The Day I Booked My First Job (and My Dad Cried Happy Tears)

I still remember exactly how it felt when I found out I booked my first job. I was going to play Rita in a movie called The Therapist, filmed right here in Richmond.

Before that, I had mostly heard "no." Or I heard nothing at all, which is its own kind of no. I would practice, do my very best, and then wait. And wait some more. I was starting to wonder if "yes" was a word casting people even knew.

Then one day the answer was yes.

The happiest I had ever been

I was so happy I didn't know what to do with my body. I jumped. I squealed. I'm pretty sure I danced, because I dance about everything.

Somebody picked me. Out of everybody who tried, they looked at me and said, "Her." I kept saying it in my head so it would feel real: I booked it. I really booked it.

Then I looked at my dad

He was smiling so big, and there were tears in his eyes.

At first I didn't get it. I was the one who booked the job, so why was he the one crying?

I understand it better now. My dad had been there for all of it: the practicing, the waiting, and every single no. He believed in me on the days I wasn't sure I believed in myself. So when the yes finally came, it was his yes too.

Those were happy tears. They are my favorite thing I have ever seen on my dad's face.

What that day taught me

• A yes feels bigger when you had to wait for it.
• My dream isn't only mine. The people who love me are carrying it too.
• Making my family proud feels even better than seeing myself on a screen.

I've done more jobs since then. I modeled for Tanya Taylor in New York, filmed commercials for Children's Hospital of Richmond and CBN, and shot the String Ring commercial. I'm thankful for every one of them. But nothing has felt quite like that first yes, and my dad's face when it came.

If you're still waiting on your first yes

Keep going. It's coming. And when it gets here, somebody who loves you is going to be so proud they might cry too.

Dad, thank you for believing in me first. I love you.

With all my heart, Eleaya Neveah 💖