This story follows a dog attack survivor and motivational speaker named Simone Hernandez.

When Simone Hernandez heard the thunderous applause from behind the curtain, she knew she was up. Hernandez, a dog attack survivor, and school psychologist said, “I know I may look like a mess right now, but I promise everything gets better from here.” This was the first talk she had ever given, the rest she knew would be easier.

Hernandez had been going to schools in her local Bay Area to give speeches to young girls ever since her violent encounter with a dog. After she reached down to kiss her friend’s dog, her face was torn to shreds. Alone and scared, Hernandez felt monstrous in the body that was now hers.

As a school psychologist, she had been helping students overcome their embarrassment and body issues for many years. More than 88 percent of women compare themselves to pictures produced by the media. An unrealistic goal in the eyes of Hernandez. After her accident, she felt the struggles of teenage girls and wanted to help them on a wider plane.

After her face had healed enough, Hernandez first spoke at her school, Mt. Diablo High School, and then at neighboring schools. She talked about how she felt uncomfortable and embarrassed by her body and gave girls ideas and tactics to overcome the way they felt.

She explained how self-talk and confidence helped her finally feel normal again. “When I realized that everyone is different and has their own story, I became stronger and felt more empowered,” said Hernandez.

Through her lectures, Hernandez tried to teach and empower other young women to be confident in themselves.

Taylor, the eldest daughter of Hernandez, explained, “Watching my mom go through this experience and grow and find herself again was incredible and showed me who I want to be and how to overcome my differences.”

Going forward, Hernandez still works in her small office as a psychologist and helps students while also trying to reach more of the community around her. She hopes that she can continue working with girls and give uplifting speeches even through the pandemic.