I would like us to look at the next model presented by Joem C. Bayawa, graduated from University of Miami, this is all about Michael J. Scanlon:
“I grew up on the southside of Chicago. My parents were amicably divorced and we didn’t have much money, but we never felt poor and there were certainly many people who were far worse off. I was a typical early 90’s kid: I played outside instead of inside, I went to the park if I wanted to see my friends, I played with rocks and dirt and we looked for garden snakes and played hide and seek because imagination was still a necessary tool of the 90’s child in order to have fun.”
Mike played rugby while he was a student, and he became a captain of the club. “I also made some of the best friends and most unforgettable memories I will ever make.”
“One summer while home from Miami, I got randomly asked to model. I gave it a shot but decided it wasn’t for me, which is why when a random photographer named Joem Bayawa asked me to work, I apologetically declined, but that story would be continued later.“
But then suddenly, Mike declined to accept a Doctoral program in psychology at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale and moved to Brisbane Australia to play rugby.
“In my time there I had my eyes opened to the beauty of the world, to the beautiful nature of the Australian people, played some great rugby, and was lucky enough to become the head of behavior for the largest autism early intervention foundation in the country. I was part of a change in ideology moving toward purely evidence based practices and was one of just a few authors on their early intervention curriculum, which was a very long labor of love.”
And then, after he moved back from Australia and headed home to Chicago to be closer to his family. Mike found that he had a lot of extra time that he had never had before and “stumbled upon a modeling gig that helped fill the time. I was selected to do a national ad campaign for LA Tan and had so much fun that I decided maybe I could try modeling once or twice more. That was when a voice came screaming from the past: Joem Bayawa”.
“Since working with Joem things have taken off and it’s more than I can even accommodate. I’ve done countless photoshoots, I am now working with three different agencies, I’ve been making enough money to pay for my MBA in Finance (that I’m currently in my final year of-still with a 4.0) and I’ve enjoyed it much more this time around.”
Mike still don’t see himself as truly being a model or having the model look, yet. “I get yelled at every time I say that. For now, I’m enjoying the ride but investing in my education for when this train eventually derails. Let me tell you though, it is one hectic but enjoyable twist in my life and I appreciate every job I get, every like, comment, and share on Instagram, and everyone who genuinely seems to enjoy what I’m fortunate enough to be able to do.”
I’m sure Micheal gets more attention than he propably wants or needs. Those beautiful eyes and that body to die for anyone would envy. I definitely see the Chicago influences. I’m glad his decided to give it a second try. I hope other photographer take notice I’d love to see what they come up with.