I am a devoted horoscope reader, and although rarely accurate, these little columns gave me some of the best advice. "Always look at life in a realistic light" is an example of this advice which I find very valuable, but also difficult to live by when everyone including myself at times thinks the world revolves around themselves, and believes they are untouchable. This is when we forget to look at the big picture. Modeling was my potential outlet to the world; it was something I knew I had a knack for from the beginning. But this fantasy can blur your vision once it gets into your mind.
             I remember first walking through the doors of the Canadian Model and Talent Convention, and for the first time feeling way too plain and normal. I had a lot of proving myself to do if I ever expected to be picked out of this crowd. Right then I was just a miniscule flea among hundreds of others who had infested this luxury hotel. It was soon to be my home for the next week where I would participate in competitions and seminars in hopes of being "discovered". That night my agent, Rose Noble, told me something which was wonderfully reassuring, "Each of those girls who you feel up against may seem intimidating, but I've learned that stuck up looks just the same as scared and nervous." At least I now felt more on their level. I was tired of hearing how I could be a model, I was a model.
             "And the winner is...number 166 of The Agency, Michelle!". I don't remember feeling exactly overjoyed like everyone expected I'm sure. If anything I was a little embarrassed. It definitely didn't feel real- I was no longer just a flea! I only became more dazed as the ceremony continued, by the end of the night I'd won seven tacky trophies for Runway, Covergirl, Commercial Print, Swimsuit, Overall Division Winner, and overall the whole shebang. These awards had no value to me. What matte
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