As tweens and teens, we all go through struggles. We struggle with body image, boys, friends, self-esteem, the list goes on. But one teen decided to take her struggle and embrace it. 19-year-old Ciera Swaringen from North Carolina has a rare skin condition called giant congenital melanocytic nevus which causes moles and birthmarks to cover most of her body.

Fortunately, this condition isn't physically harmful to Ciera, but she's dealt with hateful comments about her appearance since she was young. “One day I remember being on the school bus and hearing a young boy laugh at me and call me a spotty dog,” she told Hot Spot Media. “Over time, I've learned to brush off negative comments and remember that most people stare and say cruel things because they're not used to seeing someone with my condition.”

Ciera credits her inspiring positive outlook to growing up in a small town and being around her tight-knit family. “I remember when I started school my mum told me that my birthmarks were angel kisses,” she shared. And though it took time, she's learned to not be ashamed by her differences, but to embrace them instead. Ciera goes to show that no matter what our differences are, everyone is unique in their own way. “Everyone is born to look different,” she says, “and we should all feel beautiful in our own skin.”