Former United States gymnast Janet Cantwell-Papale remains invincible

I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Janet Cantwell-Papale recently. She impressed me as someone who has the priorities of family and career properly balanced. She also exhibited a zest for life and a belief in renewable goals that were dually inspiring.

Janet Cantwell's natural athletic talent and drive led to a birth on the United States National Gymnastics team long before she met and married Vince Papale.

Her married name should sound familiar. Her husband, Vince Papale, achieved fame twice. Once for making the Philadelphia Eagles football team as a 30-year-old rookie in 1976 and secondly for being the subject of the 2006 Hollywood blockbuster movie 'Invincible'.

Learn more about Vince through my exclusive Yahoo Sports series: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. You can also visit vincepapale.com to read about the positive efforts that the Papale's are currently involved in.

Success in today's economy

Cantwell-Papale believes in refining her skills and staying up-to-date with the latest technology. Her philosophy has allowed her to become a multiple-year member of the Million Dollar Sales Club at the agency she represents.

"I'm an agent for Long and Foster Real Estate. I sell in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I also manage Vince Papale Promotions as well as our own personal real estate investments," Cantwell-Papale said.

"Anyone can show you a house. My strength is negotiating a deal. I try to create a win-win for everyone involved."

She also utilized her business skills when booking her husband's motivational speaking engagements and negotiating his endorsement agreements.

"You have to constantly encourage people by telling them that they are allowed to fail. There are many people who are afraid to step outside of the box. When people are rigid they can snap and spiral downward. You have to be willing to take a risk."

Growing up

Cantwell-Papale grew up in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. She attended St. Celia's Catholic School and graduated from Northeast High School.

"We had the typical large family. "I'm the oldest of nine. There were six girls, then two boys and finally one girl. We had two sets of bunk beds and our own signing group and I was the worst singer. My Mom had us in the Easter parade and on the Al Albert's Show." (The Al Albert's Show was a popular children's talent show that was televised in Philadelphia television for many decades.)

Athletics were also important in the Cantwell home.

"My first five younger sisters and I were all nationally ranked gymnasts. I was the only one who made it to the United States National team, even though I was the last one to become involved in gymnastics.

"I felt like I was Cinderella when I went to the gym. It was a magical place for me."

After rupturing her spleen when she was nine, she was given the last rites as part of her Catholic upbringing. Her mental toughness and physical strength helped her to recover from that incident, as well as from rheumatic fever and a heart murmur.

A world-class gymnast emerges

When fully healthy, Cantwell-Papale began to pursue her gymnastic career. After many years of work she made the National team and toured with them throughout the United States, England, France and Yugoslavia.

She destroyed her knee in 1973, during an International gymnastics competition against the Hungarian Gymnastics team. Her injury was similar to former New York Jet's Quarterback Joe Namath, in that she tore her Medial Meniscus, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament.

As she was working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education at Penn State in the mid-1970s, Cantwell-Papale remained involved in athletics. She was a 1 meter and 3 meter diver and also spent one year as the Director of the Nittany Gymnastics school.

After graduating in 1977, the condition of her knee caused her to redirect her athletic interests into coaching. While living in the State College area of Pennsylvania, she accepted an offer to become Head Gymnastics Coach at State College High School.

University of Pennsylvania

Cantwell-Papale went on to become the Head Gymnastics Coach at the University of Pennsylvania, a position she held from 1976 through 1988.

"When I became head coach at the University of Pennsylvania, I taught in South Africa, Malaysia, and Bermuda. So, I did different things with my gymnastics background."

Because the University of Penn was an Ivy League school, Papale recruited kids who had untapped potential.

"One thing about gymnasts is that they are driven and self-motivated. Some can flounder, because they have been coached their whole life and are not free thinkers. They have always been pleasers and have never developed any outside interests.

When I was a coach, I wanted to have a successful team. I liked working with those types of people, because I helped them to realize their dreams."

Meeting Vince

Cantwell-Papale told me that Invincible's depiction of how she and her husband met is different than the real life version of what actually happened.

"We met at Jack Kelly's house in 1976. Vince was with Harold Carmichael." (Kelly was a four-time Olympic oarsman and an Olympic medal winner. He was also the brother of movie-star Grace Kelly, who later became Princess Grace of Monaco. Carmichael was a star Wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time.)

She lightheartedly noted that she wasn't impressed by Vince that day. Her sister was dating the quarterback from Penn State, so being around football players was no big deal to her.

After not seeing each other again for many years, they happened to be on a Board together in 1992. The Board was involved in providing after school activities for children.

"I went off to Europe and then to Barcelona for the Olympics. A friend told me that Vince was a really nice guy. I knew that he was smart as well, so we started talking and became friends.

"Within two months of going out, Vince said that I had to marry him. He said that in February, 1993. By August we were married."

A parent and a spouse

Janet and Vince have two children. Gabriella, 17 and Vincent Joseph, 14.

"I waited until I was 40 to get married. I wasn't going to do it until it was right. Vince believed in me and saw my strengths.

"We are parents first. We are out there trying to do good, to give back, and leave a mark on the world."

Cantwell-Papale has drawn from her own childhood and her experience in raising two children when it comes to parenting.

"I don't know if there is a formula. A good parent supports their children, lets them take risks and also lets them fail. Sometimes kids turn out better when they haven't been coddled."

In addition to caring for their children, Janet and Vince look out for each other. It was through his wife's urging that Vince had a cancer checkup in 2001.

It was good that she urged him to do so, because Doctor Tony Infantolino found that he had colorectal cancer during Vince's checkup. Fortunately, it was detected early enough to allow him to beat the disease.

"I'm like Vince's life coach. I help him to redefine what his goals are and what needs to be done."

Invincible

The Disney movie Invincible and Papale's first book, Invincible - My Journey From Fan to Team Captain were both released in 2006.

"We don't think of ourselves as famous. We haven't changed. There are more challenges for our kids, than for us."

Current pursuits

"I wasn't happy with just having the movie come out. That is why Vince and I have worked on other projects, including a new book. It's about the principals people should live by."

Papale's Playbook: You Can Be Invincible In Tough Times...Analyze, Adapt and Achieve, is scheduled to come out this summer. They also have a vitamin line that is set to be introduced later this year as well.

"People have to go back to the basics. Like Vince says, everyone has their Invincible moments."

Final thoughts

"I was 40 when I had a baby and that was good. Our life has been like a whirlwind, but it feels like we are newlyweds. Everything is always new and exciting."

Cantwell-Papale's final thoughts were encouraging and also reflective of her positive, can-do nature, "It's easy to give up. Be proactive and take control of your life. If you have to start over, then start over. Keep going and pursue your dreams."

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2014.

Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

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Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

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Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

When Baseball Cards Were King

St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols has hit over 400 home runs, but has never hit more than 49 in one season. Alex Rodriguez, who is in sixth place on the all-time home run list, was traded by the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees in 2004. In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.

All of the information shown above is easy to access through any baseball website, could be shown on a number of cable television sports programs, or heard on a variety of sports talk shows. But, back in the day, baseball fans learned that type of information through newspaper box scores, magazines and on the backs of baseball cards.

Finding your favorite players

My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970s. During that pre-internet, pre-video game era, those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion.

While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, it was so much more fun to buy packs at local convenience stores. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.

Local card shows, which were similar to farmer's markets, offered another collection building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for that Tom Seaver who was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.

Those events were nothing short of paradise.

Trading

The free market is a wonderful thing and we had no summer trade deadlines. Duplicates of a Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive that was needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy finally was willing to deal in September.

If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was, or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.

Proper Storage

Like fine wine, all cards needed to be properly stored. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through the use of accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.

From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog along with my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.

Bygone days

Baseball cards are still available today in larger chain stores, in specialty hobby shops and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn. 

Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed

The 1970s Philadelphia Flyers were one of the most controversial sports teams of all-time.

My elementary school friends, cousins and I followed the players by watching their games through the antenna that was connected to our televisions, by playing street hockey and by collecting trading cards.

No pack of Topps hockey cards that I ever opened was as memorable as the one that my elementary school buddies gave me in 1978.

Chicken pox
No kid likes when those alien invaders, known as chicken pox, grotesquely pop out to announce their presence all over your body. Of course you can't go to school when you get them because they are contagious.

That was particularly bad because the entire foundation of our, non-family based, social lives was centered upon school. My buddies were all there, we had recess and some of the cute girls in my class even found me to be very entertaining.

What more could anyone want?

The pack
I missed six straight days of school because of the chicken pox. That was highly unusual for me, as I often had perfect attendance in past school years.

My friends Kevin and Ed were nice enough to bring my assignments to my house at the end of each of those sick days.

One day they also delivered a single pack of hockey cards with my homework. They told me that our other friends Rick, Keith, Eddie and Dave had pooled some of their allowance money to buy it for me.

Along with some other cards, there were six Flyers cards in that pack which included Bernie Parent, Reggie Leach, Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Jimmy Watson and Andre "Moose" Dupont.

The back of the pack's wrapper appeared to have been opened and resealed. So, I knew that my friends had actually bought multiple packs of cards and then created a specially loaded one just for me.

Those six cards have aged more than three decades now. Whenever I take them out, I can see the faces of my hockey heroes and feel the friendship of my old school friends once more.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn. 

An Actor's Life: A Conversation with Mary Frick

I recently had the opportunity to interview Mary Frick. Our conversation took me behind the scenes into a world that I had only previously seen at the movie theater, through a television screen and on the stage.

Mary was born and grew up in Southeastern, Pa. She has many fond memories of a childhood spent with four sisters and two brothers.

Her parents not only provided them with a solid foundation, but also an active life that included many outdoor activities. Fishing, ice skating and hiking were just some of the pleasant experiences that she and her six siblings shared.

They also spent many treasured moments indoors.

"We would put on comedy and musical sketches during family get-togethers. We would often break out into improvisational scenes," Mary said.

Family influences also added to her creative development.

"My father's side of the family had a musical group who played and sang at family functions. My Grandmother (Nanny) was also musically inclined."

Early experiences

Mary showed a talent for writing, directing and acting as early as grade school.

She responded to her sixth grade teachers request when he asked the class if anyone was interested in writing a Christmas play. Much to his surprise, she presented him with a completed play about a week later.

After seeing the script, he gave her permission to cast, direct and act in the play. Her efforts resulted in an all-around success and affirmed her belief that the dramatic arts were going to be a part of her future.

She excelled academically through her high school years. She also won art contests, played field hockey, was on the swim and gymnastic teams, played two instruments in the band, was a cheerleader and was elected to the student council.

After graduation, she traveled across the country.

Mary was living in Ft. Lauderdale at the time and drove with a friend, on Highway 10 West, across the southern states to San Diego, Calif.

They made a stop in Carmel to see her friend's relatives and then made their way up to San Francisco, where they delivered the car they were driving to its owner. They were out of money at that point and saw a sign on Market Street about joining the Air Force.

"I talked to a recruiter. He said that we had to go onto the base to take the test and that we needed a score of 90 or above to be accepted into the Air Force. We then studied at the San Francisco Public Library for a couple of days, went onto the base, and took the test. I scored a 97 and the recruiter said that we were in.

"My friend called her cousin, who was residing in Carmel, to tell him the good news. But, he had spent 20 years in the Army and told us not to join. He drove up to San Francisco and brought us back to Carmel, where we lived and worked for awhile.

"It was a very beautiful and incredible experience to drive across the country and up the coast of California.

"I realized that I wanted to be an actress. So, I enrolled at West Chester University and earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications.

"I was a single parent at the time, with two beautiful young children to support, so I landed a job at a Pharmaceutical Company where I was employed for 10 years. When my children were older, I decided to pursue the acting field."

Mary's pursuits helped to develop her acting abilities. She also broadened her skills through the camera operation and directing training that she received.

Fighting the good fight

"During my first semester, I landed a part in the play "Mother Courage."

"When my son was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I immediately dropped out of the play to care for him. I continued on with my studies at the University while taking care of my children.

"That part of my life was such a turning point in the path that I was pursuing to become an actress.

"I had to give an enormous amount of attention to my son. We traveled back and forth to Children's Hospital (in Philadelphia) and to the University of Penn for ten years. Children's Hospital became like a second home to us.

"I thought that I may have lost him, but he fought the good fight and won the battle.

"The good Lord saved him and for that I am very grateful."

David Shuman

After college, Mary attended a few acting schools in New York. She eventually found an exceptional coach in David Shuman, at the prestigious Weist-Barron school, and studied with him for several years.

The well respected Shuman has coached many well-known actors, including Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Spacey and Christopher Walken.

"He was incredible!

"He was very knowledgeable about the psychological makeup of a character, relationships and the business."

She noted that Shuman's no-nonsense style and ability to be in control were keys to his effectiveness.

"He was able to pull a good performance out of you and always helped you to do your best."

Television and movie roles

Through Mary's training and persistence she earned roles in films, appearances on television shows and work in commercials.

She can be seen in the HBO series "Sex in the City" and the NBC series "Third Watch".

She had a part in The Learning Channel series "Forensic Files", which is now shown on truTV, was on the set of Law & Order: SVU and had a background part in the HBO series "The Sopranos".

Her feature film credits include "Spiderman", "Changing Lanes" and the independent film "The Middle Voice".

How a performance develops

Many entertainment fans are fascinated by the method in which actors develop the portrayal of their characters.

Mary advised that after a successful audition, an actor will receive a script and then begin to develop a character as they study their lines.

"After studying lines, if you get the opportunity you can improvise, which helps with the scene.

"An actor has to determine the character's agenda, motive, background, etc."

When working on stage, an actor will generally exhibit dramatic physical movements and project their lines to the audience in a louder voice than would normally be used in other venues.

Work done in front of a camera would be presented differently, because each feeling that is expressed is captured in a more intimate visual form.

Free time

Beyond work, Mary enjoys watching movies, gardening, painting, photography, writing, reading and is in a Bible study group with a former acting friend.

She also is involved in a community group through her church.

"We clean the streets, plant flowers, and distribute groceries. Our mission is to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

The next generation

Mary's varied career experience has allowed her to be in a uniquely positive position. It's one where she is able to offer seasoned advice to those who are planning to pursue, or who are currently pursuing, this particular creative field.

"I have learned a lot by watching other actor's performances.

"The more I grew as an actor, the more I was able to appreciate other actors."

She recommended those who are considering attending an acting school should first audit classes. Doing so will allow potential students to preview a school's atmosphere and help to formalize the decision making process.

"If you want to become an actor or actress and believe in yourself, find a good coach, study, perfect your craft and get a good talent agent.

"I found that studying to be an actor helped to open my eyes to the intricacies of the human spirit."

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn. 

Model Management Agency - MMA: Amanda Talijan Lights Up London

Model Management Agency - MMA is recognized as one of the most respected talent agencies in the Philadelphia and Tri-State area since it was founded in 1989.

Amanda Talijan @Mandsmania, one of MMA's many successful models, leads her blog with an adapted quote, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." 

Talijan's selection of Norman Vincent Peale's famous motivational lines smartly matches her persistently positive outlook. This New Jersey native has also demonstrated that she recognizes one of life's greatest challenges. 

Everyone's individual equation is established through their natural gifts. The manner in which each person chooses to develop and use their talents directs us toward solutions. Answers are then creatively discovered along the way. 

Someone who's born in New Jersey doesn't just happen to begin her modeling career in Philadelphia, appear in Fashion Week in New York and then move to London in less than two years time. Luck wasn't a deciding factor in this instance. Instead, a strong person, who has a good family, built solid friendships and is blessed with the right career connections, created her uniquely inspiring real-life story. 

From the beginning 

Talijan was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey in 1990. She grew up less than twenty minutes north in the same-state town of Belvedere. 

Her parents (Sharlenee and Gary) fully supported her choice to attend Millersville University after graduating from Notre Dame Catholic High School in 2009. So, with an impressive volleyball scholarship packed in her suitcase and focused dedication secured within her character, she began to pursue a Masters Degree in Psychology. 

"My parents have always supported me and my sisters ( Gabby, 20 and Maddie, 17). They instilled the idea that no matter what we do, we should commit to doing our best and make sure to do it 100%. I've taken that same approach toward my career. 

"I remember from a very young age that I would have conversations with people and they would explain how they felt emotionally at that moment. I always found myself wanting to understand why people felt the way that they did. Studying psychology helps me to understand more about human nature," Talijan said. 

Even though she enjoyed the subject matter, Talijan didn't feel that career path fit her current aspirations. By the spring of 2012, a meeting helped to open a new door. 

Gary Talijan was attending a dinner party when he showed a photo of his family to a friend who referred him to Ellen Wasser-Hrin (the Founder and Director of MMA/ Model Management Agency). Gary relayed the advice he received to Amanda, who was in her third year of college, and a new career was set to begin. 

Recognizing her path 

"When I chose to leave school I had this weird feeling that I wanted to do something else. But, I wasn't sure of the direction that I wanted to go in. And then I met Ellen and everything fell into place. I felt like I was at peace. I adore her. I walked out of her office and I felt that modeling was what I was meant to do next in my life," Talijan said. 

Model Management Agency - MMA began serving as Talijan's mother agency. That vital business decision allowed this model's career options to flourish. 

"I started modeling at an age where most people's careers have peaked, or are almost over. So, there were definitely times when I thought that I was so much older than everyone else when I started out. 

"Using my experiences has helped me to reason, understand and accept the ups and downs of my career. So, I really think that it benefited me to start my career later in life," Talijan said. 

Positive parental influence 

"I sat down with my parents and we talked about finishing school, or leaving and choosing to pursue a modeling career. I really put a lot of thought into the pros and cons of everything and it just played out in a way that everything happens for a reason and this is the next step. 

"My parents realized that I was taking a huge risk. But, when they met Ellen they connected with her and understood why I had such a positive outlook on this new journey. 

"Ellen is such a spiritual person. She has been in the industry for many years and is still so true to who she is. That's what gave me a positive start and without that, I probably wouldn't have continued on with this journey at all," Talijan said. 

Inside the industry 

"Modeling is an art form and the industry is so much more than being tall, thin and pretty," Talijan said. 

That statement makes what this 5' 8 1/2" model has already accomplished that much more impressive. Her rapid ascent in a highly-competitive world hasn't happened by chance. 

After working a variety of bookings through the summer of 2012, New York City was alive with her name on one particular fall day.

"I began building my book and getting the vibe of the industry. I spoke to Ellen and shared with her that I was ready to make the move to New York. Based upon my age and experience, she totally supported my decision," Talijan said. 

On her birthday (September 27, 2012) Wasser-Hrin accompanied Talijan to the Big Apple. By day's end she had contracts with a commercial agency and a high-fashion agency. 

Talijan moved to New York and appeared in presentations at Fashion Week in January 2013. She followed in the footsteps of Kate Moss and Cara Delavingne, who also stood under the traditional six foot model mark. Like those famous ladies, she also helped to break tradition. 

"At that point it was starting to get a little overwhelming. I was looking at these girls who were so much taller than me. But, I was there and doing it. So, I wanted to give it all that I had. 

"The way that it happened (in New York) was meant to be," Talijan said. 

A self-made business plan 

"After Fashion Week was over, I left the city and moved back home but continued to go on castings and book work in both New York and Philadelphia. 

What sets winners apart from those who settle for past glory is persistence and a belief in tomorrow. So, after doing a few Look books between March and May a life-changing opportunity stood dead ahead. 

"I've always kept notes. Every three months I make a list of what I've accomplished and compare it to what I've done previously. I keep track of whether I'm progressing in all areas of my life. 

"It's important to remember the positive and negative things and to not forget the little things," Talijan said. 

In transferring her experiences and hopes to physical form, Talijan was able to see a clear picture. After conferring with her mother at the beginning of August, she decided to give herself another year to see how she felt. 

London calls 

Talijan was five hours away from New York City, visiting a friend one weekend, when she received a call from her agent. She was asked to meet with London-based Lenis Model Management the next day. 

She got up at 4 a.m., drove to her agent's office, and later met with the London agency at a hotel in downtown Manhattan. 

The agent asked if Talijan had her passport and wanted to get the ball rolling. With Wasser-Hrin by her side, the atmosphere was set for the next chapter in this story to be lived. 

"I remember walking out of the room and getting in the elevator and Ellen giving me a big hug and telling me how amazing it was. (Model Management Agency - MMA then signed her with the agency in London.) 

"We call Ellen my guardian angel. She has such a good understanding of the industry. Having her by my side through all of this and being able to bounce ideas off her is great. The relationship that I have with her, I really could not be more thankful. 

"My main goal was to travel and to work in another country. It was mind-blowing that it was all happening so quickly," Talijan said. 

She flew to London on August 28, 2013. The next day she had six castings and is now working steadily. 

Wise advice 

"I feel there are so many things that you can assume about a person when you look at a picture. 

"I've made it my priority to not be Amanda the model. When I'm working, I choose to be Amanda the person. It's so much more than who you are and what you are doing," Talijan said. 

Clearly a skilled multi-tasker, she continues to pursue her Masters Degree in Psychology while working full-time as a model. Her inspiring story is far from finished, but this portion of it ends with sound advice. 

"No matter where you decide to go, it's important to know why you are doing what you are doing. Make sure that whatever you are doing makes you a better version of yourself. And, it's always important to remember who you are," Talijan said.

(My feature originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2014.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn. 

A Model's Life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

(Information about Kourtney Reppert can be accessed through her Facebook page, or through her Instagram account.) 

Consider someone who values a quote from Abraham Lincoln, the humor of Adam Sandler, appreciates the depth of Schindler's List and the lightheartedness of A Night at the Roxbury.

Those are just some of the diverse influences that a model from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania discussed recently. Who is the person behind the pretty face that brightens this articles' words? You are about to discover what life is like behind the scenes in the modeling world.

Small town influences

Kourtney Elizabeth Reppert grew up in Leesport, Pennsylvania. The small town, which is about an hour from Philadelphia, is a place where everyone knows each other. The people who live there work hard and are dedicated to their families and friends.

Many people set prudent goals and then move towards them. Some think beyond what can smoothly be attained and instead strive for their dreams. Kourtney is one of those individuals.

"I want to be successful as a model, while also remaining an overall happy and grateful person," Kourtney said.

Strong family base

A solid family environment often allows someone to build their life's foundation.

"I have three older sisters (Karla, Kelly and Kristie) who are all beautiful. My Mom (Kathy) and Dad (David) are very loving and supportive. They provided me with a great childhood.

"My Mom always told me that I had a special spark. When I was three-years-old my sisters would dress me up, put make-up on me and fix my hair in pigtails."

Role models

"My Mom had a tough time growing up because her Mom passed away when she was young. She always tried to raise my sisters and I the best that she could. She is my best friend.

"Good loving parents set people up for a good life. Everything starts with the family."

Kourtney had an active social life and was a member of the cross country, swimming, field hockey and basketball teams when she was at Schuylkill Valley High School. After graduating, she decided to attend Kutztown University.

"I always had good communication skills and did well in sales. So, initially I pursued a degree in sales and marketing. I also loved softball and pitched on the team at Kutztown."

Creating a career

Kourtney adapted her career goals in 2006, after a number of people suggested that she had the qualities needed to become a model.

"I admired many people who were models when I was growing up, especially Pamela Anderson (famous for being on Baywatch). She was the girl next door."

Establishing a career in modeling is not easy. The path involves heavy competition and rejection.

"I loved what I was doing and the way I felt when I was doing it. I wasn't going to take no for an answer. In a world of no's, you can also hear yes."

In 2007, she joined ModelMayhem , which is a Facebook-style site for male and female models, photographers, as well as make-up and wardrobe artists.

Constellation Energy offered Kourtney her first paid modeling position. Following that success, she landed a number of advertising print work assignments.

Friends and frenemies

Kourtney worked through the normal trial and error period that everyone experiences during the initial stages of their careers. But, she kept moving forward by relying on her well-formed instincts.

"You have to have a tough skin in the business. It was hard at first and you have to be on top of your game. The support of my family and friends has been very important to me along the way."

Kourtney Reppert: A Model's Life – Part 2

Diversifying her interests

Kourtney deepened her career potential when she obtained an Esthetician's license at the Lancaster School of Cosmetology in 2010. The training she received in the cosmetic care and treatment of skin and hair, allowed her career to expand.

Obtaining the designation allowed Kourtney to use her skills and experience to help women make their best beauty choices. It also empowered her to offer the Ivo Pitanguy skin care line to many individuals.

"My license allows me to offer a range of professional applications. Through this work I'm able to make people feel good about themselves, which makes me feel good about myself."

Kourtney also noted that Ivo Pitanguy donates one hundred percent of their profits, from the line that she promotes, to charitable causes.

The importance of a good photographer

"If the connection isn't good, it's like a bad date."

At times, a photographer can get a great shot when a shoot first begins. At other times, many hours might be needed until the perfect image is captured.

"dms graphix photography has shaped my modeling career. They are amazing people to work with. It's all about that connection with the photographer and timing when the pictures are being taken."

Experience and preparation

Years of training and focused preparation allows the best professional experience to take place.

"On the day of a shoot, I wake up, take a cold shower and do a mini-workout. Then, I relax for a bit before heading out. Depending on the job, I might do my own makeup. If a make-up artist is provided, that person will help me prepare at the site of a shoot."

One element that can't be seen when looking at photographs that have been taken is the music that was playing during a photography session. Music can establish a mood that helps a model transition into a mental state of preparedness.

"Music makes you feel. Certain songs affect certain people in positive, or negative ways. I like to choose my own music for a shoot, because doing so gives me more energy during it."

Kourtney puts her self into a state of mind using methods that are similar to professional actors. She sifts through past experiences that allows her to generate emotional responses. Those responses then create different looks that can be captured by the camera.

"I'm a character playing myself, or I'm myself playing a character. Modeling is a way to express yourself.

"If I'm in love, I show it to the camera. If I'm sad, that emotion will be seen. If I'm happy, my smile is endless."

Sports highlights

Kourtney's images have appeared on the Philadelphia Flyers website and on a Philadelphia Phillies' opening day poster.

"I was a tomboy growing up, so naturally I wanted to do a shoot that involved sports.

"The only reason I could stay up late when I was younger is because my Dad would let me watch hockey. I would always want to watch the (Philadelphia) Flyers."

Building her port

In the modeling business, the term 'port' is used as a shortened form of the word portfolio. A portfolio contains a person's professional work.

"My main goal is to get exposure in popular print magazines. Many career doors can open when that happens."

Reflecting and looking forward

Kourtney's professional career has expanded greatly during the past few years. Her experiences have created new opportunities that she continues to pursue each day.

"I have traveled a lot. Flew in private plane and went to a private island. I visited the Playboy Mansion and have met amazing people in the worlds of sports and entertainment."

Never one to be satisfied with her accomplishments, Kourtney is continuing to move forward with a positive spirit and a focused mind.

"I have grown a lot over the years and it has been a nice ride so far. I think attitude is everything and I have learned that you always have to keep working harder as you pursue your dreams.

"There is something inside of me that tells me to keep going. If you love something and you are good at it, why stop?"

(Information about Kourtney Reppert can be accessed through her Facebook page, or through her Instagram account.) 

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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