(photo: Jourdan Miller / illustration: kowei)

I have been a huge fan of America's Next Top Model since the year of 2003. Jourdan Miller caught my eye at the very beginning of Season 20 -- she has the most angelic face, great modeling skills, a humble heart and strong work ethics.

I voted for her throughout the competition, and I was very worried for her as Season 20 was the first time the competition opened for male contestants, and thus it was likely that judges would choose a male model. Despite the odds, Jourdan won America's Next Top Model. "You're AMAZING!" said the super model host, Ms. Tyra Banks. She even predicted that Jourdan would enjoy greater success than her in her coming modeling career.

I'm very blessed to have conducted this exclusive interview with the winner I voted for throughout the season for the VOGUE INSIDER blog of VOGUE Taiwan. This interview was completed via internet, and took about 3 months of correspondence and editing in order to create a piece that Jourdan and I were both proud of.

I also greatly appreciate Jourdan for taking a few fun and creative snapshots for this interview, and allowing me to draw my little creatures around them. I hope that by reading this interview, you'll know more about Jourdan -- for the adventurous girl she has always been, a talented model, and the strong woman she has now become.


(photo: CW "America's Next Top Model")

K: Please briefly introduce yourself to the readers of VOGUE INSIDER, and tell us a little bit about how (and what) you are doing these days.

Jourdan: My name is Jourdan Miller Rzonca and I am the winner of America’s Next Top Model Season 20, I am a fashion model signed with Next Models traveling the world, continuing my dream as a Top Model and sharing my career on Social Media.

K: You seem to be a very disciplined and a courteous person. You didn’t flirt with male contestants on the show, didn’t stay up late, and (this is the best part) you were willing to apologize when you made mistakes. These are rare qualities among the contestants on the show. Looking back on your life, what experiences made you such a calm, disciplined, and courteous person?

Jourdan: My father is a large influence on the mannerisms that I have now. I believe that honesty and loyalty are so important in life and I have learned these things from personal experience. My Dad always taught me to apologize when I am wrong, but know when to stand up for what is right. I am grateful for those lessons and qualities he has taught me.


(photo: CW "America's Next Top Model")

K: The make-over episode in the show changed you from a brunette to "a sweet blonde girl," but I liked your original hair color and think it’s elegant and classy as well. How do you feel about this make-over?

Jourdan: I had a hard time recognizing my reflection in the mirror and went through a struggle with the new texture of my hair extensions. I was happy to go back to my natural color due to the fact that my blonde hair was so weak from chemicals that it was falling out and breaking. It is much healthier now!

K: Please tell us a little bit about how you felt the moment that you won the show (I especially adore your reaction when you won. The winners in the past usually screamed and jumped around, but your reaction was humbling and grateful, and it was as if you were relieved).

Jourdan: I just felt so much Joy! My faith and hard work paid off and I didn’t have any more challenges. It was like crossing the finish line at a race, you just take a deep breath and say to yourself “I did it”. The feeling is almost indescribable. It was a dream come true.


(photo: CW "America's Next Top Model")

K: I really like the concept of the final runway show/episode – "rebirth and purpose from tragedy." It was as if they tailored this theme for you. Needless to say, you have communicated a real and powerful message through the show. Do you have any plans to collaborate with antiviolence organizations in the future?

Jourdan: Yes, I plan on reaching out to different organizations when I can donate my time to them. I want to share my story with young girls and teach them about staying strong and fighting for what is right. I want women everywhere to know that they are not alone and we can stop abuse together.

K: And (I hope it's okay to ask), did your ex-boyfriend apologize to you after the show?

Jourdan: I forgave my ex-husband a long time ago, but I can’t remember if he ever apologized. I am re-married to a new man now, so I don’t think about my past often.


(photo: CW "America's Next Top Model")

K: I was bullied when I was in the junior high school, which made me question humanity, but also facilitated my ability to observe and write about different types of people. Did your challenging past experiences change you in any way? How did you overcome those dark times and troubling memories?

Jourdan: Everyone has a different life path filled with lessons. If you look at everything as an opportunity to learn, you don’t see it as a bad thing anymore. I was bitter after my divorce, but I realized the importance of the lessons I learned. I am no longer angry because I gained knowledge from my divorce.

K: The 21st season of the show has aired; which contestant(s) are you rooting for? Any gossip, insider information, or hits you could share with us about the show? (For example, you will do the opening walk in the final episode, which I already know, so it doesn’t count. :P)

Jourdan: I don’t have any juicy details for you, but I can say that my favorite girl is Lenox and my favorite guy is Will.


(photo: GUESS)

K: "America's Next Top Model" realizes the modeling dream for many people, and also promotes such a dream to teenagers all around the world. What do you think about this considering the reality and challenges in this industry? Any advice you’d like to share with these young males and females?

Jourdan: There is a reason why some people settle and some people strive, if you want it bad enough you will go get it yourself. You have to make your dreams come true.
My advice is to be unique and don’t be afraid of being different. Keep humble and moral. Dedication and determination will get you success. Hard work pays off. 


(photo: NYLON Magazine)

Please CLICK HERE to read "PART II"!

Special thanks:
Jourdan Miller Rzonca
Copy-editor / Suchee & Brant

Presented by kowei（kowei-net.com）