It was on Olivia Hotschil’s first day of primary school when she realised that she was different from the other children.
‘I walked into school and it was like ”bam”, you’re different. And I was like ”oh really”,’ the now-22-year-old.
She would look in the mirror, but couldn’t understand the face that was staring back at her.
Olivia Hotschil (pictured) was in her first day at school when she realised she was different
Olivia lives with a facial affliction known as craniofrontonasal dysplasia (CFND) and has found it to fit in with others her whole life.
She is hoping the release of the new movie Wonder will showcase struggles she is familiar with after growing up with the disfigurement.
The film depicts the true events played out in Auggie Pullman’s life, who suffers from a rare condition known as ‘mandibulofacial dysostosis’.
Actors Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson appear in the film with Jacob Tremblay portraying Auggie.
She lives with a facial affliction known as craniofrontonasal dysplasia (CFND)
Her journey to self-acceptance is much alike the one retold in the new movie which has already been released in Australia and has found success in the US box office.
Auggie struggled to transition to mainstream school after originally having lessons at home.
A hashtag encouraging people across the world to ‘choose kindness’ has been trending internationally.
Olivia, who can relate to Auggie’s story, is excited the film promotes acceptance – what she has been craving her whole life.
‘I’m hoping, and the thing is it’s not just about me it’s about the other families and communities that have these people… they are so desperate to have awareness,’ Olivia told Today Tonight.
She says she could have easily filled the main star role and been able to offer the same insights into how she is treated.
Olivia was bullied and spent a lot of time alone, usually retreating to bathrooms to hide.
The 22-year-old was bullied and suffered dearly through her schooling years
‘It takes a lot to make somebody hate themselves, the constant torment and the constant reassurance, you are literally just your condition,’ she said.
At times Olivia was made to feel worthless and offered no other value than acting as a punching bag.
Her mother Jillian would not only have to protect her daughter from the harm of bullies, but from harming herself.
She would miss more days than when she was there, while dealing with mental health complexities as a result of the cruel kids.