A quick search of the popular hashtag #EffYourBeautyStandards will show both women and men who are posting photos of themselves embracing their bodies and expressing their thoughts on self-acceptance and self-love.

This trend was started by Tess Munster, who is known for being the first size 22 plus-size professional model to be signed to a major modeling agency, Milk Models.

“I think that it’s important that people like plus size models embrace who they are and showcase it,” said sophomore Courtney Jackson. “This helps people know that whatever they are is beautiful, too. That’s how people will accept themselves, when they see people like that and know they’re not different.”

Munster has started this movement to enforce the idea that society’s expectations of a “perfect” body and favoritism of thinness should be demolished. She is one of the most prominent faces of the body positivity movement and has been making a great change amongst her fan base.

In an interview with “Parade,” Munster said, “I had to grow a thick skin. I started sticking up for myself online. I had to learn self preservation.”

It is through her confidence that others have found confidence of their own, learning that society’s standards are not what define an individual as beautiful or acceptable.

“In my opinion, there is no such thing as perfect and I think that’s the main problem with society,” said sophomore Amanda Moneta.

Many young women seem to be under the impression that they need to look like their favorite Hollywood stars. This contributes to the idea that being a certain size with a certain look and a certain attitude is what makes you socially acceptable.

Munster encourages everyone to celebrate their bodies no matter what size they are.

“Imagine how powerful we would be as a society if we loved as hard as we hated,” she said.

A few factors that can aid in developing body positivity include learning to stop comparing ourselves to others, knowing that what others say isn’t always true and surrounding ourselves with supportive people is a must.

“If people don’t embrace themselves now, they’ll regret it later. So if you want to wear a bikini, go for it,” said freshman Katie O’Brien.

There are several famous starlets like Meghan Trainor and Demi Lovato who support the message of this movement. With a hit single like “All About That Bass” and similar movements such as “Love is Louder than the Pressure to Be Perfect,” fans and viewers are opening up to having a positive sense of sense physically and mentally. When you have icons like these, including Munster, to serve as an inspiration of loving the skin you’re in, society’s standards begin to be pushed aside.

“I like that not only with this movement but others out right now are showcasing that there isn’t just one type of beautiful,” said junior Sarah Dembek.

The #EffYourBeautyStandards is only becoming a stronger force online. Tess Munster acts upon her movement and reminds everyone that they can rise above bullies and body shaming and accept the beauty they were born with.