Nicole Martin is a senior majoring in public health.

If you told me a month ago I was going to dance in my lingerie in front of the my peers at GW, I never would’ve believed you. But two weeks ago I did, and it was the best decision of my life.

Over the summer, I constantly talked how badly I wanted to audition for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I fantasized about looking incredibly thin and gorgeous on stage. I wanted to prove to my former self that I was no longer the awkward, fat, friendless kid in the corner that everyone bullied. Rocky Horror was the perfect motivation for my weight loss. I was cast in the ensemble and I would no longer be “tubby, nerdy Nicole.”

Before the show, I dieted intensely and based my life around an exercise regime. Having a perfect body for the production meant everything. But two weeks before our opening night reality came crashing through: I wasn’t thin enough.

I nearly cried during our first lap dance practice and hyperventilated at the thought of stripping off my clothing. Being in my skin felt nauseating and I thought I had to quit. But rather than just giving up on me, my castmates took the time to understand my discomfort. With each baby step I took, my fears started to fade away.

The night before we opened was when everything came together. I stood on stage singing “The Time Warp” after our final run-through, and everything from weight loss to embarrassment escaped my mind. The Marvin Center Grand Ballroom brimmed with love. I became a part of a 21-year-old tradition at GW to build self-acceptance for anyone and everyone. My appearance no longer mattered.

I felt good in my skin. I felt love in my skin. My skin was the right skin.

Of course, not all of my insecurities have disappeared after participating in Rocky Horror, but the production definitely shifted my perspective. Our campus constantly participates in a dialogue about beauty standards and self-love. However, we all spend countless hours editing our Instagram photos for the perfect filter. Our world is completely distorted and accomplishment-orientated. I’ve learned that the best way to challenge it is action.

Forty years ago, Richard O’Brien shocked America with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rocky builds a safe haven for vulnerability. Rocky nurtures your vulnerability into strength. Rocky challenges your insecurities until you face them. Rocky moves at your pace. Rocky teaches that you are capable of demolishing the uncomfortable. Rocky reminds you that you matter – not filtered you, just you.

So no, your body isn’t the wrong shape or size to audition for Rocky Horror. You won’t look bad in a corset. It won’t be embarrassing. By the time it’s over, you’ll forget you ever cared about those minor details. Rocky gives you a place to nurture the everlasting light inside of you that just wants to be free.

Take the challenge, audition for Rocky Horror next year and experience a truly “only at GW” moment like no other.