I am a faithful reader of Shout. It tackles most of the issues, questions and doubts I raise with my friends. When there was a call for applications to take part in a Shout fashion shoot in London, giving it a shot was the obvious choice. I talked it out with my mother who promised she would support me throughout, as long as this would not interfere with my studies.
Auditioning for the event was an experience in itself. I looked around; all the participating girls were so gorgeous. I thought my chances were pretty slim. So far I had only seen and admired beauty contests in films but I never imagined I could go through this opportunity myself.
Getting chosen gave me an emotion which so far was unknown to me. I was beside myself with joy. I didn't even know how to express myself and couldn't find the right words within me to describe what it felt like to win the title I longed for so much. From then on, all the way was up.
After that, I started to realise that getting noticed by Carina Camilleri, the stylist leading the judging panel, takes you places.
Immediately I was getting tips on how to walk, stand up, look into the camera, carry off a look. I was included in fashion shoots and had photos splashed over The Times Christmas magazine. This built up enough confidence in me to face the Shout team in London. The studio where my photos were shot is the same studio where Kate Moss had been for her photoshoot.
On getting there I was anxious as I didn't know what to expect but was also so excited I couldn't contain myself. I was constantly thinking of my friends who supported me a lot. Every time I related my experience in this adventure they shrieked and became all jumpy about everything.
Of course when I came back from London I worked on myself to land back to reality. Now, I just couldn't act differently at school and trigger unnecessary envy. My friendships are important to me just as much as fulfilling my dreams.
I also feel that with this experience I have moved on. I'll be 13 on Thursday. I'm not a little girl anymore but I'm no grown-up either.
Hobbies and interests: Dancing and acting
Favourite films: John Tucker Must Die, A Walk to Remember
Favourite singers: Rihanna, Kat Deluna
Favourite actress: Mandy Moore
Favourite perfume: All the Moschino range
Clothes: Gold Digger, Hot Couture
Who does she admire and why: "Tyra Banks because she's always helping people, and she's not one of those anorexic models."
What she hates in people: "People who are too full of themselves - the show-offs."
Pets: A Yorkshire terrier named Mika which she then gave to her grandfather. Now she's got a tortoise, Lily.
What she wants to become in life: "My dream is to become an actress, but I also like interior design/architecture and I shall be choosing subjects in school that will help me pursue this."
Auditioning for the event was an experience in itself. I looked around; all the participating girls were so gorgeous. I thought my chances were pretty slim. So far I had only seen and admired beauty contests in films but I never imagined I could go through this opportunity myself.
Getting chosen gave me an emotion which so far was unknown to me. I was beside myself with joy. I didn't even know how to express myself and couldn't find the right words within me to describe what it felt like to win the title I longed for so much. From then on, all the way was up.
After that, I started to realise that getting noticed by Carina Camilleri, the stylist leading the judging panel, takes you places.
Immediately I was getting tips on how to walk, stand up, look into the camera, carry off a look. I was included in fashion shoots and had photos splashed over The Times Christmas magazine. This built up enough confidence in me to face the Shout team in London. The studio where my photos were shot is the same studio where Kate Moss had been for her photoshoot.
On getting there I was anxious as I didn't know what to expect but was also so excited I couldn't contain myself. I was constantly thinking of my friends who supported me a lot. Every time I related my experience in this adventure they shrieked and became all jumpy about everything.
Of course when I came back from London I worked on myself to land back to reality. Now, I just couldn't act differently at school and trigger unnecessary envy. My friendships are important to me just as much as fulfilling my dreams.
I also feel that with this experience I have moved on. I'll be 13 on Thursday. I'm not a little girl anymore but I'm no grown-up either.
Hobbies and interests: Dancing and acting
Favourite films: John Tucker Must Die, A Walk to Remember
Favourite singers: Rihanna, Kat Deluna
Favourite actress: Mandy Moore
Favourite perfume: All the Moschino range
Clothes: Gold Digger, Hot Couture
Who does she admire and why: "Tyra Banks because she's always helping people, and she's not one of those anorexic models."
What she hates in people: "People who are too full of themselves - the show-offs."
Pets: A Yorkshire terrier named Mika which she then gave to her grandfather. Now she's got a tortoise, Lily.
What she wants to become in life: "My dream is to become an actress, but I also like interior design/architecture and I shall be choosing subjects in school that will help me pursue this."