Does a New Dress Change You?

It was a Saturday morning. I was about 13. I do remember that cloudy chilly fall day in Ukraine.

I was so excited because it was one of the rare trips to to the near town called Shepetivka to a big street market.

Winter was coming, so it was time to buy my sister and I some warm winter clothes. My parents had a pay day.

I couldn’t sleep the night before anticipating the thrill of shopping.

We didn’t get to shop often, and my wardrobe was not only limited, it mainly consisted of worn old clothing.

Facing open or silent mockery at school from my peers was a usual thing that I kind of got used to, but it still was painful each time.

Our budget was limited. And we had to be rational. So, my parents used to buy much bigger clothes for us so they could last for 3–4 seasons.

My initial excitement of the new item would wear off quickly after the judging and awkward looks from my school mates.

I guess, clothing with a couple of years of growth to it produced that effect on others.

I survived but it had its impact on my self-image and my personal value.

Growing up poor made me feel I wasn’t good enough and didn’t deserve nice things like other kids.