Keep Going

Written by Dejah Sartin

Who knew that a global pandemic could bring on new opportunities. During quarantine, I was scouted by countless agencies domestically and internationally which ended up with me finally being signed to one of the top fashion modeling agencies in the world, Select Model Chicago, formerly known as MP Management. Due to COVID-19, agencies would not allow potential models to go into the office for open calls as they transitioned to scout online. From Zooming with agents in Sweden and London to managing my own shoots, I had to start navigating through a process that was a blessing and nontraditional at the same time. I often imagined what it would be like if I wasn’t stuck at home and traveling to so many new and beautiful places. Modeling allows one to explore new horizons and meet so many people, which I was missing out on. Yet, that did not stop me. I kept up my portfolio by shooting digitals and keeping the looks simple to show off my natural beauty. Deep inside I knew that with my perseverance, something good would come out of it. Using Instagram, I was able to use hashtags for specific agencies so that just maybe, by chance, someone could see the work I have been putting in and would be willing to work with me. I wasn’t looking to get signed, but to get noticed, and eventually, that day came. By using the hashtag SELECT on a simple photo, I got scouted by my amazing agent Jessie Sardina. My first encounter with SELECT was a brutal open call where they said no to about 20 of us at once. Hearing constant “No”s, “Come again in six months”, “we already have a girl that looks like you”, or “try again later”, time after time never stopped me. Modeling has become one of my passions and drives me to be better and push myself. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that a fire ignited inside of me. However, I waited until I became more interested in it to start pursuing modeling as a second career. I am not someone who is defined by modeling. I am strong, intelligent, and have a calling to help others. Currently, I am graduating with a Bachelor’s in biology with a minor in women’s and gender studies striving towards my true passion which is to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice. I want to open my own clinics in countries that do not have resources and specialize in fetal development as well as women’s health. Both of these career paths take dedication and I won’t let anything stop me. Whether it be helping others or modeling for highend brands, through my aspirations, I have found that if you truly want anything in life, you will make it happen no matter what. So always go after what you want in life no matter how many nos are thrown your way and no matter what, keep going. ▪