It’s been almost one year since Abigail applied for an Ann Bancroft Foundation Dare to Dream Micro Grant to support her desire to “be a model” and attend the Model Boot Camp program in Minneapolis, MN offered by MsDeneshia Simmons. Since then, a once very shy, not so adventurous, going into middle school young girl has blossomed into an open to try new things, confident, vibrant seventh grader. How did that happen? Receiving the Ann Bancroft Micro Grant helped a lot, and was the start of an amazing experience for Abigail at the perfect time as she prepared to move to a new school setting. As an established African American model, MsDeneshia’s passion for helping young girls engage in the modeling industry combined with her high expectation for professionalism provided a strong role model for Abigail, whose family originated from Liberia and came to the U.S. when Abigail was six years old. We also greatly appreciated MsDenishia’s belief that “education, motivation and preparation is the equation for success.”
Abigail attended Model Boot Camp in August 2009. She recalls “I was so nervous because I thought there was going to be a lot of people. The first thing we did was practice walking down the runway. I was scared but what amazed me was that when I walked down the runway everybody said I did good, so I was happy about that. Next MsDeneshia talked about modeling agencies including what to look out for. What amazed me was that she created a complete guide book to take us through the process.”
The photo shoot with well known fashion photographer John Wagner followed on August 29th. “That day I had butterflies. I never thought that I was going to make it this far. I was happy that my sister and Jackie (my mentor) were there to support me. My first set was outside and it was so windy and cold. That was a true model moment! My next set was inside and I wore pumps that seemed like six inches high but I liked it because I felt like a model. Then we tried a 70's look and I had on a blond 70's wig. It was so funny.”
From the Model Boot Camp experience Abigail learned a lot about life in general. At one of our many processing sessions Abigail recalled “MsDenishia told me ‘Never say never.’ To tell you the truth I never thought I was going to get this grant. I also never thought I could really become a model but now I know to never stop dreaming. It's the same thing in life. Never say never and don't stop dreaming. Once you put your mind to it you can do it!”
After completing MsDenishia’s Model Boot Camp, Abigail was invited to speak about her experience (along with Ann Bancroft) at several home fundraising events for the Ann Bancroft Foundation. There Abigail got to not only further develop her public speaking skills and sense of self confidence, but also give back to the organization that supported her dream.
As Abigail’s mentor, I am grateful for the opportunity to support her during this very important and exciting time in her life; and am especially grateful for the generosity of spirit and resources provided by the Ann Bancroft Foundation and MsDenishia.
Respectfully submitted by Jackie Levin
