PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE April 2015 Bridal Issue | Page 73

I’m so glad you brought it up! This is probably one of my favorite things to talk about. So I’ve
worked at a summer camp, Camp Pocono Trails, for quite a few years. It’s technically a “new
image” camp and its purpose is to help kids lead healthier lifestyles. It’s so important to me to
show kids that health doesn’t just mean being skinny and that being skinny isn’t the only way
to be beautiful. I’ve worked there for a long time, but I always thought the camp was missing
something. This past summer, I finally accomplished one of my biggest dreams. I invited a group
of plus size models to the camp to get to know the girls and to openly discuss body image,
health, and a lot of other important issues these girls have never talked about. I was overwhelmed
with the response I received. These young girls finally got to meet role models who were
successful, beautiful, healthy women who were above a size 12. It was truly magical for me to
experience and even more so for the girls.

What is your advice to aspiring models reading your interview?

Some of the best advice I’ve ever received is probably the most cliché, but it really has helped
me... so I’ll pass it on. Just keep pushing forward. A lot of things will happen that will make you
question and doubt yourself. It’s important to just laugh things off and surround yourself with
positive people.

If you were not a model, what career path would you be working in?

I’ve always been really passionate about helping young women with self-esteem and body image
issues. I studied psychology in the hopes of pursuing a job where I got to do that. If I weren’t
modeling, I would want to be working for an organization that helps young women realize their
inner and outer beauty.