By Laurence Bonds
Not being a fan of too many reality television shows, I tend to stay away from a majority of them. But one evening, while I was navigating my way through the channels, I came across one show in particular called America’s Next Top Model.
The premise of the show is that 14 beautiful girls are competing for a modeling contract with a top modeling agency and other fabulous prizes. The girls live together in a New York City loft over the course of the series. Contestants on the show take part in a series of tests to determine who has the strength, will, and attitude to become America’s Next Top Model. The show seems to be textbook at this point--until you get to the contestants!
Amanda Lynn Swafford, one of the top model hopefuls, is legally blind. She’s a 25 year old mother from Hendersonville, North Carolina, who suffers from RP (retinitis pigmentosa). Amanda is almost blind and will be completely blind by the time she hits 30. Amanda seems to be strong willed and isn’t going to let this stop her.
Supermodel Tyra Banks, notable fashion editors, photographers, and agency reps serve as judges to decide which contestants will depart and which ones will remain on the show. Amanda may not be able to see, but her eyes make her very unique and photogenic. She has done well on the show, making it to the top 10. Let’s see how far she can go.
America’s Next Top Model airs Wednesdays at 8pm on UPN 9.
