As I was approaching campus this morning, I realized today was the last day I would be on campus. Today is the last day to take notes, hand in final assignments; the last day at George Mason University. It came to mind that from this moment on I was in a real world, where decisions are to be made; bills are to be paid, career and long term goals to take effect. What was I trying to pursue for so many years here at Mason? While my major is Communication, the idea of pursuing a model career, whether it is long-term or short-term isn’t quite clear. Although I enjoy and have a great passion for modeling is it the path I would like to walk through?

            Being a model definitely has its perks and great aspects; however, is it a realistic long-term career? Maybe. Modeling has always had a down side in my opinion, there is so much involvement and social networking involved that by the time you find something weeks have passed. It’s very unstable, you’re needed one whole week then the following week your not. With so much competition and different looks, the industry has become much harder to be allowed the opportunity to move up as a professional model. With only months to plan my next move in life, I will have to find it within the deepest parts of my heart to pursue a childhood dream of becoming that famous model I always dreamt of. Who knows, I might just be the next America’s Next Top Model.  

Today was the last day for the final decisions to be made for the auditions held last month for an upcoming fashion show in Maryland. Early this morning I came into work thinking nothing of the day other than it being Cinco de Mayo. Throughout the day I was fully entertained with co-workers, chatting away and laughing at our never ending jokes and stories. As the day progressed, I realized what the day really meant; it was the final day for call-backs. I became more and more worried as the day continued because I was not receiving any calls or messages about this event.

            I came home around 7 o’clock p.m. and l still I had not received a call. An hour passed and I decided that today, this model was not getting called back. I was upset. Why hadn’t they selected me? Was I too confident? I’m still not sure. What I do know is that I can’t have them all. Rejection is part of growing in this industry, some will like you more than others, and others simply won’t. I took this rejection and embraced it as a learning experience, and with this lesson to be learned, I will go to my next audition taking in mind that anything is possible

I was on my way to class this morning and just as I was entering the classroom I received a text message. It was from a young lady I met from last week’s photo shoot in Washington, DC. The message was an invitation to join her team for an upcoming commercial shoot next weekend. I responded within seconds assuring her I was free and that I would be more than glad to attend the event. How exciting, it’s been months since I had aired on the premiere of America’s Next Top Model.

            All day I thought about this commercial. What was it for? Will it be aired local or national? Either way I was excited. I continued my day as normal, went to college wrapping up my final semester than straight to work to finish at 9. I came home and sat down to read my e-mails and making a note of this day to assure I would be free. What do you know; I already have another event that same day!        

            What could I do now? I have an amazing fashion show at the Mandarin Hotel and now a great opportunity for a spot on a commercial. I guess this is just like any other decision, go for what’s going to make you happiest. I’m still not certain what I will do, but I do know that this is part of being great at what I do. I have the option to choose what events I’D like to do. This is all part of the model’s world.  

I walked into Olive Garden for lunch today with my mom and I was immediately stopped by a random man. “Hello dear, I’m sorry; I just wanted to say you should be a model.” I stared at my mom who was of course smiling, and she laughed and turned to the man and proudly said, “She is a model sir, thank you.”  Confusing as this may seem I was not happy. Don’t get me wrong I love modeling, but constantly being told the same thing gets old. I don’t get it, I’m 5’10 and I weigh 120 lbs., so is that an automatic model?  

            After being placed at a table, my mom and I begin talking and catching up from the past few days we hadn’t seen each other. It was nice and relaxing, well it “was” until our waiter comes and asks us for our order. Right when I was getting ready to ask for the yummy saucy shrimp fettuccini platter, the waiter says: “I know what you want, you want a salad.” I’m sure he was waiting for me to smile, instead I quickly replied, “Actually no I don’t, but thanks for the clever assumption.”

            Ok so now its, 5’10, 120 lbs and a salad eater? What is this? Ok world, I may possibly be a model, but just like any other profession, it stays at work. A basketball player does not dribble his ball into a club or at a restaurant right? Same goes for models, we are models at work, outside of work were just like anyone else. So please, acknowledge us as “regular” it would be much appreciated.  

What a day, beginning with a stood up photo shoot and ending with what seemed a never ending model audition. There were so many girls in line waiting to be seen by the judges, my number was 164. Could you imagine 163 girls waiting in line before me, anxious to know if they would be chosen to model for Mr. EmoreJ? The wait was dreadful especially being surrounded by other beautiful girls. Girl’s eyes would stare up and slowly work their irises down searching every flaw of who they thought was a possible threat or competition to them. I just laugh in my head. It’s ridiculous really, how some girls are intimidated by other girl’s looks.

            I guess I’ve seen it happen way too much. Beautiful girls coming in thinking all they would need is their look, but then has THE worst walk ever! You can be amazingly beautiful, hell stunning, but if your walk isn’t there, then you might as well forget about it. “No, next,” those were the most heard words of the day by the casting judge. My nerves eventually come to me as my place in line comes closer. I try to smile it off or think of things that could be worse. “Model 164, please approach the stage,” said the judge. Here I go! It’s my turn now, you can do it Korina.

            Walking back to my line I do not hear those dreadful words, “No Next,” instead I heard “Thank You, Next.” I made it! As brutal as it was, the casting judge knows what they want for the show. Too bad for the other girls who didn’t make it, but Couture Fashion Week here I come!