Alek Wek

If my mother hadn't encouraged me, I would be nervous and feeling like I'm doing something wrong. ”

Going on safari in South Africa was hardcore but a lot of fun - though my friend Maura was absolutely freaking out about all the bugs in her hair and having to pee in the sand. ”

You can feel very strongly that someone doesn't like you. I think any model who didn't have the same sort of upbringing as me would find that very difficult. But I absolutely knew I was entitled. I never thought I was ugly - it never crossed my mind. ”

When I talk, it shouldn't just be black girls listening. ”

There are tons of black girls modeling, and each one is special. ”

You've got to make yourself happy. I'm a happy person naturally. ”

It's an awful feeling, being hungry. ”

You could fancy what you'd like, but as a woman, my mother always raised us to believe in ourselves. I am very grateful that my mother brought me up that way. ”

We need to do everything we can to protect the health and welfare of children around the world, but fortunately, it's getting easier to provide things like medication and care. ”

I would love to continue to model but also have a family. ”