A plus-sized model in the United States rightfully hit back at trolls calling her body inappropriate names. Sara Milliken was named the winner of the National American Miss Alabama 2024 pageant in May. The 23-year-old's celebrations were obstructed by a slew of hateful comments on social media about her body. Undeterred, she not only slammed the trolls but also educated people that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. She also reminded them that no matter how one looks, at the end of the day, it's the actions and kindness that make an impression.
Who Is Sara Milliken?
Sara Milliken is a model from Atmore in Alabama. She first got into pageantry eight years ago, competing for the Jr. Teen title through an open call from Miss Alabama organisers. She was not selected that year.
However, she tried again the next year, when she was 16 years old. She wrote in a social media post, "I worked so hard and changed everything about myself. I became who I thought they wanted."
Days before the pageant, she was met with a confidence-shattering comment. "Days before the pageant, I had a mean boy tell me I was “too ugly” to win," she said, adding, "I was humiliated and hung my head low..."
Milliken decided to not compete again and stayed away from the ramp for seven years. However, at 23 years old, she decided to pick herself up and try again. This time, she triumphed as Miss Alabama 2024.
Milliken recently made global headlines for her tactful manner in handling social media bullies. While many trolled her, she calmly educated them on behaving more appropriately online.
She reminded them, "Things you type online can have a lasting impression on people." She also told the news outlet WKRG, "No matter what your body looks like or where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to."
The model said that as Miss Alabama, she hopes to offer a "positive self-image by enhancing the natural beauty within." On Instagram, she expressed, "I was authentically myself. I had the most genuine smile on my face. I wasn’t perfect."
Sara Milliken's positivity has garnered praise from people across the world. Tracie Stephens-Brooks said, "To know is to love her. This young lady has a heart of gold and will give anyone in need a helping hand."
Another Instagram user said, "So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is an amazing, sweet young woman and is going to do great things!"
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