of prove to myself that the real beauty was found in the act of service I wanted to do and the people I was doing it for. One of my best friends just began his third and worst bout with a rare form of cancer that had already caused him the loss of an eye and that has now settled in his spinal cord. I did this for him. If he can live with such a positive and vibrant attitude and go without an eye, I think giving up hair and makeup is definitely worth it, and the least I can do.
Project Inspired
We here at Project Inspired want to guide and inspire teen girls to be true to themselves and to God. We want to show young girls how to be people of value and confidence – how to be your own best selves – through leading a Christian life. Who are we? We're a team of girls, like you. We edit the site, we post to social media, we hang out in the chat rooms and forums. We talk with you, we listen to you, and we love you!
Wow! You are beautiful, your inward beauty shines outward! I love your short hair- it’s adorable! Your eyes are an amazing shade of blue, and your smile is so white!!! You are so beautiful!!!
Go Emma!!!
Go Emma!
You totally don’t even need make up!! Your gorgeous!!! I love your eyes and smile!! 🙂 It’s awesome that your in the Air Force, because I’m working on going into the Air Force!! 🙂
What a wonderful inspiration you are to women of all ages. Our prayers are with your friend too.
You are a classic beauty and truly an inspiration to women of all ages. Our prayers are with your friend also.
LOVE THIS! You are soo beautiful, and your story is just inspiring! I admire your courage to do this, both for your friend, and for the rest of us here.
You look great! You have a light that shines through your eyes. Your hair looks awesome too!
Way to go Emma! The love of Jesus Christ in and through you is your radiant beauty. Love you! G
Way to go girl! 😀
You look gorgeous!(:
…stumbled upon your photo while watching the VT v. GT game and googling images of beautiful Virginia Tech. Good luck with the Air Force ROTC. On the eve of Veteran’s Day, we attest that your service to our country is a noble pursuit. Aim high! /m
You are so pretty! That is one of the sweetest things i have ever hear and now it has inspired me!! Keep up the amazig work, i hope i can be just like you!
you are beautiful, BUT ITS NOT JUST PHYSICAL BEAUTY. its the inner beauty that shines through your smile your eyes and most of all your actions. my prayers will be with your friend.
You are so pretty without makeup! I also have long hair, and it has grown past my waist. I wish I could cut it and donate it, but for some reason, I am not allowed to cut my hair. I know I will cut it, though, after I turn 18, and I hope I will remember to donate it too!
You are so pretty! Your hair and eyes are amazing! I’m praying for your friend
You are beautiful!! That’s such a great idea. I’m praying for you and your friend!