For many of us, modeling and looking like a princess are dreams we all have growing up. But for senior Peyton Saar, this dream became a reality. And it came through hard work, not a fairy godmother. 

“It was really fun shooting for a Nebraska Wedding Day. I also have been an extra in a regional Taco John’s commercial which was actually really fun. It was crazy to flip through the TV to see the back of my head,” Saar said. 

Saar has been modeling for 3 ½ years with Sasha Models after a woman approached her and said she should be a model. 

“My family and I just took it as a compliment and didn’t think much about it. We ended up meeting with a couple agencies and the second agency I met with is who I signed with,” Saar said.

When she is working on a shoot, Saar enjoys getting her hair and makeup done, as well as the environment of the shoot itself.

“I love pictures because I love to be able to look back and remember what I was feeling,” Saar said. 

However, this is not all she does. Saar is also an active member of band, National Honor Society, HOSA, and varsity track and cross country.

“I like all the experiences I’ve gotten to have. It is definitely different than what a lot of people think,” Saar said.

However, her two main passions, running and modeling, have not always created the perfect euphoria that she has dreamed of. 

“[A] thing that has combated my modeling has been running. Modeling requires your figure to be very slim and running builds up a lot of leg muscles. This has definitely caused some conflicts because both are important to me but they don’t fit together very well,” Saar said. 

While she is highly involved in many things, she remains true to modeling, despite its faults. The modeling industry is constantly under fire for damaging self-esteem.

“If you look in magazines or Instagram and see the top models in the world, obviously to most they are viewed as perfect. It’s hard when you are constantly comparing yourself to others, which is a lot of the time what I find happens,” Saar said. 

Saar has received her fair share of criticism from people outside of the industry who simply do not understand it.  But she does not let it affect her as she knows that it comes from ignorance and not hate. 

“I think a lot of people like to categorize the industry as being full of ‘dumb blondes’ or ditzy girls. I have met some of the nicest, most insightful people,” Saar said. 

These obstacles have not stopped her from pursuing her dreams. If anything, they have ignited a fire in her to keep going. 

“She’s an extremely driven person who has goals and will achieve them no matter what,” colleague Makenzi Dexter said. 

This has also been noticed by everyone she works with. She has built a close relationship with cross country coach Emily Janda, and she has certainly noticed Saar’s determination. 

“She has learned to navigate high school being involved in many extracurriculars.  I have no doubt that Peyton will continue her journey of success,” Janda said.

Despite all that she has endured—injuries and insecurities—Saar is looking to the future through a lens of optimism.

“I’m sad in a few short months I’ll be leaving my friends behind,” Saar said. “But I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”