Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this club and haven't had much of a chance to read back on
previous posts, so sorry if this seems really random. :o)

My name's Lauren and I'm 14 years old. I was born with cleft lip and
palate. It's really nice to come across this, as I knew all about
cleft lip and palate, but I hadn't really looked into any clubs
and/or charities involved with people like me :o)

Not everyone likes the way they look, especially me. I have a scar
from my cleft lip, though not a very visable one, and pretty f***ked
up teeth (Sorry excuse my french) Admittedly my looks have drove me
to tears sometimes. But I have learnt that looks aren't everything.
For others to respect you, you must first repect yourself. I have
oodles loads of confidence, because I've learnt to be happy with what
I look like and to be enjoy living life, whatever way it has been
dealt to be. Although it is fair for everyone to want to feel loved,
I am glad to have my friends and family, who I know love me very
much, as I love them. Us girls all know that lads mature slower than
us, but they soon realise that a person cannot stay attractive for
long if they have no personality. Personality is what counts, it
makes you the person you are. It is your personality that will shine
through and show what a great person you truly are. Even though I may
look different from other people, I choose to look at it from an
optimistic perspective. I'm unique, I stand out from the crowd. I'm a
singer, and it's really quite of coincidence. After all I'm lucky to
be able to sing, speak and express myself to the world. I just love
being alive. :o)