08/06/2026
Dear friends,
I want to share something very personal with you.
The last few months have been some of the hardest of my life. I lost someone I loved deeply, was involved in a serious car accident that totaled my car, and faced one challenge after another. There were days when I felt like I was simply trying to survive.
But I've always believed that after every storm, the sun shines again.
Many of you know me as the immigrant with the strong accent. I always joke that I'll probably leave this world with it! But my story began long before America.
When I was 9 years old, I looked at the sky and said, "One day I'll go to America, have children, and go to university." Most people thought it was just a dream.
Years later, I won the Green Card Lottery. At 31, I came to America with my husband and our two young children. Building a new life wasn't easy, but I worked hard, built a career, and created a life I was proud of.
One of my proudest moments was attending college the same year as my daughter. Dreams really do come true.
Life has tested me many times. Sometimes God has different plans than the ones we make. You smile, keep moving, but deep inside you know you've changed.
Then I heard the voice of the little girl who never stopped believing in impossible dreams. She reminded me that I've always chosen courage. I've gone skydiving, bungee jumping, and even started learning to fly a plane. Every challenge reminds me who I am.
That's why I became a candidate for Next Fashion Runway Star in New York City. This isn't just about a competition. It's about choosing joy again, creating new memories, and proving to myself that life can still be beautiful after heartbreak.
I'm not asking you to feel sorry for me. I'm asking you to be proud of me. Proud of the little girl who dreamed big, the woman who never gave up, and someone who still believes it's never too late to chase another dream.
If my story has inspired you, I'd be so grateful if you would vote for me using the link below. Your support could help create one of the most unforgettable memories of my life.
Thank you for believing in me and being part of my journey.
With all my heart,
Figen Cansever ❤️