Courtesy photo

Holli Blassengale isn't afraid to walk the runway.

And if you see all 5''7 of her and her concentrated eyes staring into the crowd, you will believe it too.

"It's the way I carry myself," the Detroit senior said. "When you see me you're going to see a confident woman. It's not like 'oh my goodness it's a plus size model.'"

Size and height are never shortcomings, but unique characteristics that add flair to Blassengale's confident stride.

 "I know that since I'm not the average model and that I do have to work a little harder but it's nothing that discourages me. I just go out there and am myself. That is all I can do and that is all I am going to do," she said.

Modeling has always been something easy for Blassengale, though she doesn't claim to be a professional, some may say her walk has been one to emulate.

Charmaine Edwards was an assistant director to a recent fashion show and wanted Blassengale in her show.

Edwards, a Detroit senior, said that Blassengale had the walk and confidence that she was looking for her in a model for the show.

From African-themed events to 10^th annual cross-cultural shows, Blassengale often is found walking the runway; her heels heard clicking endlessly at Central Michigan University.

It is apparent that she leaves the crowds cheering for her long after she steps off the stage.

 "I like to pretty much think I represent well with everything that I do," Blassengale said.

Yet, with her own confidence level boosted, she doesn't quite know how to tell someone else to be secure inside.

"That is something a person would have to acquire within," she said. "It starts with self-esteem, to be confident you can't have low-self esteem, it really starts within each and every individual."

Needless to say, it is doubtful that this will be the last we see of Blassengale making her mark on the runways.

By Sherri Keaton