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SAVANNAH
When I get the call that everyone says will change my life, I hope it’s true. Something deep down in my gut, in my heart, knows that things are about to change in a big way for me, but it’s definitely not what I’m expecting.
Or, should I say notwhomI’m expecting.
I may be a small town girl from Ohio, but I have always had big dreams. Growing up, people constantly told me I should be a model. Probably because I look like a scarecrow-- tall and skinny with long blonde hair. It took me a while to grow into my gangly self and, half the time, I still think that I resemble a long-legged baby deer more often than not. But, now at 21, I know my angles, my proportions and how best to use the light to highlight my attributes.
A few modeling classes helped and binge-watching America’s Next Top Model taught me a lot. But, I’ve learned you either have it or you don’t when it comes to modeling. You don’t have to be the prettiest or the tallest or the skinniest to book an important gig. What you need, the thing that all supermodels have, is that certainje ne sais quoi. And, it can’t be taught or bought or learned.
I’ve been told I have it. They say when the camera starts clicking, I sparkle.
I’m not sure about that, but I do know that when the photographer starts taking pictures, I go to another place. My body goes on autopilot and somehow knows exactly what to do. It’s almost like an out of body experience and I can see myself posing, and I just go with the flow and let it all happen naturally.
So, when my agent calls and tells me that I just booked a once-in-a-lifetime campaign with Guess, I’m thrilled. I’ve been working toward this moment since I was 15 and it’s taken me six years. I’m extremely grateful because I know that a model has a short shelf-life. Normally, if you don’t make it by 21, you’re done.
I made it.
The paycheck that comes with this type of campaign is the whole reason I decided to pursue modeling in the first place. I have no desire to design fragrances or start a clothing line or transition into acting when my modeling days are over at the ripe old age of 25. Instead, I’m going to save every penny I earn and put it toward school and opening my own practice.
I’ve always loved animals and my real dream is to become a veterinarian. Modeling will just be the way I finance that dream.
While most girls my age are busy partying and dating, I pretty much avoid all that and stay focused on the big picture. I don’t have time to go out and get drunk and date random guys when I have a photoshoot at 6am the next morning. That means being on set and ready to shoot at that exact time, not wandering in the door with a coffee. Hair, wardrobe and makeup can take anywhere from two to three hours. So, a 6am call time more than likely means that my butt needs to be there by 3am.
It’s never been a problem for me. My parents taught me to respect other people and their time. I was raised to have a good work ethic and, even if I am the headliner or star or whatever you want to call it, I wouldn’t have a job if I didn’t work hard and do my best.
No matter how talented you may be, people don’t want to work with an asshole. So, I always make sure I am considerate, professional and kind to everyone I encounter whether it’s the hotshot photographer or the craft service person.
I wonder who the photographer on the campaign will be? I’ve worked with some amazing and talented ones and I’m sure this time will be no exception. As my excitement starts to build, I decide to call home and share the news.
My mom answers in her usual cheery, upbeat voice. “Hi, Savannah. I was just going to call you.”
Bob and Cindy Hart, my parents, had me and my younger sister Bri when they were well into their 40s. Now, they’re both retired school teachers and still as happy and in love as the day they got married. I’ve been lucky to have such a good example of love and, maybe one day, after I’m a successful vet, I’ll meet the man of my dreams.
Currently, though, I’m in no rush.
“Hi, Mom. I have some big news,” I tell her in a sing-song voice.
“You booked the campaign?”
I can hear the excitement in her voice and I squeal. “I am officially a Guess Girl.”
“Oh, honey, I’m so proud of you,” she gushes. “Hold on, I have to tell your father.”
I laugh as my Mom shares the good news. “Is Bri there?” I ask.
“No, she’s at a birthday party with some friends.”
Of course, she is,I think. My 16-year old sister is a social butterfly. Way more outgoing than me and always in the thick of things. I think she’s been class president twice, a cheerleader for both the basketball and football teams and on the Homecoming Court as a freshman which is practically unheard of at our high school. It means she’ll be a shoe-in for Queen one day.
“Okay, well, tell her to call me.”
“I will. Where’s your shoot taking place?”
“Las Vegas.” I’ve never been to Sin City so it should be interesting. I just turned 21 last month so it’s the perfect time now that I’m legal. I can drink, gamble and go to all the hottest clubs.Yeah, right. Who am I kidding?I’m going to be tucked away in my room, probably pampering myself, resting up and ordering room service.
Same routine, different city. I don’t vary too much from the usual get-lots-of-rest before a photo shoot. I refuse to stumble on set after a night of partying with dark circles under my blue eyes and a bloated face and stomach from too much alcohol.
Not that I’d really know, though. Other than a sip here or there, I don’t drink. And, unlike my extrovert sister, I don’t remember the last party I attended.
