Name: Emilee Cariana Elia Strong
Age: 23
Married/Single: Happy, and in a relationship with my best friend Marco!
Kids: No, but I like to think Marco’s dog Cassie is partially mine (:
City you live in: Tucson, Arizona
A typical day in my life includes…
my routine changes a lot and lately I’ve constantly been on the go! This summer I got into a really nice gym routine and enjoy working out every day if I can. I am a part time student, but I also work at a local restaurant near campus at The University of Arizona. So I am either studying now that classes started up again or I am working during the day or at night! After I finish my daily obligations I spend my free time relaxing with my friends. I am a pretty big homebody since I am out-and-about during the day. My nights are my favorite, I am such a night owl! It’s when I feel most creative.
I was born…
I am from Seattle, Washington so I will always be a city girl at heart! The Pacific Northwest was such a wonderful place to grow up, and I still enjoying exploring my city. It will never get old.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
I actually never visited Arizona before I started school at The UofA. I never imagined the desert having such beauty to it! What really made me fall in love were the sunsets.
I’m listening to…
RL Grime’s new Album NOVA is so good! I’ve had the song Undo on repeat all day!
My family…
is important to me but there are some special people I would like to recognize. My mother is such an accomplished, inspiring woman. She is a single momma but she does it well! I am proud to be her daughter. I am also really close with my grandma. Let me tell you, I come from a long line of incredible woman! My grandma is easily one of my favorite people to spend time with when I am back home in Seattle. I can’t imagine life without my little sister! She was actually adopted by my parents when she was a baby. I feel so lucky to have her as my sister. She is so intelligent, sweet and caring. I miss her all the time! Another family member I am really close to is my great uncle! I always love the things we talk about and he is a big reason I am so passionate about fashion.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
there are so many people in this world I would love to learn from, even just for a day over dinner. However, in this moment I would love to have dinner with Marilyn Monroe. She’s my fashion idol!
One thing I cannot live without…
honestly, my eyelash extensions lol! There is nothing better than waking up and not feeling like you need to wear makeup. I love wearing makeup but I don’t always want to make the time to put it on. Sometimes I would rather sleep. With my extensions I can wake up and pretty much be ready to go. For how busy I am, and for how much I love sleeping, they are really nice.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a mom. In preschool I showed up with my baby stroller on career day, lol.
I’m inspired by…
everyone around me! I learn something new from someone each day. Everyone has something amazing about himself or herself to offer!
The one person who motivates me is…
I have so many goals set for myself in life. These goals are what motivate me. If I want something I will work really hard to get it! I will say though, I have a really strong support system and they keep me motivated too!
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
education systems everywhere! Education is so important and should not be a privilege. It shapes each generation and impacts every country. If education were equal for everyone worldwide and if education was free imagine how different the world would be!
The perfect day would be…
it would begin by spending the day outside on the beach which includes all the fun beach activities. I especially love jet skiing! Then I would get sushi…but I could also go for lasagna. I would have to see how I am feeling that day but those are my favorites. I would probably have to do some shopping but preferably online…let’s be honest, shopping sprees are kind of exhausting. Hot yoga is always nice and I am always really happy when I find a class that works with my schedule. I would absolutely have to take a dance class. Dancing has always been a big part of my life and my days are better if I am dancing! Lastly, cuddles with Marco. He is my favorite person, what can I say?!
My first job was…
I did a lot of babysitting in high schoo but I considered working at Abercrombie and Fitch my first “big” job the summer before I started college.
My favorite escape…
dancing, writing or running! I can get lost in all three.
My life…
may go in so many different ways which I think is exciting! I am in no rush to pick my set path but right now I do have a couple of them started. I am still feeling them all out.
I’m currently working on…
I have three majors which are dance, philosophy and communications. My degrees are finished but I continue taking classes as I prep for law school. However, I’m young and law school isn’t going anywhere. I want to experience so much more before I settle down and commit to a profession involving law. I love to dance and dancing is something that’s been a big part of my life since I was little. I danced at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, at The University of Arizona and with many other wonderful instructors. My dance education is something I am very thankful for! Currently, I am working on making a professional NFL or NBA dance team. I can’t think of a better job right now! It’s been a dream of mine for a while now. I am also exploring opportunities with writing and fashion. Both are things I love and I want to see where they might take me. I want to try it all!
Always…
live your life with integrity. This is the most important thing my mother has taught me and is something that life continues to teach me each day. Here are some of my favorite thoughts on integrity that always leave me feeling inspired:
Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply profess them. Integrity is not just something you show others. It is also what you show them behind their backs. It is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Integrity is making sure that the things you say and the things you do are in alignment.
Never…
Settle. It is important to let yourself try, fail, learn, and grow! We only have one life, so might as well spend it going after your dreams!
Favorite Quote…
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe. Trust. Let go. And see what happens” – Mandy Hale.
Biggest Dream…
to live a life where I am genuinely happy. I am still finding my path because I am enjoying taking the time to explore my passions. I do know that the end dream is living a life where my heart is full!
My Pet Peeve(s)…
chewing. Loudly.
