Aubrey Ford

Over the two years or so, I’ve been discovering how to be an adult, finding parts of myself I didn’t know existed along the way. I grew up in a small, rural town that didn’t leave much room for inward learning or expression. I was one of the very few people of color and struggled with self-confidence for many years because I looked different. When I started college, I was a little shell-shocked. I didn’t really know who I was or what I wanted to do. I was mostly a product of my environment, tricked into thinking that was all that she was.

As time flew by (which it always seems to do), I opened up more: I wore what I wanted, I spoke my mind, I slowly became more in tune with myself. I met some incredible people and joined a few clubs that boosted my confidence. The photo above was taken for The Agency, a student-led and run modeling agency meant to bring creatives together. Around this time, I realized that I didn’t look or act weird; I just grew up in a place that did not have space for me.

I did a lot of learning and growing over the past few years (especially this year!). I think I’ve finally broken the shell of who I thought I was and can now live as the person I always wanted to be. I am glad to find myself somewhere that allowed me to pull the pieces of myself back together. Of course– life isn’t perfect, easy, and stress-free, but I’m grateful that I was able to make a home out of mine.