Living in sunny California, basking in the ambiance of all that is wonderful and great should bring a smile to your face. But in this world of eternal sun and Hollywood glamour, there is a deep and dark drive to be better physically than the next person. And students at Fresno State are not at all exempt from the pressures. Magazines litter the stands, posters of the perfect male or female body are hung up in dorms and celebrities on television who lose weight like magic seem to be turning up the beauty standards. And it’s a particularly hard thing to swallow in the socially demanding world of a college student. And what’s worse is that just around every corner is a Starbucks, McDonalds or Inn-n-Out Burger to tempt the senses. How is one expected to be a lean, mean, learning machine when food and natural genetics are in the way? The answer is, you aren’t! The size two models with bulging bosoms and the men who ripple with steroid induced muscles are just a fraud. Learn to love the curves, bumps, dips and pleats in your own body. Though California may be known for it’s Silicon Valley, it shouldn’t be the land of the fake and fraudulent. Take pride in the reality of your body and realize that the people on the magazines and posters are inordinately lucky, have extravagant amounts of money and chefs who cater to them. Love yourself and if you feel you must improve, and no one is against personal betterment, then work out, eat right and laugh much!

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