Krystian Leonard (right)

Meet Krystian Leonard.

This rising high school junior says that scars “hold a meaning of strength and character, showing I have accepted who I am and prove I can rise above the stigma.”

Krystian was born with lipomas on her face and body and over the course of her young life, she endured surgeries and resulting scars in order to get them removed. However, Krystian realized that she was a beautiful girl and was not going to let this hold her back. By her mid-teenage years, Krystian has been Miss Morgantown’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Southern West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen and Miss Northern West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen. She also launched a nonprofit organization called Shining S.C.A.R.S,  an organization dedicated to helping young people persevere through any obstacle.

Learn to speak Contagious Optimism! Get your copy and follow @lifecarrots today! #ShineBright pic.twitter.com/le5W7h3KMo

— Krystian Leonard (@ShiningScars) August 20, 2013