As things moved forward and my decision to quit was just about made, one of the most unexpected things happened: I received a message on Facebook from an ABC producer reaching out on behalf of daytime talk show Tamron Hall on ABC. She messaged me and shared that they were working on an episode featuring Tyra Banks that was all about believing in your dreams, and that they were reaching out to people who have either worked with or been inspired by Tyra. The producer went on to write that she’d read an article I wrote about Tyra on Thought Catalog and wanted to reach out and see if I had any availability to discuss the possibility of joining them on the show.
ABC? Daytime talk show Tamron Hall? And Tyra Banks?!
Ummmmm…what?!
I couldn’t believe it.
First, the article I wrote about Tyra was one I wrote about two years ago. So I was surprised to be contacted about it. I’ve been a Tyra Banks fan since I was a kid and have followed her career for a long time. She’s a woman who’s inspired me in a tremendous amount of ways – from her iconic Sports Illustrated covers (she was the first Black woman to land a solo cover with SI in 1996) to the different shows and films she’s appeared in and the platforms she’s built (like The Tyra Banks Show and America’s Next Top Model), along with her boss lady empire, she’s definitely someone who’s encouraged me to believe in myself. I also admire how she’s taken risks and shattered glass ceilings for other women too. She’s amazing. And Tamron Hall is too. Receiving invitations to join these inspiring and powerful women felt like God giving me a glimpse into my future.
Sadly, I couldn’t join them due to scheduling conflicts (and because the Facebook message didn’t come through to me until days later after it was sent – which broke my heart and led to an ugly cry). When I reached out to follow up, I was informed that the segment with Tyra had already been filmed. I’m not sure why there was a delay with the message coming through, but everything happens for a reason, right? Or at least that’s what I was told when I expressed how bummed I was that things didn’t work out. Though I was disappointed I didn’t get to participate, the producer kept my contact information and wrote that she’d be in touch if there was another segment I’d be a good fit for. So not all was lost. A connection was still made.
And this encounter encouraged me to keep writing.
If being messaged by an ABC producer in New York about an article I wrote about Tyra Banks two years ago is any indication of what my future may hold? I’d say I’ve got one hell of an exciting one ahead of me. One opportunity could change your entire life. I didn’t get to connect with Tyra or be on daytime television with Tamron Hall (yet), but there’s still hope for the future. Something tells me that this glimpse is just a sign of things to come.
In the meantime, I'll still be praying, writing, and waiting.