Audition to Advocacy: A Day in the Life of Face Value
by Julia Wallner

During English class, our principal announced an audition for Face Value, Westchester CountyÕs new anti-smoking campaign for teen girls. The campaign informs teens about how smoking hurts their looks, drains their pocketbooks, and contains over 4,000 harmful chemicals. I decided I had to audition since I've opposed smoking for as long as I can remember. I can even recall marching around my house when I was six with "stop smoking" signs before my dad kicked his habit in 1993.

My friend Daniela also auditioned with me which made me feel more at ease. I wish I could say that the audition went smoothly, but when it was my turn to audition, I had butterflies in my stomach. I handed them a form I had filled out earlier, answered their questions and let them take my picture. Short and painless!

I hadn't given the audition much thought after Tuesday until Daniela came running up to me in school. Her mom had just received a phone call that Daniela was chosen! Although I was extremely excited for her, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. Little did I know that they had selected nine girls and not just one. Lucky for me, my mother also got a call.

Daniela's mother drove up to Boston, where the shoot was taking place, with us. The set was given its final touches when we arrived. A stylist was present to help coordinate our outfits. When the set was finished, the director filmed some test shots. Afterwards we checked into our hotel and got a good night's sleep.

At 6:30 in the morning we left the hotel to begin shooting the commercial. We were styled by make-up artists and led to the set. The director shot the scene with all of us first. After lunch, the director videotaped us individually. At the same time, a photographer took pictures of us for the billboards, bus ads, and posters. We wrapped the shoot at about 7 p.m.

After returning from a trip to Germany yesterday, I turned on the TV and saw the Face Value commercial. I also received an e-mail with pictures of the billboards, bus ads, and posters. Reflecting on my experience, I can say I'm very happy that I was able to support something I truly stand by. I had a lot of fun in Boston and feel more strongly about not smoking than I have ever felt before. Hopefully, I've made an impact through my contribution and can continue to be part of the Face Value program in the future. And as for smoking; it's most definitely not worth it!