She Wanted To Be A Model

Maddy (left) giving some loves to her mom.

Most of the time when we think of models, we think of beauty and perfection. But, considering that there are no human beings without some sort of "flaw", maybe that's not the best concept to maintain. Maybe it's possible for people with physical differences to become models, despite societal expectations.

The whole notion of difference applies to 18-year-old model Madeline Stuart, who lives in Brisbane, Australia. You see, life has been a little different in her case. Madeline was born with Down's Syndrome, a genetic disorder. There aren't very many people with her genetic background who have become models, if there has even been one.



So, the very fact of what Ms. Stuart is doing will challenge our notions of what constitutes beauty and what people with intellectual challenges can hope to do in their lives. In fact, Ms. Stuart's belief in herself helps her face the challenges in the career to which she aspires. As she says, "[M]odelling will help change [society's] view of people with Down syndrome", and "Exposure will help to create acceptance".

One of the issues for those who are born with Down's is overweight and body structure differences. But this is one young woman who has been quite active. She participates in cheerleading, basketball, dancing, gymnastics, and cricket, plus more. And that's more than many other people manage. Add her activities to a healthy diet, and the extra weight she had as a youngster peeled off, to the tune of 45 pounds.

Madeline's mother, Roseanne, has been supportive of her daughter's ambitions, "She is not insecure in the least bit, but I have made a point of never letting anyone be critical of her and telling her every day how amazing, funny, smart, beautiful, wonderful she is." That maternal attitude has spread to her daughter's upbeat attitude, "People with Down Syndrome can do anything. They just do it at their own pace. Give them a chance and you will be rewarded beyond your greatest expectations."

Ready for the prom with a special date.

By the way, Madeline has already gotten a few modeling gigs, but doesn't yet have an agent. But in the business of life, Ms. Stuart has already won the race. Her attitude and can-do spirit is already an example for others who face challenges in their lives.

Madeline (left) on a poster for a local event.

Thanks to this article from Kindness Blog: http://kindnessblog.com/2015/06/19/an-18-year-old-model-with-down-syndrome-is-setting-out-to-change-the-world/; and this article from 6ABC Action News: http://6abc.com/fashion/photos-teen-with-down-syndrome-determined-to-change-modeling-world/729006/.

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