4 minute read
Meet The Covergirl
I value traditions, heritage, and culture; although I am not necessarily complying or agreeing to the rules. I am proud to be biracial - representing my Vietnamese and Caucasian Heritage. I love having people guess my nationality - most are surprised to hear that I am Vietnamese and can understand the language! I grew up with my grandparents and mother’s side of the family speaking Vietnamese to me, and it is important to me to know and practice the language to preserve the culture.
Volunteering and studying abroad in South Africa, I met and celebrated people’s own culture and beauty, and I believe that we should applaud each culture and race for their uniqueness. Furthermore, I love working and spending time with diverse groups, teams, family, and friends, and participate in many volunteering events. I believe that my uniqueness is the combination of experiences I have lived. By definition, I believe that beauty is much more than just an external factor.
WHAT IS YOUR QUOTE TO LIVE BY?
WHAT SHOULD OTHER WOMEN KNOW ABOUT BEING IN THE MODELING INDUSTRY?
Stay true to yourself and your beliefs and values. Modeling gives what you put into it.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 20-YEAR OLD SELF IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME?
I would tell my younger self to have patience and empathy for others, especially your loved ones.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? IN TEN?
I am an avid believer in pursuing education and feel very fortunate for the opportunities to be able to do so here in America. Speech and debate were the most impactful extracurriculars I did throughout my youth. I have always loved public speaking, and the opportunity to story tell and influence positive change through your words and speech. Progressing further inro my professional career, it’s a goal of mine to become a professor and lecturer to give back to the youth of America through education. Within five years, I plan to get my master’s degree in a field of Engineering. I want to earn and complete my Ph.D. and eventually be a professor within
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU?
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?
I am a huge lover of all things dance and yoga. I’ve been studio trained in dance since I was a little girl and I genuinely feel happiest when I am dancing. It has been the biggest blessing getting back into the dance studio and working towards continuously improving and perfecting my craft.
Besides spending time with my loved ones, I enjoy traveling to new places whence I can appreciate and take in the different arts, dance, theatre, and museums each new city has to offer. There are always new things to learn and see, and personal growth is rewarding and worth investing in.
I’ve found that traveling to new places enhances my empathy and appreciate diversity and other cultures. This has helped me be more engaged in volunteering for great social causes. I currently serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Council for my company. I hope to help others through the volunteering events I help organize or participate in whenever my weekends allow.
McKenzie Starr for ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: @abbyleary_photography
McKenzie Starr is a recent graduate of Texas A&M’s College of Engineering. During her time at Texas A&M, she served on the Sounding Rocketry Team, the Women in Engineering Program, and multiple engineering organizations. Her passions include science, technology, and serving as a role model and example for younger girls wanting to break ground in the STEM field.
Contact McKenzie on Instagram @mckenziestarr
