“You should model.” That’s what people said the moment they looked at me growing up. Tall. Pretty. Poised. So naturally, they assumed modeling was my path. And before I could even speak up, the decision was made for me. But here’s the truth: Modeling never felt like home. It felt like being seen—but never heard.

With dance, I could at least express myself without words. But in modeling? You’re not supposed to feel. You’re supposed to pose. And I had so much to say.

🎭 I Was a Drama Nerd Hiding in a Fashion World

While others practiced their runway walk, I was competing in Shakespeare festivals. I was obsessed with characters, comedy, and emotion. For God’s sake, I wanted to be on SNL soooooo bad, not just on a billboard. 

So, when I got the chance to be on America’s Next Top Model, it felt like a big opportunity. But when we had our acting challenge? I bombed it. So hard.

Not because I couldn’t act, but because I didn’t believe I could. I had been told for so long that I was just a model. And I believed it.

🔄 But I Found My Way Back

It took time. Years, honestly. But I came back to myself.

Now I act. I create. I express. I play characters that laugh, cry, scream, dance, and fall apart.

I’ve allowed myself to be more than just a label—more than a mold someone else created.

Oh, and yes—sometimes I eat 100 tacos, because guess what? In acting, you can be all shapes and sizes. Yes, I know modeling now allows different body types, but for me, after ANTM, I could never feel comfortable modeling without being conscious of my body. In acting, I can be anything, heck, I just played a sloppy, gross, funny gym teacher (IT WAS SOOOOO FUN!!!).

🗣️ Final Word to Anyone Feeling Boxed In:

Tell them you love them…Then kindly (and confidently) &%$# OFF and go be YOU.

That’s where your freedom is. That’s where your fulfillment lives. BE YOU but always be kind…and don’t forget to invite me for tacos.

🔗 Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

❤️ Have you ever felt boxed in by someone else’s vision for your life? Drop a comment below and share your story.

– Love ya,

   Giselle