Christine Markiewicz is a beautiful, outgoing, and ambitious 19 year old young woman. In her own words, she describes herself as “more of an outdoorsy girly girl.” She loves to go camping, fishing and hiking yet you wouldn’t catch her dead without mascara. She enjoys every moment of getting dolled up for a photo shoot, but on her own time she would rather be in jeans and a tee shirt.

In high school, Christine spent her time between and after classes as a stage manager for dance productions, a crew member for theatre productions, a member of the Spanish Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and also as a volunteer at the Providence Medical Center in the emergency room. As if her schedule was not busy enough, Christine managed to make time for her other interest photography. She enjoyed learning all about photography but soon realized her classmates had her in front of the camera more than she was behind one.

While interviewing Christine, she shared with me her powerful story why she has an interest in modeling. In middle and high school she suffered from a terrible disease that many other teens her age struggle with across the United States – anorexia. She never felt good enough and had trouble finding her place with others. After her long years of battling anorexia, she found her niche in photography. Whether behind or in front of the camera, she realized that it did not matter what anyone thought of her, she knew who and what she was and had become. “I may not be perfect at posing, academics, or anything for that matter, but I am perfect at being me. That’s all that matters.”

Christine started looking for more modeling opportunities in the community and took an offer from a photographer for a premiere photo shoot. It was on that shoot, she realized that being on set and being a part of  it was what gave her happiness, confidence, and made her feel beautiful. It was in that moment, she had completely let go of her past insecurities.

Christine’s desire and hope is to share her story, hoping that it would help others who have anorexia realize that they are perfect just the way they are. “Forget what others think and say about you, stay focused on yourself. Everyone is unique and that is what separates us all and makes us beautiful.” Her future goal is to finish college at UAA in the nursing program. She will continue to follow her passions in life in schooling and modeling, while helping others overcome their struggles. By sharing her story, facing and dealing with her insecurities, Christine is proud of who she is and the things that have changed her life.

See more photos of Chrisitne Markiewicz “Model One” Photo Shoot