While growing up, I have always been a chubby kid, and so it was not fun being bullied. When I was in the seventh grade, our P.E. teacher had the class run around the basketball quart. While my friend and I were running, a classmate stood up and yelled out to me, "Run faster, Shennie! Lose some weight!" I couldn't believe he said that in front of everyone. After that day, I kind of shrugged it off, but I never forgot those words. Even now as an adult, I still struggle with my weight, and those words continue to replay in my head.

When I met my wonderful boyfriend, we ate out a lot together and with our colleagues. Soon enough, I realized I couldn't fit into my business outfits anymore. I couldn't find a decent outfit to wear for job interviews. I started to feel more and more depressed about my weight. What made it worst was that I turned to food for comfort.

My family and relatives started to realize that I was getting really big and they actually commented on my weight gain. These comments reminded me of my seventh grade experience.

In November 2010, I decided I was going to lose weight and take better care of my health. I was 156 pounds! I am still working hard toward my ideal weight of 115 pounds by September 2011.

Overall, the more I think about my weight loss process, it didn't become a "I want to prove others wrong or I want the approval from people that I am now pleasing to the eyes," but it's about challenging myself to be better and stronger. It's about being truly healthy inside and out! It's about being motivated by health and quality of life, not unrealistic body expectations! To me, there is no real secret to weight loss!