Most of us have watched America’s Next Top Model at least once and it always inspires some fleeting dream of becoming a model. I can tell you I’ve watched too much of that show so the dream is very much alive. So when I saw Her Campus was holding an open casting call for their annual College Fashion Week in DC, I had to apply. I honestly didn’t expect to hear back from them even though they said they welcomed all shapes and sizes because I’m a terrible cynic sometimes. So when I got an email telling me I was in, I was beyond ecstatic and immensely impatient for that weekend to come.
When the weekend did finally arrive I got to meet and bond with my fellow contributors Juliane and Mary, other girls from George Mason University, and girls from all over Virginia and Maryland. I was only with these girls for day and by the end of it I felt like I had known them forever. There was so much time between fittings, getting our hair and makeup done, and putting together swag bags to chat and find common interests. I honestly can say I haven’t laughed that much in a very long time. This event was all about empowering women and showcasing the average college girl. There was no arrogance or focus on model like beauty being the ideal. They really were showcasing all shapes and sizes. There was absolutely nothing cookie cutter about these models.
I also had the immense pleasure of meeting one of our founders, Windsor Western. She was actively involved in the whole modeling process. She was with us putting together goodie bags, teaching us how to walk like models, telling us when we were going next, and being the host of the show, all while having her baby girl with her.
I loved every minute of my experience and got to achieve my small dream of being a model for a day. I would do it again in a heartbeat and encourage all of you next year to put in an application of they return to DC.
Photo Credit: Mary Sauter
Photo Credit: Monthly Gift