America's Next Top Model is an Adventure in Self Respect

I have been watching "America's Next Top Model" since the very beginning. The show changes a lot each season and we learn more and more about the modeling world. About what it is and what it is not. For years now, many people have thought of models as strictly "skinny" or "beautiful". But Tyra Banks has taught us that being a model is actually very different from what we've come to expect.

Modeling isn't about being rich, famous, and strictly living it up. They actually have to deal with a lot of criticism and unfair judgments that are cast upon them, based on their looks alone. But Tyra Banks has shown that what we think of the modeling world, and what it really is - are two different things entirely.

Banks has proven that beauty is more than a beautiful face and more than a stick thin figure. It's about fashion, hard work, and dedication. And it was a proud moment when Ann Ward was crowned as "America's Next Top Model". Sure she is thin, but she is also 6"2, and far from the typical girl you would think of as a model. Ann showed herself to be unusual and uncomfortable in her own skin. She admitted to being picked on in school for being so very tall. You could see in several episodes that some of the challenges made her feel abnormal, about herself. But going through this made her understand and appreciate that she is different. And being different and who you are is a good thing. It helped her to gain confidence in herself, a confidence that is extremely important as you advance in life.

Ann Ward is a 19-year-old from Dallas, Texas. She admits to having been picked on and made fun of in school. She didn't expect to win, but she wanted it, gave all she had, and in many ways found herself. Many people were rooting for her to win, myself included. I love to see the dark horse win. No one was more surprised than Ann when she won. And it was a great moment seeing her dreams come true. Seeing the wall flower turn into a beautiful princess is a beautiful thing. Watching someones dreams literally come true is phenomenal.

Cycle 15 was concluded as Ann was crowned the winner of "ANTM". She won a modeling contract, a spread in Italian Vogue, and a $100,000 Cover Girl cosmetics contract. She has proven time and time again that her photos are high-fashion and that she is a hard worker. Her awkwardness has benefited her and now she has the confidence she needs to face the rest of the world. Most importantly to face herself.

That is why I love the show! It's more than who is most beautiful. It's also who works the hardest, wants it the most, complains the least, and isn't too cocky. Modesty is a good thing, conceit, well no one likes. Ann is the perfect winner for cycle 15! Way to go Ann!