I spent the past 6 days in a foreign, fast paced area and of course, loved every second of the adventure. I am now back in my hometown of Dublin, Ohio and ever since we drove back into our city, I can’t help but to keep thinking about all I’ve learned within the past few days of exploring. Since today is Monday, and I cannot get it off my mind, I have to share my lessons with you all before I explode.
1) I learned: I absolutely love the big city…and man, does it keep you awake!
My friends and I had the opportunity of staying in a hotel right smack dab in the middle of the city! It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I mean, you step outside this hotel and are instantly surrounded by buildings taller than you could ever imagine and people walking every which way possible. The energy is contagious! Being right in the middle of the city, I felt like if I fell asleep for more than a minute, I would be missing something happening outside of the hotel. Also, being surrounded by such amazing designer shops such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Top Shop, I could not help but to constantly think of ideas on how to start my own brand.
If I learned one thing about this city, it is that living here would make me hella productive.
2) I learned: You always have to try something once (if it is not illegal)
About a week before going to Chicago, I was asked if I would like to compete in a pageant. If you know anything about me, it is that I NEVER say “no” to an opportunity. I take every opportunity I get because you ALWAYS get something out of any experience. So, I quickly prepared to compete, which I had NEVER done before I remind you, and then I competed. I did not win, but the overall experience was absolutely amazing. I met girls who had been training for this moment their whole lives, some I would even say “groomed” to be pageant winners. It was such an interesting experience and I am so glad I can now say I have competed in a state beauty pageant. It is the truth when I say the Pageant world is a different world; but I was welcomed with open arms, and that is all I could’ve asked for! Competing and not knowing anything about pageantry at all put me in such a vulnerable state, and I can honestly say I walked out of that place so much stronger. I kept telling my best friend who spent the entire day by my side, “If I get anything out of competing in this pageant, it is going to be some balls!”
I got up on stage and did my thing. I didn’t do the “pageant” thing, because well…I am still not quite sure what that would even entail, but I did do MY thing. And I was unique, that is for sure. I stood out. People were intrigued. I had multiple sets of parents come up to me saying they could have never guessed it was my first time competing. I had girls astonished that I got up there and tried (since I had never, ever done it before). Overall, I learned that my philosophy on always taking up an opportunity is true. You always want to try something once. If it’s not illegal ;)
3) I learned: My height sucks. Big time.
Walking into agencies with my book in hand that I have worked SO hard this past year to prepare was exciting, yes. But having the agencies not even take a second look at you because you aren’t 5’8 really, really sucked. I’ve spent almost a year now preparing to step foot in front of these agencies and show them what I’ve done, who I am, and what I am capable of. I went to three big agencies in the Chicago area. Ford saw me, glanced, and handed me a sheet of paper directing me to other agencies that may choose to give me the time of day. I’m too short for them, basically. Factor saw me, I told them my height, and said “Actually, we only sign people on who are 5’8 or taller. I’m sorry.” I’m too short, again. After being denied, I still tried to ask Factor if they could at least take a look at my book so I could have a professional opinion. I got the response, “We don’t really do consultations here,” and directed me towards the door. Taken back, I held my breath and thought “I’ve been warned about this. 100 No’s before that one YES!”
With all my eggs left in one basket, I walked into BMG hopeful they would at least consider looking at my book. Thankfully, BMG gave me the time of day. She took my comp card and I am waiting to hear back.
After being shunned for being 5’6, I decided I had to transition my mindset a little from what I had coming into the trip. Instead of it being a “Model business trip” as I had planned, I transitioned my thinking into it being a “Fun Girl’s vacation”! And that is EXACTLY what it ended up being! I would never trade these past six days for anything. I grew so close to the family that took me with them and we all had an absolute blast as we thrived in each other’s company.
4) I learned I was fortunate to grow up in such a nice area
I’ve started realizing this blessing ever since I began adventuring outside of my comfort zone about a year ago. I grew up in Dublin, Ohio which is where I still live today and even though I did not realize how fortunate I was to live in such a grand area growing up- I definitely do now. Coming back from a week of vacation is always a drag, but as we drove into Dublin, I felt happy to call it my “Home”. After vacationing in the fast paced and eager city of Chicago, post vaca-depression was almost inevitable; but if I had to choose anywhere to come home to, Dublin would be it.
1) I learned: I absolutely love the big city…and man, does it keep you awake!
My friends and I had the opportunity of staying in a hotel right smack dab in the middle of the city! It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I mean, you step outside this hotel and are instantly surrounded by buildings taller than you could ever imagine and people walking every which way possible. The energy is contagious! Being right in the middle of the city, I felt like if I fell asleep for more than a minute, I would be missing something happening outside of the hotel. Also, being surrounded by such amazing designer shops such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Top Shop, I could not help but to constantly think of ideas on how to start my own brand.
If I learned one thing about this city, it is that living here would make me hella productive.
2) I learned: You always have to try something once (if it is not illegal)
About a week before going to Chicago, I was asked if I would like to compete in a pageant. If you know anything about me, it is that I NEVER say “no” to an opportunity. I take every opportunity I get because you ALWAYS get something out of any experience. So, I quickly prepared to compete, which I had NEVER done before I remind you, and then I competed. I did not win, but the overall experience was absolutely amazing. I met girls who had been training for this moment their whole lives, some I would even say “groomed” to be pageant winners. It was such an interesting experience and I am so glad I can now say I have competed in a state beauty pageant. It is the truth when I say the Pageant world is a different world; but I was welcomed with open arms, and that is all I could’ve asked for! Competing and not knowing anything about pageantry at all put me in such a vulnerable state, and I can honestly say I walked out of that place so much stronger. I kept telling my best friend who spent the entire day by my side, “If I get anything out of competing in this pageant, it is going to be some balls!”
I got up on stage and did my thing. I didn’t do the “pageant” thing, because well…I am still not quite sure what that would even entail, but I did do MY thing. And I was unique, that is for sure. I stood out. People were intrigued. I had multiple sets of parents come up to me saying they could have never guessed it was my first time competing. I had girls astonished that I got up there and tried (since I had never, ever done it before). Overall, I learned that my philosophy on always taking up an opportunity is true. You always want to try something once. If it’s not illegal ;)
3) I learned: My height sucks. Big time.
Walking into agencies with my book in hand that I have worked SO hard this past year to prepare was exciting, yes. But having the agencies not even take a second look at you because you aren’t 5’8 really, really sucked. I’ve spent almost a year now preparing to step foot in front of these agencies and show them what I’ve done, who I am, and what I am capable of. I went to three big agencies in the Chicago area. Ford saw me, glanced, and handed me a sheet of paper directing me to other agencies that may choose to give me the time of day. I’m too short for them, basically. Factor saw me, I told them my height, and said “Actually, we only sign people on who are 5’8 or taller. I’m sorry.” I’m too short, again. After being denied, I still tried to ask Factor if they could at least take a look at my book so I could have a professional opinion. I got the response, “We don’t really do consultations here,” and directed me towards the door. Taken back, I held my breath and thought “I’ve been warned about this. 100 No’s before that one YES!”
With all my eggs left in one basket, I walked into BMG hopeful they would at least consider looking at my book. Thankfully, BMG gave me the time of day. She took my comp card and I am waiting to hear back.
After being shunned for being 5’6, I decided I had to transition my mindset a little from what I had coming into the trip. Instead of it being a “Model business trip” as I had planned, I transitioned my thinking into it being a “Fun Girl’s vacation”! And that is EXACTLY what it ended up being! I would never trade these past six days for anything. I grew so close to the family that took me with them and we all had an absolute blast as we thrived in each other’s company.
4) I learned I was fortunate to grow up in such a nice area
I’ve started realizing this blessing ever since I began adventuring outside of my comfort zone about a year ago. I grew up in Dublin, Ohio which is where I still live today and even though I did not realize how fortunate I was to live in such a grand area growing up- I definitely do now. Coming back from a week of vacation is always a drag, but as we drove into Dublin, I felt happy to call it my “Home”. After vacationing in the fast paced and eager city of Chicago, post vaca-depression was almost inevitable; but if I had to choose anywhere to come home to, Dublin would be it.