It’s not where you come from, but where you are headed. Bullying has long been a problem for many and can complicate your life, but with the right support and encouragement it’s possible to overcome the harmful effects; not just survive it but thrive, and shine through it. We felt inspired by Emily’s story and couldn’t be happier to include her on our chain of inspiring people who give us hope for the future. Please join us in showing your love and support for Emily and her dedicated family. We hope that her story can help others also overcome bullying.
Hi Emily! Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
A – I am a lot of things but I am an aspiring model and bullying survivor. I use this term because of my situation. In my Freshman year of high school I was bullied. There was a group of girls who loved to get under my skin. These girls lived a few houses down from me and we had a prior past friendship. As we grew older, we went separate ways. I was very shy, I kept to myself, and I focused on getting straight A’s. I began using social media and the girls started bullying me in every way possible. They would call me names, share my pictures and make fun of them, and yell in my face. I became very depressed and developed an eating disorder from all the taunting I had received. I began to self harm, and also became suicidal. I looked to my family for help, and I was put into counseling. Counseling helped me see the brighter side of life. I began to phase out the bullying. I was living more and caring less and less about the girls. I had a long road to recovery, but it is now 2 years later and I am finally recovered. I am no longer suicidal and no longer self harming. I have many aspirations, including: going to college, having a family, and providing nothing but the best for my family. I am engaged to a wonderful man, who has helped me overcome many obstacles. He is supportive in every way. Counseling and a lot of late night conversations with my mom made me develop a sense of confidence, and I began modeling for the local mall. There, I was a runway model and an in store model. I have also competed in beauty pageants. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be a commercial model, and I now realize I can achieve my goals with a positive mindset and determination.
Q – How did you get into modeling and beauty pageants?
A – I saw an ad for modeling auditions at my local mall and thought “If others can do it, why can’t I?” I got determined, and auditioned. They chose me along with about 20 other girls. I got into beauty pageants because I saw that there was a local pageant which sent all of their proceeds to St.Jude’s; so even if I didn’t win, it would be for a good cause. I took second place that day.
Q – Being 2nd place is very impressive, how did that make you feel?
A – It was the first pageant in which I had ever competed, so a lot of things were running through my head. I was happy for the winner, and very excited to have won second place. It was a huge honor. I just felt an overall sense of “wow, I did it.” I was so proud of myself for doing this while still being bullied.
Q – Who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model?
A – My role models as a child were definitely my mom and dad. They have been together for over 20 years. They’re so strong, and I consider them very successful. Although they are not wealthy, they work hard for what they want, and always accomplish their goals. They make a powerful team, and I grew up watching their success. They motivate me to be all that I can be, and I certainly want to be successful like they have been.
Q – How would you make this world a better place?
A – I would make the world a better place by empowering people of all ages to never give up. Never be uncomfortable with whom you are. Doubt will ruin more dreams than failure ever will. It’s best to take a chance, and pray for the best. I feel it’s important to encourage everybody to be kind, and work together. In today’s society we live in a world with so many pressures. A lot of people feel heavily influenced to be a size 00 and have unhealthy standards. Be yourself. There are far too many copies of a copy in society. It’s all about being new, kind, and original. I would enforce this strongly and promote society to be proud of whom they are! Never give up.
Q – Are you satisfied with what you have accomplished thus far?
A – Yes. I am meeting people, making connections and working for a better tomorrow.
Q – What are your hobbies?
A – I enjoy spending time with my fiancée and family. I love cars, and also running. I also do a lot of animal rescues in my free time.
Q – Do you have any funny stories you’d like to share?
A – When I was little my parents took me out on their boat. They had a tiny Jon boat and told me not to take off my life jacket. I decided I would go ahead and take it off anyway. What could go wrong? When we were getting off the boat, I fell into the muddy water and had to pull myself out of the lake with lots of people watching and laughing. Looking back on it, moms are always right. I should have kept the life jacket on so I wouldn’t have fallen under.
Q – What do you think of Human Diaries?
A – I love Human Diaries and I consider myself blessed to have found them. They share inspiring stories and the website is full of helpful articles. I feel it’s great to empower others and Human Diaries does just that. It’s such an amazing website and I can’t say enough good things about it!
