Bullied albino teen becomes beauty queen

A teenager who was mercilessly bullied because she is albino has triumphed over her tormentors, launching a new career as a fashion model.

Sarah Wright was terrorised by fellow students throughout her school years, and rarely went a day without being called a “freak” and having stones and drink cans thrown at her.

She was also the victim of relentless cyber-bullying, which left her self-esteem at an all-time low.

“I didn’t feel like a person, only a condition,” Sarah says. “My mother told me one day my chance to shine would come but I didn’t believe her.”

Sarah left school at 16 and slowly began to regain her confidence. At her mum’s insistence, she entered the UK’s Alternative Model of the Year contest and won. She has now been signed by a major modelling agency and is looking forward to a great career in fashion.

Sarah Wright, with her Alternative Model of the Year crown, and as a child.

Sarah says learning how to use makeup transformed her life and boosted her self-esteem.

Sarah says she is thrilled she has proved her bullies wrong.

Sarah on the catwalk at the finals of the Alternative Model of the Year contest.

Two individuals with platinum blonde hair, both wearing denim outfits; one is seated in a wheelchair.

Alternative models have been growing in popularity in recent years. Jillian Mercado, who is wheelchair-bound, appears in the latest Diesel fashion campaign.

Two portraits of a woman with dark hair; left in a black top, right in a denim jacket, both gazing thoughtfully.

Moffy, who has cross-eyes, is another alternative model who has shot to fame recently. Photographed by Tyrone LeBon for POP magazine.

Debbie van der Putten, who has one arm, is having success as a high fashion model.

Model posing in two fashion outfits with "Tenk nytt" and Oslo City text. One in a crop top, skirt; the other in a blouse, pants.

Kelly Knox for Think New.

Model in a red top and black skirt with text: "We All Walk in Different Shoes" and "KennethCole.com" branding.

Double amputee Aimee Mullins is a L’Oreal spokesmodel.

Individual in colorful outfits with "Legalize Gay!" tops, poses confidently.

Transgender model Isis King for American Apparel.

A woman in lingerie sits on a stool, promoting diversity and inclusion in modeling for those with disabilities.

Faye Povey doesn’t let her crutches stop her from modelling.

Person with blonde hair poses confidently indoors; one with stylish makeup and another in a leather jacket by the window.

Jenna Talackova has made it as a fashion model after being disqualified from Miss Universe because she was born male.

Alt text: "Woman in lingerie pose for LA FEMME magazine cover, elegant setting with silk drapes and chairs."

Transgender model Carmen Carerra in a risque ad for La Femme fragrance.

A woman in a wheelchair wearing retro-style swimwear salutes with a smile against a plain background.

Holly Greenhow, 7, has cerebral palsy and is a model for Mini Boden.

A smiling toddler wearing a floral swimsuit with a pink flower clip sits on a rocky beach.

Valentina Guerrero, who has Down syndrome, modelling for DC Kids swimwear.

A young child in dinosaur pajamas stands by a kitchen counter holding a toy, with a teddy bear nearby.

Seb White, who has Down syndrome, modelling pyjamas for JoJo Maman Bebe.

Four children smiling and standing in a row, wearing colorful outfits, against a green background.

Six-year-old Ryan Langston (far left) has Down syndrome and models for US Target.

Three children standing together, two girls and one boy, dressed in stylish casual attire, with neutral background.

Ryan has also modelled for US department store Nordstrom.

Two children smiling, holding a large paper owl cutout in front of a colorful backdrop with flowers and a rainbow.

Five-year-old Natalia Goleniowski (right) also has Down syndrome but models for Frugi.

Young girl with blonde hair, wearing a coat with a fur-lined hood, smiles warmly at the camera.

Ella Kinder, a child model with Down syndrome. Photo by Carrie at photographybycarrieperez.com.

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