The author reflects on being shy and quiet in the past, getting pushed around and called hurtful names like "Ugly" and "Elmer Fudd". However, she became stronger each time she was knocked down until she emerged as her true self - a mother, lover, daughter, sister and friend with a small group of true friends she would not trade for many superficial ones.

1. My Introduction
By Shanon Quinn
I can count my friends on one hand.
I am not ‘cool’
Too quiet, too shy,
Pushed around, knocked down,
Kicked.
My name was ‘Ugly’
‘Elmer Fudd’
But I’m not.
I didn’t disappear
I am 22, 5’2”, 100 pounds,
But not as fragile as you think.
Thank you for knocking me down
So hard that I cried
For every time that I rose
I became a little bit stronger, until I became ME.

2. Mother, Lover, Daughter, Sister, Friend.
Yes, I can count my friends on one hand,
But they are true,
And I would not trade them
For a thousand of you.