Saleisha Stowers Wants to Be a Role Model

We're guessing Saleisha Stowers is excited to be famous and wear lots of designer clothing.

But the ninth winner of America's Next Top Model says her most important challenge will be to act as a role mode.

"I've gone through a lot of things that every little girl will probably go through. Just trying to find yourself, trying to feel loved, trying to know what's your purpose in life," Stowers told reporters during a Thursday conference call.

"I think that I can be a great role model and just help girls out... I can show young girls what I've been through, and how it's okay to be scared, but you can still overcome that fear. It doesn't matter how insecure you are. One day, you'll look inside yourself and realize you're a beautiful person. You can be that confident girl who's on the runway; you don't have to hate yourself because you're not."

As for the future, Stowers said she currently intends to stay in L.A. for a while and "take it one day at a time."

"Top Model was a great door opener for me, so now I'm ready for many doors to open and just go out there and show everyone how successful I can be and just prove my career to the world... I just can't wait to see what else is in store for me."