Young teacher bravely overcomes fears to pursue her dream of becoming a bikini model – after thinking she’d lose her job
A YOUNG teacher has told how she feared she’d lose her job for pursuing her dream of becoming a bikini model.
Nicole Gill, 22, teaches pre-school kids while she continues her studies to be a primary school teacher.
But Nicole admits she has also always wanted a career in modelling — and feared that, as a teacher, she’d be unable to do both.
She even feared she’d be forced to quit her job after signing up to take part in the Miss Bikini Ireland contest this weekend.
'I WAS SO AFRAID'
Nicole, from Co Kildare, said: “I was worried parents would look at me differently. There’s some people who think that if you put yourself out there in a bikini you don’t respect yourself.
“I was so afraid of what people would think that I was very reluctant to sign up to Miss Bikini Ireland.
“Eventually I decided I was going to do it and I rang my boss to tell her.
“I thought that would mean I would have to leave my job — which was heartbreaking to me as I love what I do.
“But luckily I’ve had nothing but support from all the staff and the parents of the children I teach.
“I’ve had cards from and texts wishing me luck. They’ve been so supportive of me. I’m so glad I decided to give it a shot."
Growing up in a rural area, Nicole says she always dreamed of pursuing modelling or television work but was worried that people would judge her.
'I'M VERY DETERMINED'
She said: “I’m from such a small place. If I look out the window, I see cows and grass. A lot of people think I’m crazy for doing a modelling contest.
“In the past, I let that hold me back. I worried about how it would be seen.
“I got accepted last year but I wasn’t feeling ready.
“This year, I went travelling alone to Thailand and when I came back I found out I had been accepted.
“It seemed like the time was right.”
Determined Nicole says she now hopes to be a strong role model for other women by entering the contest.
She said: “I would love to represent Ireland in the Miss Bikini global contest, but also to represent Miss Bikini Ireland for the year ahead so my dreams would become a reality.
“I have worked very hard on my self-confidence and would love to encourage all women to love themselves — we’re not all perfect but we are who we are.
“I would love to help girls become more confident in their own skin and accept themselves.
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“I’m also a very determined girl — if I put my mind to it, there’s no stopping me.
“I’ve travelled alone to Thailand and Bulgaria as my friends weren’t available to come with me.
“I also never received enough points after my Leaving Cert to go onto college — but here I am still finishing what I set out to do.”
