Eleven years ago I graduated from high school.  Sometimes it feels like that was a lifetime away, such distant memories of days gone by.  And yet other times it feel like just yesterday I was being picked last in gym, not invited to the party and afraid to give a speech during class.  Memories flood my mind of wandering the halls alone during lunch and people telling me that these were to be the best days of my life.  Needless to say, that didn’t give me much hope for the future.

In case you didn’t perceive it from my previous paragraph, I was not a popular girl in high school.  I didn’t have that charisma that just makes everyone want to be near you, I didn’t have the high end fashions and I was not athletic.  On the other side of that, I wasn’t a complete dork either.  It was as if I was just somewhere floating in between, always trying to figure out where I belonged.

I am sorry to say that this appears to be a lifelong battle.  I’m still not one of the “cool” kids.  The difference now is I have the confidence to be who I am.  I’m secure in my standings and outlooks on life, family and faith.  I am okay with choosing to hang out with my mom instead of going to a work party.  Coworkers come and go, my mom has always been there.

Back in April Kellie (of Hetler Photography) approached me about a project she was working on and without a second thought I said yes, absolutely I wanted to be a part.  She had put together an idea to encourage one another and spread love and belonging through the halls of West Michigan’s high schools.  More Than a Face is a campaign near to not just her, but also my heart because I think as women – either young or old – we need to be reminded that there is more to us than just a face.  We all have dreams, ambitions and goals.  We’re each unique and special.  Life would be pretty boring if we were all exactly like one another.

“Society tells us a hundred different ways that our value is on the outside.  My face.  My body. My outfits. My GPA.

At Hetler Photography {and myself included} we say Enough.  We are more than what’s obvious.  Look deeper.  Each has her unique gifts, strengths, weaknesses.  Her own REAL beauty.”

My role came in the form of creative assistance, styling, props and a few wardrobe suggestions.  But no matter what these girls wore, they were going to be gorgeous because each one truly had a heart of gold.

So meet the girls of More Than A Face 2015.

Mackenzie:

This beautiful blonde attends West Ottawa High School and plans to study physical therapy in college.  She also loves to shop and is dedicated to Young Life  with a passion for teaching others about God’s love.

Alayna

She plays lacrosse, values her family and strives to stay true to herself.  She seems like a pretty well rounded girl to me. And she’s also wearing her dad’s letterman jacket, how cool is that?

Hailie:

This Grandville girl understands the heart of the mission and is also a huge dose of fun!  She loves to make people laugh, encourage others and she hopes to be a film producer someday.

Brianna

She posed the question “Why can’t everyone love everyone?” Hate has been in the world since the beginning but we are all responsible for our own actions, so spread as much love as possible.  After high school her plans are to share some love in the fields of social work or criminal justice.  What an inspiration!

Selena

Selena is living proof that you should never judge a book by its cover.  While she may look like a girly girl, she might surprise you with a hunting trip and then turn around and win a hula hoop contest!

Jenna

Jenna claims to be a perfectionist and a slob all the at same time – I can totally get on board with that!  She doesn’t have her life all figured out but she knows to put her value in Christ, He’s got a plan out there for you, He just hasn’t shared the whole thing with you yet.

Can I just say that being a girl is a ton of fun!?

Photography:  Hetler Photography /  Creative Assistance & Styling:  The Day’s Design  /  Hair & Make-Up:  Helena DeYoung Hair Outreach  /  Venue:  Getty 4 Drive-In  /  Videography:  Inspiration Video / Head Wraps: Pixel & Hank

You can read more about Kellie’s senior rep program and More Than a Face here and here.  I highly recommend Kellie for all photo needs (and who knows, maybe I’ll even come along!)  And to see more on this shoot around the web, just search #mtaf2015.

 

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