Meet Paula Urdaneta: Model & Student

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

Hi Paula, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe risks are what makes a person grow and flourish. Personally, my life has been filled with many risks, from changing careers to trying new hobbies and passions. Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a dentist, but years passed by and I started to get close to the entertainment area, modeling and attending to events. Therefore, I realized that I should follow my creative side and follow what felt right. When I was in my second year of college, I decided I wanted to pursue the area of communications to nourish my creative self. Now, I am closer to earn my degree in Strategic Communications with a concentration in public relations. I feel that If I had not taken that risk of actually pursuing what made me happy, my life would not have been the same.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Modeling has taken a huge space in my heart, my passion has become stronger for it over the years and I am ready to keep growing and expressing myself through the art. Even though I have not had much time in the past year to model due to school and work, every time I have the chance to model I feel inspired and empowered. However, it has not been completely easy, some challenges I have faced with modeling is height. I am only 5’5 feet and even though the modeling industry is currently changing and accepting all sizes, there are still many that prefer to stay with tall models. I have learned that models should not feel discouraged if a door has been closed for them due to height or size, there are many other opportunities out there to be reached. Talent, effort, and commitment will show regardless, just be yourself, be creative and chase your dreams no matter what.

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?
My favorite spot in the city will be River Oaks, I love the aesthetics and I think is a really cool place to hang out, take pictures and have amazing food especially in the Highland Village shopping center, every time I go there I look at the palm trees and it feels like I am traveling somewhere else. Houston has many great places to visit, there are amazing outdoor activities such as parks, plazas, good quality restaurants and a great nightlife to enjoy with friends and family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would give a huge shoutout to my family because they have supported me through all my journey and without them, I could not have achieved all of my accomplishments. With having so many activities at once sometimes it is hard to keep up with all and excel in everything. However, if is either modeling, changing careers, or becoming a successful adult, my family has taught me that anything can be accomplished with effort and commitment.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaurdanetac/

Image Credits
@ivanrdo.photos, @huuduc_69, @ajvisualsphotography, @sebastianoquendoph, @kevin.kysu, @mcgheect