FASHION KILLS BY KELSEY MALONEY

I’ve always been known as the fashion girl; the girl with a cool outfit.

The fashion world has been my escape for as long as I can remember. It’s been my creative outlet, freedom, & its own little universe inside my head…

But, what if I could make you feel the lack of substance within it all?

What if I told you it was a mask, and that behind the glasses, the shoes, the clothes, was a 21-year-old girl who wants something that makes her feel alive, something… more.

For the first time ever in my life, I’ve decided to follow my heart instead of my head; to do what I know is right, versus the expectation.

It was a pivotal moment in my college career when I noticed an undeniable emptiness within the industry I was in. It was glamorous and challenging, don’t get me wrong – but there was something missing.

Fashion will always be a part of who I am, but I’ve realized that in the grand scheme of my life, I need a journey, job, experience… that feeds my soul. Something where I can leave this world better than I found it.

I found that in Teach for America.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared shitless, unconfident, or at the verge of quitting because I don’t think I can do this job.

But then reality hits – I have a social obligation to myself and to those who believed in me to be chosen for this opportunity.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fully explain this to outsiders, but I know at the core of being, that Teach for America is something that I was meant to do. My creative purpose involves making a difference.

TFA fell into my lap and found me.

And ya know what’s funny, is that’s what they say about soul mates; that they come when you’re least expecting it, when you’re completely blind sided and they knock you on your ass.

Furthermore, my creative journey is about to be reborn.

I get to be in a classroom with 25 four year olds, who will challenge me on all levels, and push me to silence my voice of judgment every single day.

When you’re in a 100% poverty school district, you have no choice but to be innovative, scrappy, and creative in every way, shape, and form.

So, here’s to the sleepless nights, emotional pain, creative curriculum, & the ‘children services’ calls… but someone has to do it.

And it will be me.

Xoxo,

The Adorable One