I come from a cultural background where fitness is not a goal for women. I grew up among women that were loving, caring, and took care of their families with their amazing cuisine, but, they were all obese.

I am deathly afraid of just falling into the norm for my culture; I mean, people actually expect me to be obese once I have a family of my own!

I have been a long time advocate of healthy and active living, but as a child and teenager, I did not have control over things that affected me, and my health goals. Now, I decide for myself, and constantly motivate those around me.

In March 2010, after my parents got divorced, I moved in with my dad. Unfortunately for me, my father became very ill, and was unable to return to his full time job. This meant that I had to leave college and find a full time job. After working a full time job for a couple of months, I realized that I was barely making ends meet. So, I found a part time job. Now, I was working two jobs, and had about 5 hours to sleep, and do everything else that I needed to do; fitness was the last thing on my mind.

Another bitter sweet situation is that my boyfriend and I love to cook and love to eat! This further contributed to my lost fitness goals!

Earlier this year, I was getting dressed for a special night out with my sisters, and couldn't fit into a dress that I had previously been able to wear. I thought, oh well, and put on something loose. Soon after, I went shopping for clothes; bigger sizes! Though I never shopped for anything over size two; it felt terrible. That's when I realized that I needed to change things.

I have been somewhat active, here and there, for some time, but now I am really motivated! I always tell my cousin, who is a fitness junkie, that "I want to be a little killing machine!"

Oh, and I aspire to be a police officer in the near future. The only reason I haven't applied yet is because of my fitness level. Once I feel confident enough, and satisfied that I can definitely pass the physical test with flying colours, I will apply! I want it so bad! I don't want just a job, I want a career; who said it comes easy?!

Hopefully, I can look back one day, and know that all the aches and hardships were worth it!

Whenever I workout, I love the feeling of accomplishment that it gives me. Though it takes a while to see results, I convince myself that the inner-workings of my body are doing their part as I have done mine. Believe it or not, I actually feel weird when I am not sore from my workouts.