Saturday night my girlfriends and I were walking down Beaver Avenue minding our own business, when we heard from across the street, "HEY FAT GIRLS!" As we looked around, we realized that this jerk was talking to us! (Although our physical stature is completely irrelevant to this letter, I must mention that "fat" is never an adjective I would use to describe my friends and me.)

Even after I slapped him across the face, he relentlessly hurled insults at us until we were out of sight. I was appalled by this behavior, but, unfortunately, I am sure this is not an isolated incident here in State College. Listen up boys: Those types of comments and sentiments are a huge part of the reason why so many young women in this country have eating disorders and self-image problems. That guy had no idea who we were, or where we were coming from in life. Had he said those things to a girl who was already struggling with self-esteem or weight issues, he could have completely ruined her night, or even sent her into a binging/purging episode.

Please, guys, think before you speak! The comments don't even have to be as blatantly insulting as the ones yelled at me. Weight is an extremely sensitive issue for college girls, and even a little poke in the side can be really hurtful to some girls who struggle every day with their weight.