When I submitted this self-portrait to the contest “Little Me” to the Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine, I had no idea that the issue was going to be about authenticity. And honestly, I don’t know which of the two honor me more: the fact that I was published as one of the finalist, or that my painting was chosen as part of the authenticity theme. This publication reminded me that nobody can validate or approve my dreams and what it is my heart; only the courage of being authentic can lead the way.