Aoki Sets Internet On Fire

An aspiring model Aoki Lee Simmons juggles work as a model with her studies at Harvard University.

Understandably, these two lifestyles clash. Her participation in New York Fashion Week will mean she will miss some of her classes.

Luckily, her professors understood the young model’s dilemma, and she praised them with a shout-out on Instagram.

“Shout to professors who are understanding and accommodating about Fashion week! Like I’m happy to do any extra work required, and I’m sorry about the occasional absences. Finding an understanding professor is the beat,” she wrote on her Instagram story.

Another story read: “Maybe because it’s Harvard, but certain professors will hear ‘modeling’ and laugh in your face. It’s always nerve-wracking explaining why you need an absence for work. But some won’t even discuss it, whether you are willing to zoom in, write an extra paper, turn the homework in earlier, whatever. Some won’t even try to meet you halfway.”

There are many misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding modeling. Simmons recently had to defend her choice to be a model.

A Tik Tok user wondered why Simmons, who is “articulate and educated,” wanted to be a model. Simmons came up with an intelligent response.

“I love it, and I think we should normalize you liking something. You don’t have to do what you’re immediately good at,” she wrote.

She wishes to inspire women to choose the path they want for themselves. Society’s expectations should not dictate what you do with your life.

“I really want us to move towards a future where young women are not being asked this question. Like, you’re not being asked, ‘Why did you follow your more creative passion even though you’re smart? Like I would like to change the idea that you can’t be smart and pretty, or you can’t be smart and enjoy your looks or enjoy a creative, beauty fashion-based career,” she stated. “You can be two kinds of people in one person.”