Meet Philadelphia’s Own America’s Next Top Model Christina Anderson McDonald

Story by Tyra Gardner, submitted photos

America’s Next Top Model is one of the most anticipated seasons with the return of supermodel Tyra Banks as host of one of the number one modeling competitions on television. This season is special to the Philadelphia region because one of our very own is a contestant – Christina Anderson McDonald from Jenkintown.

Now to meet Jenkintown’s own Christina Anderson McDonald, the latest Philly area contestant on America’s Next Top Model Season, hosted by Tyra Banks!

Q: What made you want to become a model?
A: I first started acting. I was the lead in our school play in fourth grade. I feel in love with acting and also began to do some modeling.
Q: How did you feel when you did your first ever fashion show or photo shoot?
A: My first modeling job was a runway show for Bloomingdales at the age of 1o. I felt very special and beautiful as I got wear my hair down and not in my usual braids. And my family was there to watch me.
Q: Who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model?
A: My mom. She was very hard working and in the first class of woman to go to Yale. I also too wanted to be a successful and powerful professional and working in the entertainment world.
Q: What did your parent first think of you being a model and where they supportive?
A: I started as a child. My parents were very supportive. They were the ones who took me to auditions and callbacks in New York and accompanied me on set. Having a good education was also very important. I was an excellent student and I was allowed and encouraged to do both.
Q: If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead?
A: I always wanted to be a doctor, a neurosurgeon specifically. I also have dreams to be a singer and to work as a therapist and in education.
Q: How has your experience been so far with America’s Next Top Model?
A: My experience so far has been exciting. I have had the pleasure to work with top people in the industry on shoots with amazing concepts. I have also made some really great friends.
Q: How do you cope under the pressures of being a model?
A: I cope by having good friends around me and doing fun things with them like going out to eat to art museums and concerts. When I am away from my friends, I like doing exercise and reading and writing and watching movies.
Q: What beauty tips do you swear by?
A: I swear by steaming and drinking two liters of water a day. Also, putting on lotion every time you get out of the shower or bath.
Q: If a young person wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be?
A: My advice would be to continue to pursue the things you love the most other than modeling, those things make you who you are and make you stand out as unique. Listen to the advice of others and also trust your gut and don’t compromise yourself. Modeling is a great experience to travel and meet new people and definitely take it for this opportunity.

Should Christina win, the grand prize includes a modeling contract with Next Management, Paper Magazine fashion show spread and $100,ooo from Pantene Pro-V hair care brand. Best of luck Christina on this amazing journey. Philadelphia and Jenkintown are rooting for you!