My odd story begins at birth, which was odd in itself. My first breath of oxygen happened simultaneously with my first photoshoot on newborns for Parenting Magazine- what a way to “break” into the industry! Since that moment, it has been nonstop photo shoots, auditions, and meetings.

Growing up in the entertainment industry is not really glitz and glamour. Doing homework usually consists of “how many problems could I get done between scenes” and father-daughter time is spent in the making of self-tapes. The photo studio was my playground and an old white studio backdrop was my art canvas. I missed out on soccer tryouts, play rehearsals, and hanging out with school friends. I watched everyone else’s friendships grow stronger as I hopped on the train for an audition in Manhattan.

This is not to say I haven’t enjoyed it. I was not exploited by my parents’ desires, in fact, I relished every moment of it. Being in this industry has taught me countless lessons: from rejection to professionalism, to how to eat spaghetti without getting a single stain or wrinkle on my white shirt. I made such close friends in the hours I waited at castings that auditions became play dates and shoots became parties.

Regardless of all the amazing things I believe come with growing up in the industry, the reality of it is being constantly surrounded by lights and cameras. After 18 years, it can be exhausting. Heck, it can be exhausting after one day for many people. If you hate the way your eyes feel after the flash goes off on an iPhone, you probably weren't a child model. You either hate it, or soak up every second of it in enjoyment. Luckily, I'm the latter.

As I have spent my entire life in front of the camera, the technical aspect always seemed so mysterious, intriguing, and out of reach. With the increase in my age came an increase in my determination to find out how others perceived the world from the other side of the lens. I began studying technical theatre at LaGuardia High School which pushed my curiosity to boundaries I had not seen before, but there was still something I yearned to learn and pursue: film.

Growing up in the industry can have all kinds of impacts on your wellbeing and prospective future. For some, it makes them realize they would absolutely never want to continue it. Nice. For others, it opens an array of possibilities for their future that they may stick with for the rest of their lives. Great. And then... there's me. My experience in modeling led me to discover my passion for film- although it may not be directly related to the occupation itself. Fantastic.

I believe being a "child model" helps you discover who you are. It gives children the opportunity to explore a potential career path at a young age and in addition, can help you break out of your shell. At least, it has helped me do so.

Of course, you can do so in other ways... but where's the glamour in that?