Natalie Mezo & Her Favourite Places On Campus [Danielle Da Silva Shoot]

[Ed. The next edition in our series by fashion photographer Danielle Da Silva! This week we get to know Natalie Mezo. Be sure to check out Danielle's website and fanpage. Click here for our latest features with dancer Naomi Wintzen and model Kate Knight! We will also be making these galleries "limited edition" so check them out now before the links expire! -Nate]

Who are you?

Name is Natalie Mezo but my friends call me Nat. I am a therapist in training, a daughter, a sister, a lover and a fighter

What’s your background?

My dad was born in Budapest, Hungary and my mom was born in Toronto, her parents are from London, England originally. I was born in Toronto, but I consider myself a true foster child of Canada, having lived in Alberta and now in Vancouver- So proud to be from a place of such beauty and peace ♥ Canada

Where did you go to school?

I went to Crestwood Prep College in Highschool as well as York Mills Collegiate in Toronto; did my Undergraduate degree in a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Child, Youth and family at Guelph University; and am now half way through my Masters in Counselling Psychology at The Adler School of Professional Psychology in Vancouver, Canada.

Why are you awesome?

Awesome huh? I love how its just assumed that I think I’m awesome….haha. WELL- I think I have been fortunate enough to live an experientially full and rich life, both spiritually and emotionally. Having the privelege of being blessed by so many incredible positive lights and encouraging hearts in my life has helped me to persue my dreams and believe in myself despite many life challenges and trauma. I feel so lucky and grateful to have been touched by so many strong unique individuals in my life-and THAT equates to awesomeness on a completely different level (How I love living in the world of positive psychology).

What do you love most about yourself and why?

My resiliency is something that I remind myself everyday to never take for granted. Pushing forward despite some harsh realities of life and being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel- Tough is my spirit. Being driven is something that has been like a second nature to me- That feeling of wanting something and not being afraid to just reach out and grab it. Oh, and my extreme fantasy world that goes on in my head (confirmed fantastically in an individual appraisal personality test I did).

What are 3 things that make you mad?

1) When people say one thing and do another. Though telling people how you feel is important- actions speak louder than words in my opinion.

2) The lack of compassion and empathy we as human beings have for one another sometimes breaks my heart, especially considering I have seen the rewards of love and understanding versus hate and judgment

3) Personal pet peeve- When people make plans and can’t freaking follow through on them!

What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

My 4lb Maltese Charly biting the face of a 8lb rottweiler (SHE thinks she is a giant)..oh and her burps are hilariously unexpected too.

What’s your song right now?

“Born this way” by lady Gaga has been one of my fav running songs to listen to lately…I love how its deeper level empowering and how she pays tribute to the late Lady Diana. OH and how the song encourages the idea of fluid sexuality and making room to accept and love whatever that means for you as a person despite stereotypes in society. I have also been digging “Time To Pretend” by MGMT, because it makes me nostalgic of memories I had with family members and being a young and naive, and also because it talks about living life to the fullest everyday and how that is a decision we make.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you at a bar?

And I’m supposed to remember? Lol. Honestly I would say being paid to slap someone across the face because they liked it would be up there (I was probably 18) Being drugged was SCARY weird. It’s very sad that we actually have to be concerned about our physical safety when all we want to do is have fun and be carefree.

What would you rather be doing right now?

Probably lying on a beach somewhere sipping a pina colada…I miss the sun and my body is craving some natural Vitamin D-Vancouver is terrible for rain unless its summertime.

What’s your next project and what’s your end goal?

I have so many goals! My current concentration is on completing my Masters and the practicum involved-thesis is going to be ridiculous :s My end goal is to become a registered psychologist with a holistic theoretical orientation embedded in natural medicine, psychotherapy, yoga, meditation and mindfulness.

What would your (next) tattoo look like?

Its going to be my first and only and it will be a mystical woman part angel part fairy designed by me that pays tribute to the two women who will always be watching over me.

Who’s your biggest influence?

My grandmother who pretty much raised me. RIP Emma xo. Also all the little ones in my world, my brother, cousins and goddaughter who inspire me to laugh, live every moment like its our last and trust that everything will turn out the way that it is supposed to.

How will you change the world?

Compassion, empathy, positivity,by validating peoples experiences, and encouragement. Shining a light on all of those in need of a little hope and strength.

What was it like shooting with Ms. Da Silva?

Exciting and challenging! You can just tell by the look in her eyes that everything is going to turn out just perfectly. Her vision is like no other. Creativity with her never ends from portrayal of model, landscape, location and mood of shoot. She is a radiant and extremely talented queen of all trades and really gets you into that confident zone.

Any last words of wisdom for our readers?

Live each day like its your last, don’t take yourself too seriously, believe in yourself and never give up. Balance, peace, wisdom, namaste. xo