Eating disorder recovery organization, Southern Smash will be arriving to the university on Feb. 26 in Friendship Circle. The organization was founded in Nov. 2012 by eating disorder survivor McCall Dempsey. She travels all over the country to share her story with many individuals suffering from eating disorders and self-image.
The organization promotes positive body image and raises awareness for eating disorders through its scale smashing event. The organization will host many activities such as fighting “the perfect number,” a photo booth for all attending the event and the attendees will also have a chance to give their scale a tombstone. The entirety of the event will be paid for and organized by the Social Work Club on campus.
The Southern Smash organization hopes to bring positive eating disorder awareness to the university and aiming towards students who are intrigued by the topic of body image and eating disorders. The organization will also have a table regarding information about eating disorders.
Southern Smash ambassadors Mandie Tracy and Taylor Cole encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fun and benefit from the event Southern Smash plans to bring onto campus.
“Students can benefit in one way or another. We have struggled with body image and that seemingly perfect number,” said Tracy. “We want to encourage all students to come let go of that perfect number and embrace who they are.”
Taylor Cole believes the university can benefit from this event greatly, and she also gives advice to women suffering with eating disorders and body image.
“Everyone knows someone who is struggling with an eating disorder and doesn’t realize it. Southeastern has zero resources for people with eating disorders or body image issues. It may also bring those struggling together and show them they are not alone,” said Cole. “The advice I would give to women and young girls is you are beautiful. Your eating disorder doesn’t control you. You do. I know it is scary to let go of your eating disorder, but when you do, you will finally feel free. You will be able to live your life and be happy. I have been where you are, and you will find a way out of this. Believe in yourself and always remember that you are beautiful, never give up.”
Southern Smash events will take place in Friendship Circle from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. For more information regarding the organization and the events, visit southernsmash.org.