Vanessa Angela Simmons

MTV celebrities Vanessa and Angela Simmons, stars of the reality series “Daddy’s Girls,” encouraged Shoemaker High School students last Monday to achieve their goals through practice, patience and persistence.

The two sisters, daughters of renowned hip-hop artist Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons of Run DMC, had a question-and-answer session with business, journalism and drama students Monday after a weeklong round at Fashion Week in New York.

“Your mind is the most powerful thing,” Vanessa said to about 200 enthusiastic students Monday. “You can think of anything and make it happen with positive thinking.”

Audrey Cullars, dean of students at Shoemaker, said the sisters contacted the school because they wanted to do something for students in military families. The sisters initially came to Fort Hood to introduce their line of junior footwear at the Clear Creek Post Exchange and Warrior Way Specialty Store.

Vanessa, 26, and Angela, 22, were greeted by a cheering auditorium of teenagers.

Many brought their cameras to take photos to show to their friends.

The television stars’ cousin, Jessica, also made a surprise appearance.

“There are always times when you’re very challenged,” Vanessa said to the students. “The most important thing is to never give up.”

A selected group of students had an opportunity to come up to the front of the auditorium and ask Vanessa and Angela questions.

The questions ranged from what was the most difficult part of being famous to if their shoe collection had experienced a decrease in sales because of the economy.

Vanessa dominated much of the question-and-answer session, and at one point, Angela snapped at her sister for interrupting her.

Many students were interested in learning how to start their own fashion line without the “hookups.”

“It’s about how passionate you are,” Angela said. “As a fashion designer you need to build up your portfolio, and try to go to a school that specializes in what you want to do.”

Vanessa added that students should strive to think outside the box, and find a mentor who’s accomplished in their area of interest.

When a student asked what’s the most challenging part of their jobs, Vanessa immediately replied that it’s difficult to overcome the notion that they’re just spoiled girls who’ve had everything handed to them.

“A lot of people think because we come from privileged families, that we’ve been given everything,” Vanessa said. “We’ve had to prove ourselves.”

The reality stars also encouraged the students to get involved in their community.

“Outside of doing the things I love, the most important thing is to give back,” Vanessa said. “You guys are the next lawyers and doctors. It’s important to inspire you guys to do what you want to do.”