As Plus models, we all know how difficult it can be to love and appreciate ourselves just the way we are when the entertainment industry is constantly pressuring us to change.  We are constantly bombarded with images of rail-thin women wearing next to nothing, and the message is clear "This is what you need to look like if you want to be successful." The overt, explicit model image is another article for another day. Let's just think for a moment, if we're grown and we at times find it difficult to withstand the pressure to be thin, and overly sexy just so we can find work, just IMAGINE how much harder it is for impressionable teenagers?

As a Plus- Size beauty queen (2009 Mrs. Illinois Plus America), I realize that the young women in my sphere of influence pay closer attention to me than I ever thought they did. They can tell me what I've worn last week when I don't even remember what I had on yesterday! For them, I am a "fashionista" or style-icon. And that's nice to hear. However, I find it much more flattering if young girls can see a woman of integrity AND style. My experience has been that character sticks with young girls...or at least it should. My concern is that for young girls, especially young Plus size girls, are being desensitized by so many images of women (large and small) on TV. and in print, and on the big screen, who feel that it is alright to bare their breasts and/or wear tight, revealing clothing.

I am certainly not here to judge anybody, but I would just like to encourage all of the beautiful, curvy women who are striving to reach their modeling dreams. Don't forget your little "sisters" in your quest for curvy super stardom! Be more than just a "model" be a role model. Let's vow to show young women that not only does beauty come in all shapes and sizes, it comes clothed in integrity, class, and decency. Heck, it comes clothed period! I have become a pageant coordinator with the Plus Teen USA pageant that is set to take place from October 23-25, 2009 in Dallas, Texas, and I know that I will make sure to encourage all of the young ladies that I oversee, to walk tall, and respect themselves as Queens. I encourage all of you to invite your little sisters, relatives, and friends between the ages of 13-19 who are a size 12 and up to enter this pageant! And, if you're available to attend the pageant please come and join us! It would be awesome for these beautiful queens to be surrounded by positive classy models such as you!

*For more information on the Plus Teen USA pageant, go to www.plusteenusa.com