Barbarz Steelz
More than 400000 people in the US suffer from down syndrome. Even though society has different views about people with down-syndrome, the world is continuing to change better for them.
Therefore we at Anomalous decided to share with you the story of Jessica Jacinto.
Jessica is a model with down syndrome
Jessica Jacinto is a model with down syndrome. She currently resides in Valencia Venezuela. Suffering from down syndrome makes her physical appearance and brain development a way that’s different from normal people. People with down syndrome face a lot of challenges both physically and mentally.
However, Jessica has managed to overcome all these challenges and made her way up to become a model.
From a young age, Jessica always had a dream to become an international model
“People with Down syndrome have been subject to exclusion from society and discrimination across the board – in educational settings, employment, and in their communities,” said David Tolleson, Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress. “Much of it is due to a lack of understanding and education and exposure to people with Down syndrome.”
However, nothing has stopped Jessica from pursuing her dream of becoming a model.
It all started when Jessica was invited to participate in a beauty pageant when she was 14 years old. Jessica was lucky enough to find her true passion at a very young age.
Jessica started to model when she was 14 years old. Even though she did a lot of things like swimming, athletics, and gymnastics nothing made her happy.
It’s when her mom, Yanira, and Jessica were invited to a beauty pageant for girls with down syndrome. They didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation. Just from her first walk the runaway, Jessica realized that this was her world.
Jessica says that she feels empowered. Becoming a model has even made her more confident
“For me, being a model is like studying a career that you like, that you are passionate about,” said Jessica. “And even if you don’t believe it, it takes dedication and innovation to improve yourself. The minute I’m on the catwalk, I become someone else. It’s almost as if there was someone else inside me suddenly coming out. I feel empowered.”
Jessicas motivation and charisma charms all the people who work with her
From show after show, Jessica’s mom has managed all her social media accounts finding opportunities for her daughter to participate. A lot of local entrepreneurs and models who invited Jessica described her as a character with great charisma and strength.
Jessica and her mom have worked hard to get to the position they are now
Just like any other thing in the world, Jessica and her mom haven’t found it easy to be successful. Yanira, Jessica’s mom said, “there is still a long way to go in Venezuela in terms of inclusion.”
Some big modeling agencies have dismissed Jessica by saying they would call back. However, Jessica and her mom are motivated that nothing can stop them because they thoroughly believe in their dream, knowing that they will achieve it one day.
Modeling can sometimes turn into a nightmare – Due to the strict requirements and rigid perception of beauty
Regardless of the niche, if you are involved in modeling, there should be something about you that sets you different from others making you unique
Models are fighting to have equal representation
Jessica is also a member of the Venezuelan Red Cross organization
Jessica became a verified member of the Venezuelan Red Cross organization after participating in the project “We are different but not inferior”.
She stated that “the project showed me that I could do anything I set my mind to and that I could perform various activities. That is why I am in a dance academy, also in skating.”
Jessica and her mom have an unconditional bond between them
Yanira told that Jessica’s “day-to-day life is like any other person’s: she goes to school, to extra-curricular activities, we don’t really make a big deal about modeling at home.”
She also said that it’s important to not be discouraged when things don’t go in your way. “Nothing is easy, but nothing is impossible either”
Jessica is proud of her journey and she is happy to have her parents supporting her in all ways – “they see that every day I work hard and I’m very disciplined, every day more and more. And of course, they see I’m happy, which is what they really want for me.”
Michelle Whitton, Executive Director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation that “there is still discrimination against people with Down syndrome even in developed nations .” However little by little people’s understanding is developing into accepting them in society.
A lot of people love Jessica and encourage her by sending words of praise
What do you think about Jessica’s story? Did you find her story inspiring? We would love to hear your answers in the comments section.
