Taryn Delanie Smith, content creator and former Miss New York, shares her inspiring transformation from aspiring diplomat to viral TikTok sensation. She discusses her journey of authenticity, emphasizing how humor helped her connect with fans, especially through her character Denise, a receptionist in heaven. Taryn highlights her advocacy for housing insecurity and reflects on the growth she's experienced while balancing her social impact work with her entertainment career. Her honest approach to content creation provides a relatable lens for those navigating personal struggles.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Pageant Beginnings
Taryn Delanie-Smith, though associated with New York, began pageantry in Seattle at 17.
A teacher, whose sister was Miss Washington, encouraged her after seeing her sing.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Present Focus
Focus on the present task, no matter how small, with enthusiasm.
This dedication prepares you for future, unforeseen opportunities.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Pandemic Resilience
During the pandemic, Taryn lost her waitressing job and housing, forcing her to find a new apartment.
Despite setbacks, she cleaned houses, continued her master's online, and volunteered at the Bowery Mission.
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Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Taryn Delanie is a content creator and a former Miss New York. Taryn grew up in Seattle and originally had her heart set on becoming a diplomat. She gained a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from St. John’s University, and even spent time in Paris working in diplomacy. But when she was studying for a master’s degree in international communication and intercultural studies at St. John’s (and trying to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic), she started posting comedic videos on TikTok. She immediately went viral, and her second-ever video—which was of reviewing her less-than-desirable NYC apartment—currently has over 21 million views. She started posting regularly, with fans loving her honest, joyful sense of humor. Ever the multitasker, in 2022, she won the Miss New York pageant, spending her time raising awareness of housing insecurity, and in 2023, she became the first runner-up for Miss America. In the last year, she’s grown her following and created new and instantly beloved characters like Denise, a receptionist in heaven. She’s also explored new opportunities such as co-hosting the Amazon Prime talk show Influenced.
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