By: Zainab Salam, Influencer of Influencers

Hey, girlies! Life’s so interesting and hectic as a baddie influencer. This past year has been a year of many successes. I think I smashed it, to be honest. Everyone should follow my lead. 

I want to say that I can’t believe it, but like, I already lived it . . . the Met Gala was iconic on so many levels. I got to bump shoulders with everyone who is someone (and at least three people who pretended not to know who I was #rude). The vibes were immaculate. I got to browse racks upon racks of 70% off bags like there’s no tomorrow. The liquidation theme of the event was superbly executed. And it was like, totally awesome. I think it was revolutionary to hold such a prestigious event in Surrey! #MetGala2025 #MetGalaInSurrey #OnlyCoolPeopleGetInvited #YouWishYouWereMe

My Met Gala experience taught me that I can have a seat at the table. Prior to the invitation, I thought I was just a small content creator, with no following. But the event changed the trajectory of my life. I now know that even celebrities use plastic folding tables! #WhoKnew

Another career highlight was being there for Tay Tay. Photographing her engagement to her football beau, a true dream came true! I think my photos were aesthetic and totally matched their vibes. The raccoons sneaking in the background of the photos truly made their engagement photos to die for. Haters say that she was Temu Taylor, but back off!!! Taylor LOVES Stanley Park. #DreamCouple #IAmAPhotographerNow #TotallyProfessional #NothingIsAsRomaticAsAPublicParkProposal #PPPForTheWin

All the likes and comments that my photos received catapulted me to a prestigious clientele — and they have given me great ideas for my 2026 New Year’s resolution! I will finally respond to the message requests from so many people requesting that I photograph their engagements to their Nigerian princes (omg there are so many of them!!). Unfortunately, in the past, I had to decline them all because I didn’t have time for anyone — I was focusing on my career as a stay-at-home daughter. And I didn’t actually have a camera. And the job market is kinda down. 

To the cousin who won’t stop questioning that I’m Taylor Swift’s engagement photographer: Don’t doubt me, Adam! I always knew you didn’t like me; I just didn’t think you would take your dislike to this level. I’m gonna tell your parents about it at the next family gathering.  

Overall, 2025 me showed initiative, confidence, and an inspiring resistance to criticism. Haters tried to get me many times throughout the year, but I was resilient! Every hateful comment left under my Insta posts was reported. I hit every hater that tried me with a block, block, block.

To be hella honest, I would rate 2025 with a 10 out of 10. Everything I did was great. I broke the stereotype of SFU girlies not being invited to the Met Gala. And I became the first ever SFU student to have trended on social media with the #IsSheBeingForReal? 

So here’s to an even better 2026. Although I’m not sure how I, or anyone for that matter, could top my 2025 achievements . . .