There’s this stereotypical image of a person with an eating disorder as skin-and-bones, but I’ve learned that’s not true. You can have an eating disorder at any body size. That was something that was hard for me to understand for a long time, and delayed my recovery for many years. 

The thing about having an eating disorder is that it never really leaves you. The voice that tells you you’re fat and worthless and lazy gets quieter, and some days you almost can’t hear it, but it’s still there. Sometimes it sneaks up and shouts at you again until you can’t hear anything else. Recovery means learning to live with that voice in relative peace. It means finding things you care about more than gaining weight. For me, one of those things is teaching, and I’ve learned that you can’t teach on an empty tank. I need to be fully fueled to be the best teacher I can be. That means I need to make sure I’m going to therapy and following my meal plan from my dietician. I have to be careful about what I follow on social media, and really aware of my stressors and triggers, because when I get stressed, food is the first thing to go. And if things start to slip, I have to ask for more help, because recovery is a choice. I choose to pursue it. 

Ashley Yang

Social Studies Teacher

Webster Thomas High School

I began working with Ashley at Webster Thomas High School last year and continue to do so again this year. I was delighted when she agreed to be a part of it. She is such an enthusiastic person both in the classroom and out. Her message is so important to anyone with a disorder of some kind and I'm grateful that she is courageous enough to speak out about it. 

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Putting yourself out there for all to see is not an easy thing to do.  In fact, it's pretty brave.  The many people who participated in my photography project knew that their image and their story would be part of an exhibit and that I would be blogging about them.  That's brave.  Janine is one such person who shows her bravery in many ways. I've known her for years, but have gotten to know her better through this project and I have grown to truly admire her.  Her story is touching and inspiring.

In her words:

"I wanted to hide in the beginning.  Now, I search for eye contact, share a smile, and enjoy the sometimes surprised reactions reflecting back at me.  If I’m honest, what I see in the mirror doesn’t accurately reflect who I am.  Alopecia may have taken my hair, but ultimately, the diagnosis has enriched my spirit.  I hold my head higher now than I did before because I have embraced the mantra that adorns my head, “Let it go…”  My tattoo is a gentle reminder to myself and others to release the things in this world that we cannot control, and that’s pretty much everything!  I’ve added to my tattoo over the years in hopes that people will take a second look -- not at me, but at the message. “Letting it go” continues to help me move through the world with a renewed energy, purpose, and evolving sense of self.  I’m forever grateful."

Janine Sanger

Director of Health and FACS

To find out more about this project Click Here and be sure to leave your comments below.