Meet katelyn stinson | Model & Elementary Education major

We had the good fortune of connecting with katelyn stinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi katelyn, what’s your definition for success?
In my opinion, success looks different for everyone. Success can be completing high school, starting a business, getting a degree, or even making it through your first day on a new job. Your success in life is defined by you and your dreams. I learned a long time ago that my success is based on me and my hopes for the future. I lived life determined to define my success by the opportunities and success of other people. I tried to live through what others had because I thought being someone else and having what they had would make me the most successful of all. I have come to realize that true success is being you. Turning your hopes, passions, and dreams into a reality and being your own source of happiness is what true success really is.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A year after I graduated high school, I applied to a modeling agency with my only experience being pageants. I was not sure if someone would be interested in me since I have never modeled before. I got an email a few weeks later with a contract to sign. I was so excited for the opportunity in front of me. A few months later, I modeled in my first market show in Atlanta. Being a model and building up the courage to put yourself out there is what I struggle with the most. I never thought I could do it. I have learned to always believe in myself because you never know what God will have in store.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my best friend downtown Atlanta for the week. We visit the aquarium and coca cola factory for sure. The first day, I would spend our time walking downtown and seeing all the places to eat and getting Starbucks because iced coffee is our favorite. We would go eat at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina because it is one of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. We would go to Margaritaville for drinks and dinner.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I think of my story and who helped along the way, many people come to mind. My parents (Tracy and Carmin Stinson) , siblings (Trace, Jacob, Alex, and Camryn), My mentor/friend Anna Findley, my grandparents (Willie and Wanda Stinson), my best friend (Brooklynn Brown) and so many more, but most of all the grace of Jesus Christ. When life gets hard, making it to the next step does not seem possible. Life is beautiful and it is what you make it, but everyone has obstacles and situations that can set you back. The most important thing to remember is just because it is hard and you have encountered a set back, does not mean it is impossible. I can think of times were I felt defeated and my set backs were going to be the end for me and my dreams. Throughout every wrong turn and obstacle, my faith always saw me through to the light.
Someone once told me that Jesus never leaves you, only you leave him. It is easy to lose the faith when you are on the mountain top, but I had to remind myself to remember that Jesus was there when I was in the valley. He deserves all the recognition and my story is a dedication to him. Without him, there would be no story to tell.

Instagram: katestinsonn

Facebook: Katelyn Stinson

Image Credits
Anna M. Findley Photography