How I met Kameron
Empty nesting can be disorienting and for a little while I didn’t know what to do with myself. For one brief chapter I was in retail at a local bookstore. I didn’t necessarily feel proud of the fact that I could upsale like a pro, but it was a great confidence builder, and the people were good to me—that’s where Kameron comes in. She was one of my beloved co-workers whose optimism and kindness in the face of obstacles continues to be inspiring.
Model, Kameron Rodriguez, Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park
Occasionally Kameron and I walked home together and a rare friendship developed. She never seemed to mind that I’m decades older than she is. She treated me like I mattered, and I’m pretty sure she’s unaware of the positive impact that had on me.
Kameron doesn’t mince words—she tells you she loves you, and makes an extra effort to shower everyone around her with kind words and gentle understanding. She also happens to be a model, and it was no surprise that she volunteered to do a photoshoot with me when I put out a call for help to expand my professional portfolio.
I learned a lot about Kameron over the last couple of years. She’s careful about sharing details and has zero tendency to brag, so when I asked her a few questions about her story, the answers were short and sweet. This is what she had to say…
Me: Have you always wanted to be a model?
Kameron: Modeling wasn’t always something I enjoyed. It can be a fun, yet challenging opportunity to appreciate how I am different from others. I’ve learned to embrace the fun parts.
Info from the sidelines: Kameron has worked on several shoots. She strives to be the kind of person who sees modeling opportunities as creative teamwork rather than a competition with fellow models.
Model Kameron Rodriguez, Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park
Me: What are some of the greatest challenges you have faced in life?
Kameron: …Not losing hope. I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced because they have taught me the most important thing in life is life itself.
Info from the sidelines: You know, people who learn lessons like this don’t come by it easily, and it’s remarkable that challenges can lead to incredible depths of understanding.
Me: What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future?
Kameron: My hopes and dreams are less about grand destinations and more about becoming—someone whose presence brings peace, whose words carry weight, and whose life reflects integrity.
Info from the sidelines: Russell M. Nelson, a centurion whose kind influence reached far across the globe, often spoke about peace. He taught that being a peacemaker is a choice that will bring about positive change in the world. Every time someone decides that bringing peace to others is a key ingredient in their own life, like it is for Kameron, is a time to celebrate.
Kameron: I hope to make a difference with a life filled with meaningful connections, moments that matter, and leave behind something that will outlast me.
Model Kameron Rodriguez, Frary Peak, Antelope Island State Park
Kameron is just getting started. In the decades ahead I hope she finds a way to discover and tell more of her story. Our culture teaches us that talking about ourselves is unattractive, but I have come to find that sharing our stories is key to connection. It’s a way to gather the stamina needed to move forward. When we know, share and accept our own story, it allows us to be open to and compassionate toward the stories of others, which in turn gives others the strength to keep going.
Once we finished our photoshoot near Frary Peak on Antelope Island, we quickly made our way down the mountain and drove to the sand to grab a couple of pictures before the sun went down. Kameron told me she wanted to practice embracing the physical part of her that reflects her Native American ancestry—her side profile.
Model Kameron Rodriguez, sunset on the beach at Antelope Island State Park
Does Kameron’s story spark a desire in you to tell your own story? If you don’t know where to begin, try attending RootsTech, a huge annual conference on family history. Discover a tremendous amount of creative ways to tell your story in curated classes or in their enormous expo center. At the writing of this blog post, RootsTech three day passes are discounted for early bird pricing. I’m not sure how long that will last, so grab one while you can. Too far away to participate? You can attend online and enjoy access to hundreds of classes and presentations available on their website. But I’ll warn you, it’s addicting. How else do you think I got sucked into this? *wink* No regrets though! Click here.
