Senior Mckenna Heisler travelled to Los Angeles, CA for a talent showcase put on by the International Modeling and Talent Association.

“I didn’t think it would have such a drastic impact on my life,” Heisler said. “I was actually very close to calling it quits and not going. IMTA outgrew all my expectations. What I learned and the growth I had was something that nobody could ever put a price on, and is greater than I could have ever imagined. ”

Heisler learned a lot from the experience, both about the modeling industry and herself.

“One of the biggest things I learned was not to be ashamed of myself,” Heisler said. “One of your biggest assets is confidence. I started to truly figure out who I was, that I am so much more than I thought. To truly be a model means you know how to take care of yourself, that you workout, that you have nice hygiene and things like that. Most importantly are yourself with no holdbacks, and that you chase your dreams no matter what.”