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The year was 2016, the iPhone 7 had just come out and there was an intense presidential election that was going on in the United States. I was only 20 years old at the time and I had this desire of going off to Paris for the spring/summer Fashion Week shows and to try my hand at modeling. I have never traveled outside of the country before (let alone going by myself) and I didn't speak a word of French, but I was so determined, eager, and excited to embark on such a journey! As we all may know, Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Getting a modeling assignment in Paris (whether is walking in the fashion week or getting signed by a French model agency) is a big accomplishment for an aspiring model. Breaking into the modeling industry isn't 'easy peasy', but it is all about preserving, being fierce, and going after your dreams! Coming from North Carolina, the thought of even going to Paris seemed nearly impossible for a person like me, but I wanted to break that barrier and I was so determined to make my dreams come true! When I've arrived in Paris, I was very lost and quite anxious. I didn't have cellular service nor did I spoke a word of French. I didn't know my way around the city and me trying to find the fashion show venues and the modeling agencies were a bit of a hassle! I'm not going to lie, I was crying in the cobbled stone streets of Paris and I was even regretting my decision of leaving the United States like that. But I've pulled myself together and what do you know, seconds later as I pulled my head up from crying, the modeling agency was right there! Right there in front of my face! I wasted all that time crying and guilt-tripping myself instead of walking into that modeling agency like the confident 'little lion' that I am. Once I did walk in there, the agents of that agency did like my look and my fashion choices for that day, but they told me I had to get signed in New York first for us to move on any further. Sadly, all the other agencies in Paris had turned me down as well, but I did get to experience the runway shows such as Dries Van Noten and Wanda Nylon and my goodness! Everything was exquisite! I enjoyed the French fashion aesthetic and the energy of fellow show goers. I've met so many incredible people during that time and even had my photos taken for several fashion publications. At the end of all of this, I am glad I had gone on that trip for the experience and to see a new culture. Although I did not get signed, I saw so many things that people from my hometown dreamt of seeing! Not to make this into another sappy 'go follow your dreams' travel story, but I really encourage you folks to go see the world. It is anxiety inducing to leave your comfort zone, but you seriously will never know what you will experience until you get out there. If I could do it, you can do it too!