An actress was told she would never land a leading part by her teacher - all because of her burns that bullies compared to "lizard skin".
Afia Fields, 31, has been mocked for her appearance since suffering severe burns as a child.
Afia, from Baltimore, Maryland, US, was caught in a house fire in March 1993 when she was three years old.
She suffered horrific third degree burns across 70 per cent of her body and was in a coma for two months.
Since the fire, Afia has had more than 100 surgeries.
“I’ve had my challenges and still do,” she said.
"Some people stare, which I don’t like, and some people ask about it, which I don’t mind.
“I’ve also encountered a few ignorant comments as well, such as people saying I have ‘lizard skin’ or that I’m ugly.
“I’m beyond it all, as I remind myself every day. I truly love me and though it’s tough at times, I’m thankful to be here alive today.”
Afia became an actress after realising how much she loves to perform for people, but was initially advised not to go into the profession.
“My teacher in high school told me that I would never play a Juliet because of my scars,” she said.
“I have absolutely experienced discrimination in my career of acting. It’s something I battle with now.”
Afia also works as a motivational speaker, raising awareness of the struggles that burns victims suffer and inspiring people facing their own challenges.
“I inspire people going through all sorts of life problems. I motivate people - so I’m told - and that is my goal," she added.
“My role is to educate everyone about the burn community and break the idea of what ‘pretty’ is.
“I’m human. I cry. I bleed. I breathe.
“It was an accident that happened when I was a baby, and I strive everyday to be thankful and live life. There was a point where I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk… so now I’m living.
“People are going to stare so I give them something to look at.”
