In a newly-published essay, the model opens up about her experiences with bullying that started in middle school, where classmates would cruelly call her names.
- Jun 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - Ashley Graham's path to becoming a celebrated model was paved with challenges that began long before she graced the covers of top magazines. As she recounted in an essay, her experiences with bullying started in middle school, where classmates would cruelly call her "cottage cheese thighs." Despite being a successful model today, the sting of those early insults lingered.
Graham, who was 5'9″ and a size 12 by middle school, faced teasing for being "the big friend," as she wrote in an essay published by Time. Her reflections capture the essence of bullying, persistent hurtful actions aimed at demonstrating a power imbalance. Studies show that bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and a host of other mental health issues, making the road ahead tough for many.
But Graham's struggles didn't end with her peers. Upon moving to New York City at 17 to pursue modeling, she encountered harsh criticism from industry professionals. "I had people on set, like photographers, stylists, and even my own agents telling me that I was getting too big," she tells PEOPLE. These painful comments nearly led her to quit modeling at 18. It was her mother's encouragement that helped her find the strength to push forward. "Your body is going to change someone's life," her mom advised. This was the 'aha' moment Graham needed to redefine her purpose in modeling.
Graham's journey underlines the importance of self-affirmation. She began to tell herself, "I am bold, I am brilliant, I am beautiful," words she still uses to this day. "I think our words have power, and if you're constantly telling yourself that you're not good enough, then that's what your life is going to turn out to be," she advises.
