“As her mother, I have learned something too…”

Dear Mrs. Lewis Arban,

I just wanted to say a big “thank you” for The AMTC Convention and the wealth of education it has offered my daughter. My daughter, Maria, has gained so much in attending as a contestant. It has provided her with the invaluable opportunity to see herself as the independent individual she is and the potential she has to strive for. It has demonstrated work ethic to her combined with passion and integrity. It has given her confidence to “believe in herself” while building on a foundation of self-esteem and motivation.

I don’t know if you remember us because I’m sure that you meet so many people in the run of a day, but we approached you after your very informative seminar “Where Do I Go From Here?” (myself, Maria and her grandmother, Marie – we’re from St. John’s, Newfoundland – Maria is with X-Posure International)

We spoke with you briefly regarding the importance of incorporating acting in some facet to the modeling industry. Well, my thirteen year old, slightly shy daughter is now ready to dive head first into acting classes – because she realizes that it is important, not only with regard to modeling, but with regard to her own personal growth and development. And I have to say, we see a slight change in Maria since the convention. She is a little more assertive with people and more direct with her conversation. And as her mother, I have learned something too. I have learned to step back and allow her to try new things on her own. Before, I would “fill in the blanks” for her whenever she was questioned by others but now I know that she had never chosen to answer because she knew that I would always answer for her! For example, something as simple as ordering from a restaurant menu – I would automatically order for her. But no more. Because I realize that these are things that she’s quite capable of doing and has the confidence for.

Mrs. Lewis Arban, my daughter Maria, my mother Marie, and I had a whirlwind of a time at your convention. The seminars, rehearsals and competitions – all were fun and educational in highly positive ways. And the experience was a terrific bonding time for grandmother, mother and daughter – three generations enjoying a wonderful week together! Mrs. Lewis Arban, your mother, Millie Lewis, left behind a wonderful gift to the world. And you, as her daughter, are professionally, expertly and most obviously, proudly continuing with her monumental legacy.

Mrs. Lewis Arban, than you to you, your family and all who contribute in making AMTC the phenomenal success it is!

Sincerely,

Debbie Peddle

p.s. On an added note, the morning after we got home – we had a call from Alma Connock with X-Posure. She had just been talking to Marissa Surmenkow with Elite Chicago and they are very interested in Maria. They realize that she is young but are going to follow her closely and see us in Chicago in the near future. So exciting!!