Meriah Nelson

"They call the wind Meriah". Named after that song, I am strong, spirited, and free!

THE PAST
Raised in Upland, California, Meriah was extremely shy growing up, contrary to her out-going attitude today. Meriah was a girlie girl, but not a sissy. Meriah loved wearing dresses and pretending she was a princess. Meriah also climbed trees, hung out with the animals, played softball, and even had a tool kit. Usually too shy for boys, Meriah was in love with horses. One of Meriah's big dreams as a little girl was to compete in the Olympics in Equestrian, just like International Velvet. Meriah is still a big dreamer today.

Meriah accidently became interested in modeling while attending a modeling/charm school at age 14. The classes, which were originally intended to help conquer Meriah's timid ways, sparked a new interest. By the time Meriah was 18, Meriah had an agent and did her best to juggle college and modeling. College had always been a must for Meriah.

While touring college campuses, Meriah instantly fell in love with the University of California at Santa Barbara. Meriah knew she just had to get out of Upland and UCSB was her type of place! Meriah always wanted to live on the beach. Meriah studied hard and played hard too! This big party school did not stop Meriah from graduating in four years with a 3.5 grade point average. Meriah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a minor in Health Science and Exercise.

Then to experience life even more to the fullest, Meriah took off all of a sudden and backpacked through Europe, Egypt, and Costa Rica. Meriah learned that traveling is what makes her feel most free and like she is truly living my life for ME! Meriah continued to take opportunities for travel seriously and went on to work in Toyko with a choreographer, snowboard in Canada, and explore the Indonesian culture as well as travel through her own amazing country. Meriah added more locations to her list on top of those. Modeling has given her great opportunities that she is very grateful for.

THE PRESENT
Always health conscious, Meriah is serious about taking care of my body and mind. She works out 4 days a week, religiously. Cardio-kickboxing, jogging on the beach, weights, and yoga class. Meriah always eat really healthy food first and then Meriah doesn't feel so guilty when she occasionally pigs out. Actually Meriah does LOVE junk food, chocolate and also salty junk food. A strong body needs a strong mind for balance so Meriah has always loved to read, learn, and grow. Her quest for knowledge is immense.

As a Scorpio, Meriah describes myself as independent, determined, passionate, emotional, intense, and adventurous. She is very extreme as well, so she is either completely serious and reserved or a raging party animal. A lot of times Meriah wants to be alone and other times, Meriah has a strong desire to be social. Meriah will be dressed to the nines one day and the next day she looks like a beach bum. It is usually difficult for people to truly figure Meriah out. Bottom line is, Meriah is a true introvert who has always longed to be an extrovert; Meriah is learning those skills. Every year Meriah gets braver with every challenge I set for myself. That's how Meriah gains strength.

THE FUTURE
Nothing has ever come easy for Meriah. Meriah has always had to work really hard. Meriah can only imagine what it would be like to be "discovered". It is Meriah who has worked hard to make herself known in the industry and Meriah will continue to persevere and make things happen for her. Meriah feels she has already made great progress and will continue to strive for success.

It's funny, but Meriah likes to think of herself as "cool" and "smart" so there is a lot she can do. Specifically, Meriah would love to get great jobs as a show host. Meriah is already in the process of pursuing that dream. And Meriah will always be traveling, although Meriah thinks SoCal will always be my home base.

"I swear--by my life and my love of it--that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine."

"My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute."

AYN RAND

MERIAH'S FAVORITE QUOTE OF ALL TIMES: "What doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger."

Meriah can be contacted at http://www.meriahnelson.net