Meet María

I first noticed white spots on my body at 17. At the time, I was in a scientific high school with a heavy academic workload, mixed with typical teenage emotions and a challenging relationship.

At first, I struggled with confidence. Vitiligo appeared unexpectedly, and as far as I know, there’s no genetic link in my family. I’ve been diabetic since seven, so stress has always been part of my life. It was strange being diagnosed—no one expects white spots to suddenly appear on their skin.

I’ve faced various reactions—from people flirting with me to strangers offering unsolicited “prescriptions” to make me “better”. A kid once told me, “I’m scared because I can see your bones”, which was heartbreaking. A classmate asked, “Why do you wear so much makeup to school?” I was sunburned, so my eyelids looked pink. She didn’t mean harm, but it made me uncomfortable.

Thankfully, positive comments outweigh the negative. People say, “I love your skin! I want it”, which I find strange but touching. Others say I make them cry when I sing or call me “the whole package” due to my many passions as a chemical engineer, singer, teacher, yoga coach, and model.

I tried reversing my vitiligo for a couple of years, but now it’s a source of confidence.

Modelling helped, as being different is often valued, but what mattered most was my self-perception. I already liked my image before vitiligo; now I love it even more. I love my skin and how it makes me stand out.

Though my appearance is unique, what truly makes me one of a kind is what’s inside—my mind, personality, and optimism. I love cheering people up; helping others builds my confidence.

To anyone dealing with low self-esteem: I hear you, I feel you, I understand you. There’s no trick to a fulfilled life, just helpful habits: rest, drink water, nourish your body, exercise, and keep learning. Ultimately, you are in charge of your body’s wellness. No one else can get healthy and feel good for you. Take care of your physical and psychological health.