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The HBCU Advocate


Volume 1 Number 7


Winter 2018


Hampton Alumna to Appear on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ on VH1


Hampton


University


alumna


Ivana Thomas gets her shot at being VH1’s “America’s Next Top Model” hosted by Tyra Banks, Tuesday nights at 8p.m.


“Anyone who knows me knows


that I love Tyra Banks,” said Thomas. “I grew up watching her on the show. With this season being her return to ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ I was beyond excited to be a part of it.”


Banks returned the compliments in the previews of the show: “Contestant number 11; this girl has the mind of a genius and the hips of the sexiest woman you’ve ever seen.”


resume


At the young age of 23, Thomas’ is stacking up to prove


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that she has just as much brains as beauty. In 2016, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hampton University. That same year, Thomas was named a winner of the Schwarzman Scholarship, an international award that afforded her a year of study at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China.


It was during her time in Beijing


that Thomas came across a live post on Instagram encouraging young ladies to submit audition videos for America’s Next Top Model.


took off from there,” said Thomas. It


didn’t recognize


“I uploaded my video and it all take


long for Banks to Thomas’ edge. After a


rigorous series of virtual interviews, Thomas was called to Los Angles, where she and some 30 finalists met up for more rounds of judging and competition.


Thomas made the cut along with 13 others, but her journey is far from over.


“I was very grateful to be on the


show, but it was an intense emotional rollercoaster,” Thomas said. “Being criticized by people you look up to is hard, but I understand that it has to be that way.


Thomas credits her years at Hampton University for building her strength and confidence.


“Hampton me how to represent


University taught myself


at


all times, and going to an HBCU in general made me proud of my heritage,” Thomas said. “It allowed me to appreciate my natural look and embrace who I am.”


Thomas continues to pursue her career as a journalist, but you’ll have to stay tuned on Tuesday nights to see if a modeling career is in her future.


Scholarship Watch Davidson Fellows Program for Young Scholars


The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards prestigious scholarships to extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work. Application categories are science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy and outside the box. Davidson Fellows are honored every year in Washington, D.C. with Congressional meetings and a special reception.


Deadline: February 14, 2018, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Visit www.davidsongifted.org/Fellows-Scholarship to apply.


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