Creating Positive Dialogue Around the Discourse of Bodies and Identities

For the past three years, I have had the opportunity to volunteer as a supermodel for the annual Everybody Every Body fashion show that is put on by the ASUW. This has been an invaluable experience for me as I have received the chance to share an important message about body positivity and the importance of seeing beauty in diversity with the Seattle community. In sharing this message, I have created a confidence in myself and have spread that in others as they see me up on stage.

The fashion show is not really about celebrating fashion but rather the people wearing the clothes and the unique identities of these individuals. This is one large event that brings together such diverse individuals at the University of Washington every year and I would never miss such an opportunity to be a part of it. No matter your size, height, or age, you are beautiful and this message is definitely a large aspect I enjoy getting the opportunity to celebrate.

Tasks Accomplished:

• Interviewed for the promotional video about the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity

• Received the chance to be one the promotional posters for two years

• Promoted the event to friends and had people join me as a model and be a part of the audience

• Volunteered for three years

One of the leadership competencies I gained was empowerment. I felt empowered through the process of this show and helped to empower others. Before the show begins, the models are usually running around backstage, putting on their retailer’s clothes and getting their makeup done. At this time, many compliments and words of encouragement are constantly getting exchanged. This time is very important as it instills such pure confidence in everyone before they go spread that very confidence to the audience once on stage.

As a supermodel for the show, I feel that I really am part of a large movement and creating change. I am actively cultivating confidence in the individuals around me and this is so very important as these people are usually students. The Everybody Every Body show is usually put on before finals week at school and having everybody smiling at this event is very empowering and a way to create a sense of happiness before this torturous time begins.

Through the process of getting interviewed every year, I gained a sense of self-understanding. Self-understanding on the discussion of bodies and what I personally see as beautiful. I gained the knowledge that everyone sees this topic differently and that they have such a unique way of explaining their views. I came to understand others through my understanding and something like this can be a hard thing to explain and so I am forever grateful for such an experience. This self-understanding gave me a confidence I could carry throughout my time at the University.

The confidence I now hold is partly due to an opportunity such as this. This confidence helps me in becoming a better leader as I can stand in front of a crowd and not be worried about the way I look but rather be able to be confident and put forth focus on the topic at hand. This confidence vanishes my worries that I had gathered up in High School and lets the true me shine through at the University of Washington. 

With this experience in hand, I hope to continue using the skills that I have gained. I look forward to taking part in this show again next year and helping others do the same. Being able to stand in front of a crowd and deliver a message effectively is something that is of great importance. This is especially important for the business world that I hope to imperse myself into soon.