Ines Kovacevic, 19

Hometown: St. Louis Park
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 135 lbs.

Essay

I have the drive, compassion, willpower, and strength to endure the commitment it takes to do more than take a pretty photograph. As a young woman in today's society, aesthetic value negates intelligence. I believe in the ability to achieve both and to prove to no one but myself that I can make a small yet significant difference in the double standards that are still present in today's world. It seems that current society believes that you are either a bra-burning female or a submissive, unintelligent, weak woman. I want to propel the idea that women can be powerful while still remaining feminine in their everyday choices: we can be on the receiving end of chivalry without throwing a fit or having an "I can do it myself!" attitude, have the composure in being a lady, present intelligent class, display a humble attitude, and, above all, maintain the highest level of dignity without succumbing to pride. I want to be the voice for éminence grise and the power of the female.