Help Get Hanna to Coco Rocha Model Camp

Introduction: For those of you who know me, you know that asking for help is not in my immediate nature. But as I've gotten older, I've learned the extreme value of a supportive community. So many of you reading this have been outlets of encouragement, solace, and joy. I couldn't be the woman I am today without you.

Have you ever had a dream you felt you should've pursued more, just to know that, deep down within yourself, you really could do it? Brace yourself. Here we go.

Backstory: Being the independent, confident single parent she is, my mother was determined to present me with every creative opportunity possible when I was a child. She didn't want me to miss out on an ounce of this beautiful life, and she used every resource she had to ensure I wasn't left without. From age 10 to 15, I was immersed in the creative arts; acting, dancing, singing, you name it. I'd done a few small commercials and editorials before being spotted at a Model Search America conference in 2006. Nine headshots and several auditions later, I was signed with Model Management Group, located in New York City, New York. Yup. New York was a launching pad for my first editorial shoot and first-ever runway session. After that came Atlanta and even Las Vegas; the momentum was invigorating. To make a long story short, the timing was ultimately not ideal, as I still needed to complete high school, and I could only ask so much of my ever-supportive mother. This leads us to present day.

History: Coco Rocha is a world-renown Canadian fashion model with an impressive editorial and runway repertoire since age fourteen. Author of Study of Pose, Rocha is known as one of the first "digital" supermodels, and she has been on the cover of many top fashion magazines, including American, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Mexican and Spanish Vogue. In 2018, Rocha founded Coco Rocha Model Camp alongside her husband and business partner, James Conran. The four-day intensive focuses on runway skills and posing, but also goes deeper into the industry; teaching up-and-coming models how to be business-savvy and advocate for themselves, and also how to avoid potentially unsafe situations and put their own welfare first.

Present Day: At age thirty, I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for. I have a steady job that allows me to express my creativity while quenching my thirst for community, I have an unbelievable circle of friends and family and the world's most incredible husband to stand beside me as I grow and learn. There are few things I look back on in life and think, "I wish I'd taken that leap and pursued that with heart and dedication." Admittedly though, I do feel this way about my short-lived modeling career. So, one night on a complete whim, I decided to apply for the Coco Rocha Model Camp. Twenty-four hours later, I received an email saying my headshots had been reviewed, and I had been accepted.

That brings me to here. On this day, in this moment, I am asking for help to pursue an unfinished dream; to know myself deeper and more confidently. And, as much as I want to take this leap, it's come in a season where I have committed myself financially to other goals and obligations. I have asked to be put on their candidate payment plan, where I can pay in "installments," and attend the Coco Rocha Model Camp in March 2023 in New York City. I would truly appreciate any financial help I am able to receive, and any amount donated is one step closer to this goal. Please hear me when I say, "I thank you. I love you. I would not be who I am today without the integral part you've played in my journey." If you have any questions about this adventure, ask away. I am an elated, open book. I cannot thank you enough for any help in reaching my goal, should we get there.

"You will never find time for anything. You must make it." - Charles Buxton