Part of growing up is gazing longingly at the girls in magazines and hoping that you'll grow up to look like them someday.
For most of us (myself included), puberty has a different plan for our bodies. As such, we grow up and develop other interests that don't necessarily depend on fitting into a size 2.
Of course, there are some lucky girls among us who fit the mold. With that said, the fashion industry is a tough one, and a lot of young girls are still encouraged to pursue their education rather than modeling contracts.
However, a student was recently featured in a picture by a photographer that unexpectedly launched her modeling career.
Anok Yai was visiting friends for homecoming at Howard University when a photographer who goes by TheSUNK asked to take her picture. Anok had no idea how much her life was about to change.
[H/T: Boston Globe]
Anok was celebrating homecoming with her friends when theSUNk approached her and asked to take her photo for his Instagram.
Anok was not the only person theSUNK approached, but as far as we know, she was the only one who landed a modeling contract as a result of his work.
As soon as her photos were posted online, people started reacting in a big way.
Anok tells The Boston Globe, "My phone just started vibrating rapidly for a long, long time."
Anok was born in Egypt, but moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, as a toddler.
While she certainly enjoys fashion and had sneaky hopes of modeling, she was not expecting this much attention or opportunity.
In fact, the 19-year-old is currently a student at Plymouth State University, studying biochemistry.
However, that might not be the case for much longer. She has been showered with modeling contract offers since the posting of her photo.
Anok immediately gained thousands of followers on Instagram, and some even began tagging modeling agencies to urge them to take her on as a client.
Funnily enough, Anok didn't even like the photo theSUNK posted. She thought she looked average in it.
Of course, we are often our own harshest critics.
Anok recently announced on Instagram: "Excited to announce that I am now signed with Next Models. Thank you to everyone that's supported me along the way; hope you follow me on this journey."
Anok told The Boston Globe, "It was a dream that I always wanted, but I wasn't sure if it was going to happen."
It just goes to show that being in the right place at the right time can make dreams come true.
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