#MyBodyStory is a series of reader submitted pieces about what it’s like to live in your body. Because every body has a story, and every story deserves to be heard.

Do you have a #MyBodyStory to share? Send it to [email protected]

And now, here is Moa’s Body Story:

The opinions expressed in #MyBodyStory are the writer’s own.

I live with my mom and sister, Maja. My mom is so happy that I came into her life. When I was a little girl, she taught me how to speak sign language so I could communicate. She thinks I am perfect just the way I am!

I currently attend a special school, which I love. I like to play theater, sing, and I own a lot of movies that I watch in a special order. I also have a little plastic doll who I talk to sometimes, she is with me always.

I also like to travel! Last year we went to the USA and took a road trip from Colorado to Los Angeles. It was a lot of fun! I was also a model in a show last year called “Icons.” It was so much fun, and I’m so proud of myself. The show featured 21 people with Down Syndrome. I really liked being a model. In September I went to a theater camp in Portugal. It’s a lot of fun there when I am with my friends.

I am just an ordinary girl like anyone else. What makes me different? Maybe I have a bad temper? Maybe you have light hair?

I don’t know how it feels to not have Down Syndrome. I was born in this body and I like me just the way I am.

My life is different in some ways. One is that I go to special school. One is that I don’t understand all that you do or that I takes me more time.

If you meet anyone with a disability you should act as if we are someone without it. Talk to me as if I’m your friend! If you re not being honest I will notice and feel it, and I will probably not like you. But if you just be yourself we will get along just fine!

I am perfect just the way I am :)