For years, I believed I was “different.” Not because I truly felt that way — but because others told me I was. I was bullied for my body, for my looks — for things I had little control over. Their words cut deep. They made me feel small.
But today, I stand tall.
Not because I’ve forgotten those moments, but because I’ve grown stronger through them. I’ve learned that I am not my insecurities. I am not the comments of others.
I am Marieke — and that is enough.
Because every body deserves respect.

Bodyshaming and online bullying are still far too common. I know what it’s like to carry the weight of cruel words. I know how they can shape your self-image, your confidence, and your belief in yourself. But my past did more than hurt me — it shaped me. It showed me that vulnerability is not weakness — it’s power. And silence is no longer an option.

That’s why I turned my experience into a mission.
Thanks to my journey in the Miss Teen Nederland competition, I’ve found a platform and I use it to speak up.
My advocacy is not just about raising awareness. It’s about connection. It’s about change. It’s about standing together against shame, judgment, and hate and replacing them with respect, support, and understanding.

I am incredibly grateful for everything the pageant journey has brought me not just the titles, but the voice it gave me. I’ve had the opportunity to represent more than a region — I represent a message:
✨ That beauty is diverse.
✨ That worth is not measured by weight, shape, or likes.
✨ That we all belong.

And it doesn’t stop there. I’m proud to serve as a Young Ambassador for Lions Netherlands, where I continue this mission internationally. On October 6th, 7th, and 8th, I will travel to Dublin to speak about bodyshaming and online bullying, and how we can build a world where everyone feels seen, safe, and celebrated.

This is not just my story. It’s the story of so many young people who are told they’re not enough.
Together, we are rewriting that story — with love, courage, and unstoppable voices.

This is for every girl who’s ever looked in the mirror and doubted herself.
This is for every boy who felt too different to belong.
This is for you. You are enough. Always.