Connie Martin, Jupiter, 1964:
I've always known I was different. At school all the other girls at school wanted to play with dolls and dress ups. They didn't know what I knew. What I know. They were being taught being different was bad, looking different was bad. They were taught to strive for perfection. And to them, perfection was the same thing. Perfection was to have a perfect looking face, to be petite and tiny, but to have large breasts. Everyone was the same. But I was different. I knew what I wanted in life from an early age. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to help people. I didn't know exactly how, but I knew it was destined for me. I was raised in a wealthy family. My mother of course, was a stay at home mum, and my father, a popular news reporter. I despise them both. I live in the house with older sister Anne. She is a beautiful young lady, although she doesn't see things like I do. She sees things more like my mother. I'm often told I'm so lucky. Mother is always telling us we are beautiful, which isn't wrong. Ironically, contrary to my beliefs, I am physically attractive, which works well for me. I use this as an advantage to get what I want. Particularly from men. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe in being pretty as a lifestyle, but I do know how to look and what to do to bring a man to his knees. Mother, on the other hand, is saying things like this to try and persuade us to grow up and be like her. To marry a rich man and be a housewife. Anne may have fell for her tricks, but I am not as blind when it comes to the world. My dream is to be a famous dancer. It may sound crazy, I'm coming from a wealthy family, I could be anything I wanted, but I want to do something I love. I love dancing. I'm always practicing. This has been my dream since I was a small girl. To tour around the world, doing shows with others who have gifts like me and think the way I do. But there is no way my mother is allowing this. She knows I do this, but she thinks it is a hobby. I am yet to tell her about my dream, however I know they will be shut down as soon as the words leave my mouth. Anyone I tell thinks I'm crazy. All my friends think I'm insane for being the only girl in school, not focused on wanting to 'fall in love.' My sister knows of my dream. She understands, but she still thinks I'm crazy. But tonight is the night I tell my parents. I turn 17 today. I'm so nervous. Maybe they will understand and support my decision. Ha, who am I kidding. I know how they will have a 'strong opinion'. But I still have to try.
