Today was our last day here in New York City. Overall, a very happy day - however, we all had a very touching reflection today when we discussed how much we would miss both each other and doing work here in the city. We all have formed bonds and friendships here, both amongst students and Dian and Chelsea. We will certainly miss them next year, and I hope that we can stay in touch.

To me, today was the most realistic and informative; Bill at the Ali Forney Center presented us with very real and depressing examples of LGBTQ+ youth who have been kicked out of their homes. These stories ranged from rape to torture - these kids are emotionally and physically damaged. They need the assistance that the organization provides in a series of steps that addresses these issues as needed. Sadly, we were unable to volunteer this year with them, as their only positions for volunteers require training and a long-term commitment.

We tried to get Shake Shack, buuuuuuuuttt the line was half an hour and we had only fifteen to eat before our tour of Ford. Then, heading into the building, Tyler, Mark, Andrew, and I got into an elevator that the group was (coincidentally) afraid to ride in. The elevator jolted to a stop and we had to wait ten minutes for the mechanic!

Finally meeting Emily at Ford, we got an interactive tour of the agency. We met a few models, including Mila. She was extremely down to earth and was extremely interesting. She taught us that the most important thing about modeling is to be yourself and have a personality, or else agents and photographers will not do their best to help you shine.

We finished the night with The Hunger Games, so I am super tired! So I guess I’ll stop this post here and say that the trip was wonderful, and I can’t wait until next year! ~Mike <3