Keira Hornyak wrote “staying positive” on a banner that read “How Do You Love Your Body?” on Turlington Plaza on Wednesday.
The UF political science junior was one of about 76 students who signed a message for Her Campus UFL and She’s the First UF’s annual Love Your Body Day, said Victoria Messina, the campus correspondent for Her Campus UFL.
This was the first time Her Campus UFL partnered with the UF organization, which raises money for girls’ education in developing countries.
The two organizations partnered together because they both focus on women’s issues, said Jacquelyn Hoza, the president of She’s the First UF.
Messina said the event aimed to help women appreciate their bodies and reflect on their diversity.
Women of different races and religions should be acknowledged and celebrated, but they aren’t always portrayed in the mainstream media, she said.
Hornyak, 21, said she believes it’s important for events like this to remind students to stay positive. Students tend to get wrapped up in a negative mentality.
Marla Manes, an 18-year-old UF sustainability studies freshman, said women shouldn’t diet all the time.
“You can’t just restrict your body to eating healthy all the time,” Manes said. “You have to treat yourself.”
Other girls took pictures with banners that read “Hey Justin Biebs... I already love myself!” They also handed out shampoo, eyeliner and 5-hour Energy samples.
“The goal is to encourage girls to stop at our table and take a step back from all the madness and take a second to appreciate themselves for who they are,” Messina said.
