Hello. My name is Michael Der and I’m here to tell you my story. I honestly believe that the TLS program is hands down one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I don’t think I’ve felt this secure about my image in years. I can’t even begin to thank Ms. Lydia Martinez for all that she has done for me over these past few months and I want to thank High Road for introducing her to me. I used to be so self- conscious about my bodily image. I thought I was fat, disgusting, repulsive, and basically abnormal. I was never happy with the way that I looked no matter what. My self- esteem was at rock bottom.

This school year I got an offer from High Road to sign up for the program and I honestly didn’t even think that it would work. Well, I was horribly wrong. The TLS program has given me the confidence that I've always needed and the bodily image to go with it. It has rocketed my self- esteem and I honestly feel like nothing can bring me down. On top of eating healthier, I exercise regularly. The exercise is such an amazing way to relieve stress and anger. Being able to look at myself in the mirror and be proud of what I see is something that I’ve never been able to do before I started this program. And the best part is that I can swim without a shirt on and not feel the tiniest bit of anxiety. I can walk around in public without constantly worrying what others think of me. Now I don’t care because no matter what they say, I look good and feel amazing because of it.

I had the opportunity to participate and speak at a nation-wide conference with other adults and kids who were successful with the program. The conference was held in Miami and was huge! The conference itself was absolutely amazing. I didn’t really get to do much because of my age, but I had fun with what I could do. On the day of the event, around 11:00 am, we went backstage to prepare for our speeches. I was nervous because there were thousands of people there. I can’t remember exactly what I said because my coach Mr. Ryan told me to speak from the heart and I did. After we got off stage, we went back to the Grey Goose lounge (Don’t worry, there was no alcohol!) for a  delicious lunch with Ms. Lydia, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Dennis (Dennis Franks from the Philadelphia Eagles) and all the kids and their parents. During our lunch, Eva Longoria stopped by for a few moments and I was able to get a picture with her. I’m never going to forget that day in Miami. I made sure to get the pictures taken so I could always have my memories. And I get to show off my pictures with Dennis Franks and Eva Longoria!
Michael