Jennifer Zarin is daughter of owners of Zarin Fabrics, Bobby Zarin and step-daughter to Bravo's NYC Housewives star Jill Zarin. She first came to national attention when she appeared at an anti-bullying campaign event thrown by her stepmother, filmed as part of this season. While only a part of her speech was shown, what was, made a strong impact on the viewing public. We all became a little more aware of what others go through.
Jennifer spoke of being born with a facial birthmark and hemagioma. Hemagioma for the non-medical dictionary carrying is an abnormal lump that is made up of blood vessels that can occur at birth or later. It was more than powerful as she spoke of being treated differently, being judged for being different and having to find the courage to overcome and carrying on. When I listened to Jennifer on the show I did not see her birthmark. What I saw was a role-model, a hero, an amazingly brave women who had found her inner strength to share herself and bring awareness to the world.
Television brought Jennifer to our attention, but over two years ago she started her facebookpage, "The BirthMark Project" which to this day continues to bring a message of self-acceptance and compassion for others. People that are different from societies preceived norms are always fighting a two front, uphill battle against others and from within. For seventeen years of my life I suffered with social anxiety disorder being clinically afraid of people. It tooks years of self-hatred and pain to come to a catharsis. As Jennifer said in her blog, "I've learned that what's made us the target of bullies or insecure (or both) also has a lot to teach us about life." To further that people must take the time to see life from other people's perspective and show love not hate.
She has won that battle by standing up for love by helping others. She has overcome her own inner critic, or as she says "inner bully" by publicly speaking to children of all ages bringing a message of there being "No Place for Hate". She is inspiring, empowering and motivating a new generation to be tolerant of people who are different. She recently finished her studies in core strength coaching, a form of life (and executive) coaching that draws on one's core strengths. She was a key speaker for the Anti-Defamation League last campaign event for; No Place for Hate.
You can follow her
On twitter: @Birthmarkproj
Her blog : birthmarkproject.blogspot.com
On F.B. : facebook.com/thebirthmarkproject
Or the Anti-Defamation League; Noplaceforhate@adl.org
Very moving yet again. Bobby and Jill must just burst with pride! I know her speech made even jaded old me more than moist in the eyes!
ReplyDeleteShe inspires all who come into contact with her! Its nice to see a young lady be empowered, gifted and then share those gifts with the world.
This is a very powerful and meaningful statement you made about Jennifer, but it also speaks volumes about your character too! Lucien