As Valentine’s Day approaches, the topic of love is everywhere in the air. While most people first think of the love that they receive from other people, we were inspired by this film by Adobe Youth Voices student filmmaker Cynthia Pineda, who composed a love poem to herself, to combat the low self image that she and so many other young women battle each day.

Cynthia talked with Adobe Youth Voices about her inspiration for this film and her goals for the future, and gave sound advice for other young people struggling to love themselves.

We hope you’ll feel inspired after watching Cynthia’s film, The Way You Are, posted below our interview with Cynthia, and we hope that you will share the film with anyone who needs the encouragement Cynthia has to offer.

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Adobe Youth Voices (AYV): What inspired you to make your film?

Cynthia Pineda (CP): Well it all started with a simple “love” poem, as well as a problem that I was going through, and then it slowly evolved into self image. I had too many friends and too many girls I knew that were going through the same thing, and I thought, “Well, what can I do? How can I help to fix this problem that millions of girls go through?” Also, a few other things that inspired me were a few songs from artists such as Christina Aguilera, TLC and a line from one of my favorite Chicana rapper songs.

AYV: How did your attitude about yourself change over time?

CP: My attitude about myself was hard to change-it still can be a challenge. I feel that it’s a mental thing. If you keep telling yourself you’re ugly, well of course you’re going to think you’re ugly, but if you think positively and tell yourself beautiful things, then you’ll believe it.

AYV: Even after making this film, do you occasionally have moments when you struggle with your self image? If so, how do you handle it?

CP: Yes, I still struggle with my self-image, it’s really hard not to if you’ve had a challenge with it you whole life. What I do is look at myself in the mirror and tell myself I’m beautiful. It’s not needed that other people tell me, although it’s very nice, but you need to have confidence in yourself always no matter what people think or say. I learned that if people talk about you or say something to you regarding your body image it is because they’re jealous or they’re just insecure about themselves so they tease others to make themselves feel better.

AYV: What are you doing now in life, and what are your plans for your future?

Currently, I am a freshman in college in my second semester. My goals for the moment are to earn my AA in ethnic studies and earn my Bachelors degree in Chicano studies with a teaching credential, and become an English teacher. I also hope to transfer to one of the University of California campuses. Other things I want to do include earning a certificate in cosmetology and studying music; there’s just so many things I want to do, it would take forever!

AYV: Do you have anything to say to young people who may be struggling with their self image?

CP: Yes, don’t ever feel low or ugly or bad about yourself. You’re perfect the way you are and you don’t need to change a thing. You’re beautiful and don’t ever let anyone tell you differently. Don’t give up on yourself and your dreams, because if you believe in yourself, anything, and I do mean anything, is possible!