In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Shannon Cutts spoke Wednesday about her 15-year battle with eating disorders and the importance of feeling confident and beautiful.

Cutts described how beginning at age 10, she felt as if she did not quite fit in. Her concerns became more pronounced when in middle school, her best friend said they could not be friends any longer because Cutts was “just too fat.”

“I automatically assumed there was something wrong with me,” Cutts said.

She began to try to “fix the problem,” and her eating disorder developed from there. This is where Cutts’ bigger idea comes into play. There was actually nothing wrong with her body, and she had no reason to try to change.

“Who we allow to mentor us is so important,” Cutts said. “If we surround ourselves with positive images and people and try to find beauty wherever we can, there is no stopping us in the fight against eating disorders.”

Eating disorders affect about 10 percent of the population, so Cutts made it a point to provide steps to recovery. She noted that these steps can help people recover from anything; everyone has their own struggles.

Cutts said the steps are accepting support, giving support and becoming your own best friend. Following these steps helped her, and they can benefit others who are struggling.

“The most important class that you’re here to take is the class of you,” Cutts said.

If students are worried about a class or a big test coming up, Cutts encouraged them to take time for themselves and realize how special they actually are.