Video by Jakub Nędza
”I was a baby when the arson happened. I don’t remember fighting for my life. All i know is that i’m the only survivor. Leaving the hospital was not the end, from that moment the fight for full fitness began. White walls, white coats, home rehab and those damn silicone clothes. I remember screams, tears and pain. I remember insults, provocations, exclusions. However, as a girl who was shown specific values and role models, i knew how to defend myself and be above it. Many times strangers hurt me, which probably made me feel inferior, but after talking to my parents, i understood who really should feel ashamed. I knew I was different. However, they (my parents) taught me to perceive otherness as uniqueness, that it’s good to stand out, that it’s good to step out of the pattern, that it’s good not to be common, that it’s worth being yourself. It is to them that i owe the most. Now, as a 21-year-old woman, I am aware of the past and accept it. I feel beautiful and good about myself. I know that i carry images of my family’s suffering, hurt and struggle. Images that sometimes slap them in the face, other times they squeeze their throats and twist their guts. I know that for my family these are images that are hard to look at and even harder to talk about. Not because of the fucking idea of beauty, but because of unimaginable pain, helplessness and flashbacks to the most difficult moments in our life. I don’t blame them, i know they were going through the biggest nightmare. I just feel grateful. I am also glad that 2 years ago i could join bibi. The call from Madzia was unexpected. I was convinced that my scars and height just ruled me out. Now I belong to an agency that does not see this as an obstacle to being a model. During this time, I managed to gain experience, meet amazing people and places, and above all, increase my self-confidence. I made sure that nothing is impossible, and my scars are no longer a sign of shame, but a reason to be proud.”