Don't Back Down, by Megan

My name is Megan Besler, and this is my story.

Ever since I was very young, I have wanted to be a singer. It's always been a life-long dream of mine. But growing up wasn't easy for me. I had a rough past dealing with family issues, personal issues, etc. I grew up being made fun of because I was too skinny, wasn't pretty enough, wasn't anywhere near talented enough to be a singer, didn't wear make-up, didn't have the best clothes, etc.

Once I got into middle school, things really took a toll on me. I was bullied because I wasn't as "pretty" as the other girls. I never wore make-up, I never did my hair, I never wore the best name brand clothes. With that said, transitioning into high school was VERY hard for me. I was the music geek, the band geek, the speech nerd. I didn't know who I was, but I knew who I wanted to be. I wanted to be that person everyone could look up to. I wanted to stand out, I just didnt know how to. And when you're from small town Iowa, it's kind of "not allowed" to stand out, and when you try to, you get made fun of even more.

When all I knew was people bringing me down, it was very hard to show my true colors. Even though I had such a passion for singing, it slowly was dying. There were people better than me, and I don't deal with that well. And on top of everything, I didn't have too many friends, and I was still constantly dealing with getting bullied. The last thing I wanted to do was make a fool out of myself singing a solo.

Once out of high school, I stepped into my own shoes. I started modeling, and I started getting more and more "out there" with my singing. I surprised everyone I knew by getting the chance to sing the National Anthem at an Iowa Hawkeye basketball game. But that's not where it ends. I finally got the guts to move out of small town Iowa, and moved to Milwaukee, WI where I was able to sing the National Anthem for the Milwaukee Brewers. That was my 15 seconds of fame. 40,000 people heard Megan Besler break out of her shell! :)

Between high school and now, Ive done SO many things that even in my wildest dreams I could never ever imagine. I have sang for Rascal Flatts, the Milwaukee Brewers, I have been a part in some musicals, I made a PSA for depression that has went viral, I have modeled in fashion shows and been in magazines. So now, here is me. Bright red hair and all :)

I just wanted to put my story out there because though a lot of people don't see the "darkness" in my past, it's there. It haunts me to this day. I overcame depression and thoughts of suicide. Not a lot of people know this about me, but I use to be extremely suicidal. The NOH8 Campaign has not only helped me with realizing I'm worth something, but I hope my photo helps others as well. I have dedicated my life to helping others who deal with the same situations I've dealt with in the past.

Here's to you! Here's to us! Here's to OUR future in being awesome :) Always remember, there are people out there just like you. You will succeed no matter what, and you will be the person youve always wanted to be :)

-Megan Besler