-I am in no way a writer and quite frankly, I don’t like writing, but I felt like I needed to write this. Also, I’m in the process of buying a new camera and adjusting to my new internship but stories will be coming soon! –

I rarely get an epiphany or anything even remotely resembling that, but as I was walking down the street the other day, I did. I don’t usually write things that happen around me because, to be quite honest, most of them are irrelevant, but this time I got taught a lesson, a lesson without words or communication, I got taught a lesson from a look.

I needed to get a gift for someone and what better place to buy it than on fifth avenue? It’s the mecca of all shopping places filled with any and every store you could imagine, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands. Anyways, I made my way into a store called Lululemon. For those of you who don’t know, it’s an active wear store that just opened their flagship store. They are on the higher priced end of things (<$100 for one pair of leggings) but the quality of their stuff is impeccable. I walk in, already carrying a Sephora bag, purchase something and leave. Making my way back down the block, I stop and take a picture with all my bags in front of the 5th avenue street sign for social media. I continue on my walk and I pass a homeless man, sitting on a blanket, looking a little annoyed. Being alone, I unfortunately didn’t stop -I get nervous around people when I’m by myself and I promised my mom and dad I wouldn’t approach anyone alone- but I glanced over at him and he gave me a glare. A glare that I can only compare too as a look that people get when they think they’re better than everyone. In that moment I stopped and thought for a second. I thought to myself, “Katie you’re 19 years old, living in Manhattan, NY, and having the capability to go shopping pretty much whenever you want, and you walk around like it’s nothing, like it’s normal and don’t even think about anyone else.” In that moment I realized I’ve become the person I used to glance at and give dirty looks too. I’ve become the person that I would look at and say “she never works for anything, her parents help her with everything.” Although I do still work (I intern) much of what I have, I get from my dad serving in the military for over 20 some years. In that moment I finally realized I have everything I could ever want while people around me aren’t even able to eat some days, or sleep in a bed. That one look that I got that day changed my life. I know it may sound cliché, but I think about it all the time. I realized I need to stay humble and always remember how I got where I am and who helped me get there, and also to always give back. Instead of spending $70 on a shirt, go out and buy an outfit for someone who needs clothing. I know I’ve always wanted to help people and feeding the homeless has brought so much joy to my life. Every time I talk to one of them I light up and wish I could help them more. I realized I want to start a business that helps these less fortunate people and makes them feel important and wanted. That being said, I want to open a business that incorporates fashion and helping people. This is going to be a long journey, but hopefully one day I can build a company that takes its profits and takes in these people and gives them a makeover. Recreates their whole look, put them in some fancy clothes, do their hair and makeup, help them create a resume, help them fight any battles or addictions, and help them live the life they dreamed of having, just like I was given. I guess what this all comes down too is a thank you. Thank you to the man, sitting shoeless on a blanket on fifth avenue for keeping me humble and making me realize I was put here for a reason, and that reason was to make a difference in people lives like each and every person on the streets (including you) have made an impact on me.

-This post is in no way to gloat about what I have, but too hopefully make each of you realize what you have and to be thankful, respectful, and considerate of the people who helped you get to where you are. Never lose who you are as a person and always give back to people who need it because you never know if one day you’ll be in their shoes or on their blankets. –