Self-Respect

College and Beyond

By on June 9th, 2017

This is the twelfth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.

Blog_Cover_June_CollegeHey FLVS teens! As you look ahead to your final year(s) of high school, the next couple of years may seem challenging. You may spend most of your time focusing on studying or on making straight As. It can be a challenge, and some days it can seem impossible.

I can assure you – it’s possible and you can do it (and if worse comes to worst, then a few Bs or even Cs may not be the end of the world).

So, what’s the next step? College.

It may seem so far away, and that’s what I thought in high school too. But it’s not. It is way closer than you think.

Before you know it, you’ll be going on college tours (try to schedule a few this summer!) and getting merchandise from schools you may not even attend in the end. I know I did. I only went on one college tour, and that was to Florida State. Turns out I wouldn’t get into Florida State, so here I am to this very day with shirts, hats, and mugs that I refuse to use. Continue reading


Be the “Good” Kid

By on April 6th, 2017

This is the tenth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.

Blog_Peer_PressureHigh school welcomes territories that were once uncharted.

What’s crazy about the media today is that they push the likeness of drugs and drinking on shows geared for young kids, like us. It can be difficult to see things on television or on your favorite show and not wonder what they are. And if we’re going to be honest, sometimes it affects us.

We see some of our favorite celebrities drinking at a party or smoking something they shouldn’t, and we start to think it’s normal…that it is normal to drink and party the way the television portrays people of our age doing.

The line becomes blurred and people start to do things they normally wouldn’t, all because they want to fit in and be “cool.” It’s an interesting way to think about it.

The people you surround yourself with are sure to affect you in one aspect or another and only build upon these existing ideas. Peer pressure surely influences this beast. Continue reading


Donuts, Desserts, and Dieting

By on March 17th, 2017

This is the ninth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.

TeenTips_Blog_170302Fun fact:

You just so happen to only have one body and the way you treat it will follow you for the rest of your life.

As kids, I know we like to sit down on the couch and pop open a bottle of Coke and binge on potato chips, but let me tell you: those days are dwindling. And by dwindling, I don’t mean that you couldn’t eat this way as an adult, because the truth is, you can. But your metabolism won’t be as great as it used to be.

Growing up in the entertainment industry, and especially as a model, I always had to watch what I ate. I never had a stage where I was so privileged enough to eat McDonalds or swing by Cold Stone every day. I was the kid who packed celery and rolled meats. Gross, I know.

I guess I never really knew anything different. While my friends went out to eat junk food, I sat at the same table and watched. So my perspective is a little different when it comes to what you eat. There were times I was jealous. I wanted to eat junk food like the rest of my friends and be a normal teen. Continue reading


Love and Respect Yourself and Those You Love

By on February 6th, 2017

This is the eighth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.

SelfLove_BlogWhen I think of February, the first thing that pops into my mind is Valentine’s Day.

Go figure…

Valentine’s Day seems to be the only thing that people think about when February rolls around. Love is in the air (and sometimes the leap year is too), but more importantly, Valentine’s Day approaches and poses a dramatic urgency with questions like “Will I be single?” or “Do they like me?”

All questions that, at the time, seem to be the main focus.

I remember when I was in school, every Valentine’s Day my peers would anxiously await the teddy bears and notes that the SGA (Student Government) delivered to certain kids. The concept was something like a candy gram, but instead, you could be given a teddy bear and note. The whole thing was either anonymous or your crush would tell you over the note. Continue reading