by Deranda Butler, Grady High School
(aired on WABE FM on May 30, 2009)
I stood on the sparkling stage, with a sign that read 102 around my neck, waiting for my results in a modeling competition when I began reminiscing. I remembered those days when I used to do crazy things to look like the girl next to me: I would only eat one meal a day and take weight loss pills. I struggled with bulimia. But on the day of the competition, I proudly posed on stage – short, and not exactly thin as a rail. And next to me were the tall girls, with long hair and slim frames.

We all know the distorted images of Barbie dolls and the slender model photos in magazines influence little girls. I too questioned what “beautiful” was when I didn’t look like the women on television.

Ultimately, I decided not to let the media or society intimidate me. After all, beauty comes in many forms. And I knew the judges agreed when I heard the announcer say: “The winner is contestant 102!” I had won.

I’m glad to see America’s beauty ideals evolving. I look up to women like plus-sized entertainer Queen Latifah who helps motivate girls to be proud of what they look like – because beauty is also on the inside. I wish boys could understand this too.

Before I won the competition and a modeling contract, I thought of ending my dream to become a model. Now, I plan to help bust the myth that you have to be tall and skinny with long hair to be beautiful.