Heidi Fielek ‘96

My name is Heidi Fielek and I grew up in southern Maine. From the moment I met the Simmons ambassador, I knew it was where I wanted to study, so I was beyond thrilled when I was accepted. I graduated with a BA in Marketing in ‘96. For the first few years out of school, I worked in sales, then landed a job with a bio–pharmaceutical company. On September 10, 2001, I was laid off. I was devastated. The next morning while job searching on–line, I watched the tragedy of 9/11 unfold. Suddenly losing my job was no big deal because it was something, unlike a life, that could easily be replaced.

To say I had a difficult time finding a job at that time would be an understatement, but I held on knowing my Simmons foundation would carry me anywhere and I would eventually find my path. After months of looking, my mom convinced me to go to an open call for models—her reason being, "You‘re not working, so why not?" I went to appease her. I had no idea that decision would change my life.

The agency signed me and suggested I take an acting class to prepare me for on–camera auditions. I never expected to fall in love with acting. At the same time, the New England Patriots won their first Super Bowl so I auditioned for the Patriots Cheerleaders to see what an audition would be like. Nobody was more surprised than I was when they called my name! Soon after, I booked a news correspondent gig with "JobMass," hosting the travel show "New England Lifestyles," and shot my first independent feature film, "Right of the Meridian." I never expected to use my marketing degree from Simmons for a career in the entertainment industry, but boy, did it come in handy!

After my 2nd year with the Pats, I moved to Hollywood where I‘ve worked in voice over, commercials, industrials, film, and theatre, all while working my "survival job" as a custom closet designer. I recently found myself back in a familiar situation; I was laid off again. I will title this blog: "Chapter 2—Life after a Layoff." I wonder what it will bring this time…