A normal kid with some big dreams

By Joanne Oostveen - The Weekly News
A 13-year-old aspiring model says she hopes to be the next big thing for Cole Harbour.
"Get ready to take your Sidney Crosby pictures down and put mine up," said Astral Drive Junior High School student Rebecca McDougall with a laugh. "Nothing against you Sid, but there is room for more than one star in this town."
McDougall obviously does not lack confidence, an attribute that she says will help her go far in her chosen field.
Last summer, she signed a three-year talent management contract with the president of one of the largest talent companies in North America. She has also been appearing in some print ads, a music video and had a part in the movie Conscript that played at the Atlantic Film Festival.
In her life as a regular Cole Harbour teen, McDougall was a member of the youth choir, plays the trumpet, has performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, is an altar server at St. Vincent de Paul Church and loves to babysit. She describes herself as a normal kid with some big dreams that are starting to come true.
From the time she was a little girl singing and dancing in front of her mirror, she said she knew she was destined to be famous.
"I wanted to make this my career, and knew I could do it," she said. "It isn't about if I make it big, it is just about when."
Her parents realized their daughter had talent and was committed so they enrolled her in a 16-week modelling program with Strut International Models and Talent as her Christmas present last year.
"The program was wonderful," said her mom Gerry. "It taught her many things about nutrition, self esteem and body image. She absolutely flourished over those four months."
Next up for the family was a trip to Toronto last spring to attend the Canadian Model and Talent Convention, an experience that both mother and daughter called awe inspiring.
"I have a look and can sing, dance and act," said the teen. "I have a management company and a local agent. Everyone is rooting for me."
Later this month, she will be attending the first modeling convention of its kind ever to be held in metro where she hopes to draw the attention of agents from all over the world and also find some additional work here in Nova Scotia. The East Coast Model and Performing Arts Convention being held at the Four Points Sheraton on Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 will allow hopefuls to showcase their singing, dancing and acting as well as modeling.
McDougall will be doing a cold reading, improv and singing for the judges at the convention.
"My goal is to go to university and take a performing arts program," she said. "But for now I am happy. I have support from family and friends who believe in me."
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca