Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eternity. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eternity, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I remember being asked by a prestigious pageant coach, “Who are you?” As I was preparing for a national pageant, I hesitantly answered, sharing my aspirations and strengths, only to be met with blunt remarks that questioned my worth. This coach, who was supposed to empower me, instead said things like, “You’re not enough of this,” “You’re too much of that,” or “You’ll probably end up as this.” These small comments made me second-guess myself and started to discredit my own ambitions. It wasn’t just my dreams and talents that felt mischaracterized—it was like this person was casting doubt on my entire future.

Leaving that session, I realized that mentally, I hadn’t left at all. Those words stayed with me, replaying in my mind, and I began to put myself in the very box they had suggested. For a long time, I kept asking myself, “Who are you?” and started to feel like my dreams for this world didn’t fit anywhere. I wanted some kind of breakthrough or grand realization to pull me out of that place, but ultimately, I had to realize something important: my dreams were enough because they are part of who I am and the purpose I’m here to fulfill.

My family—especially my mom, auntie, and grandma—saw that “IT” factor in me long before I did. They poured love and belief into me and my big dreams, showing me that I didn’t need validation from anyone else. Working with what I have and knowing that I’m enough is more powerful than anyone else’s opinion. There will always be people who doubt, but the only opinion that truly matters is my own.

That journey of rediscovering my own strength, embracing my wins and my losses, and trusting my village led me to where I am now: the 2024 Miss Black USA Talented Teen. I’m here to show every young girl that you define who you are, and the power to shine lives within you—not in someone else’s judgment.

Eternity, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi readers! First and foremost, thank you for being interested in my story and taking the time to learn a bit about me! My name is Eternity, but feel free to call me ET—my late grandfather gave me that nickname, saying, “She’s gonna be out of this world!” Not to brag, but I think he knew exactly what he was talking about!

I’m from the dream-filled state of California, now living under the blazing sun in Arizona. I’m 17, though by the time you read this, I’ll have just turned 18 (a mix of excitement and a little terror!). Since I was young enough to dream, I’ve known I was meant to be a superstar, a “wearer of many hats.” Acting, modeling, singing—you name it, I’m here for it! Little ET planted that dream, and it’s been growing in me ever since. Now that I’m older, I’ve added my own flair, driven by a philosophy of advocacy, empowerment, and unity.

In 2020, I started my own community organization focused on mental health awareness and advocacy, working to build inclusivity and empowerment. I’m also studying Political Science (partly for a “backup plan” since at 5 feet tall, runway modeling is ambitious). Someday, I even dream of using my voice in lobbying! Service has always been close to my heart, and I started volunteering with local organizations at the age of 7. Recently, these efforts led me to be recognized by Arizona’s Governor, Katie Hobbs. My passion and dedication to my goals fill that shelf in my mind with trophies—trophies that are not just symbols of accomplishments but reminders of my journey.

But that doesn’t mean my path has been without its struggles. Just days after winning my first national title, I lost my auntie—my manager, stylist, best friend, and biggest supporter. She was the spark to my 11-year journey in pageantry, starting with her saying, “Hey ET, let’s sign you up for a pageant,” which I won on my first try. Losing her shook me to my core, and for a while, I thought of giving it all up. I even thought of moving off-grid to become a farmer, as caring for others (animals, in this case) felt easier than facing my own grief. But then I realized I couldn’t let go of the dream we shared. Even though she’s gone, her presence is still with me, guiding me and pushing me forward.

So, I’m declaring to you, to myself, and to everyone—just like younger ET did—that I will pursue every big and little dream in her honor. One thing I want to leave you with is this: You are not stone; you are clay. You can mold yourself into anything! Each of us has our own art, our own world to create. There will be no masterpiece if you don’t start painting with your gifts, so go for it, because we all have something “out of this world” inside us!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Don’t get me wrong, I have an amazing support system. My village is filled with family, led by my three incredible mother figures—my mom, auntie, and grandma. As a creative, it’s so important to have people who pour into you and believe in your dreams. But at one point, I was letting others’ opinions shape my path too much, and I had to unlearn that. Don’t misunderstand—stay with me! Having people project their hopes onto you can be both a blessing and a challenge. While constructive feedback is essential for growth, it’s a tricky balance between valuing others’ guidance and relying on your own voice.

Validation from others can feel amazing, but there’s a risk in depending on it too much. As a creative, you have to trust that everything you need is already within you. Yes, outside encouragement is valuable, but learning to value your own opinion is even more rewarding. So, here’s the lesson: respect the feedback of others, but remember that self-approval is priceless.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Pageantry has been such a powerful stepping stone on my journey, and Miss Black USA Talented Teen has given me the tools, resources, and support to grow, connect, and seize new opportunities. My dream is to pursue a full-time career in modeling and acting, and it’s a vision my family and I share together. The Miss Black USA pageant has inspired me to keep going, and I hope other young girls see it as a way to begin their own journeys toward their dreams, whatever they may be. If you’re ready to step into your potential, I encourage you to apply and join this empowering sisterhood at www.missblackusatalentedteen.org.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @missblackusatalentedteen

Image Credits

Demarcus Bowser Photography

Instagram: @dblwserphotography