Brigham Young University’s Women’s Services and Resources will host Stephanie Neilson — also known as “Nie Nie” of nieniedialogues.blogspot.com — as the guest speaker for the launch of the center’s “Recapturing Beauty” campaign Thursday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. in the Wilkinson Student Center Ballroom.
Admission is free, and the public is welcome.
Nie Nie gained her blogosphere claim to fame after listening to a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he described how individuals can use the Internet for good. She gained a large following as she wrote about her daily life.
Tragically, in 2008 Nie Nie and her husband were in a plane crash, where 80 percent of her body was burned. As she has overcome her trials throughout her recovery, she has inspired thousands through her blog to enjoy their lives and realize their true beauty — which comes from within.
Women’s Services and Resources supports stories and causes like Nie Nie’s, which is why the center is launching the campaign.
“Many women come to our office to get help with their low self-esteem and negative body image,” said Brooke Schultz, office manager for Women’s Services and Resources. “We wanted to do something where all the women on campus could feel good about themselves and something that could help free them from the grief caused by buying into the media’s concept of womanhood.”
Throughout the semester, Women’s Services and Resources will host a range of speakers, programs and activities, including weekly yoga, meditation and Zumba classes. All offerings will be free for students, spouses of students and faculty members. The center will also host a 10-day body-image challenge, beginning Oct. 11 where students will be dared to recapture their own inner beauty.
For more information, visit recapturingbeauty.byu.edu, call (801) 422-4877, or stop by Women’s Services and Resources in 3326 WSC.
Writer: Bianca Martinez
