Leslie Reynolds Before: When I was first asked to be in the Radiance photos, I was thinking, Why me? Why a size 14 or above? But when Miss Debbie explained what the magazine was about and what we were going to do, I started thinking, How cool!

I think this experience with Radiance will help us feel better about ourselves. Life is too short to always worry about what other people think. I am the one who has to live with me. Miss Debbie said 65 percent of women are a size 14 and above. I think our society needs to realize this. It would make the world a better place. We need to help everyone love themselves no matter what their size. I want to show people that if I am happy with myself, they can be happy, too, whatever their size. I think we deserve to have a positive and good feeling about ourselves.

After: My modeling experience for Radiance was fun and exciting. It gave me an idea of what it's like for real models. I loved the update. My hair is still short but more stylish. I love my look with makeup. I can't wear it to school, but now I may give it a try on weekends and for special events. All in all, I loved the day. The women were great; they really cared about how we all were doing and tried their best to make us comfortable-which we were! Miss Debbie showed me that even though I'm not a size 2, I'm still a good person, and I'm still beautiful.

Before: It's great that the fashion industry has finally wised up and begun to cater to an ignored consumer. We've been over- looked too often. I'm excited and affirmed when I think of the possibility that my picture could appear in a national magazine.   I have never had anyone but myself fighting for who I am. I might be fat, but I refuse to be deluded by myself or others. I am looking forward to being in Radiance and showing how proud I am of myself.

After: What a wonderful day! I was made to feel very special, that this was my day. My hair and makeup is definitely more daring than what I do myself, but I love it. In my blue silk dress with my hair and makeup done to perfection, I feel Radiant!

Krista Pellegrini Before: Who, me, a model? I am just under five feet. I am not rail thin. Me, a model? I'll get a new hairstyle for free from a top stylist! My makeup will be done by a professional makeup artist! My dress will be picked out for me in a color and style for my coloring and body. This sounds too good to be true. Me, a model? Why not!

After: I am radiant and beautiful. This was one of the best days of my life. I was transformed from my everyday school look to a princess ready for the prom. I was so nervous getting my hair cut: I've have the Friends look for years, and letting anyone cut my hair scares me. Well, now I can't help looking in the mirror. Is that really me? I love it! I hardly ever wear dresses. Now they are definitely in my future! I used to wish I were smaller, but after seeing myself in this look, I realize it doesn't get much better than this. I am proud of me.

Lindsey Zulauf Before: I think showing our pictures in Radiance will help give young women who can't wear small sizes a chance to see clothes that are cool and in style. It gives them a chance to live.

When I shop, I can never find a style I like in my size.

What fashion people don't realize is that they cater to people who are built like sticks, when in reality, there are more people size 12 and above. This is why I'm pleased to model for Radiance. It makes me feel better, and I'm happy someone out there is actually taking action on this topic. I am happy to have been chosen to model prom dresses, because it's something I've always wanted to do and now I don't have to wish I was as tall as a skyscraper and resembling a twig. I'm glad I can feel good about myself now.

After: Getting to see myself in a different way has been the most memorable experience of my life. It was fun to get dressed up and have my hair done, but what really got to me was the makeup. I can honestly say, without feeling conceited, that I looked beautiful. I have never felt beautiful ever before. The whole modeling experience not only allowed me to see a different side of myself, but it also boosted my confidence.

Clockwise from left at Mt. Carmel High School in Baltimore:   Leslie Reynolds, Danielle Porter, Angela Griffith, Linsey Sulauf, Jamie Brannock, and Krista Pellegrini, before their prom updates.

Angela Griffith Before: When I was asked to take part in this photo shoot, I was sort of shocked, you could say. I was shocked that I was asked, since I am overweight. After all, magazines don't want big people: they want people who are size 2, 4, 6, and occasionally an 8. After the shock factor wore off, I was excited and enthusiastic. For once, those of us who make up the majority of the population were being offered to do something that for a long time was almost against the rules.

The day that Deborah Powell came to my school, where I am a senior, I was filled with exhilaration from head to toe! I was getting a chance to do something I never thought I would do: model! Deborah told us all about how she got started and what this Radiance feature is all about, and the excitement continued to build. Hairstyle, makeup, and a prom gown made just for us!

As I think about the day of the photo shoot, I wonder if this is something I would be interested in pursuing in the future. My parents are behind me all the way, encouraging me to do what I feel is right. One reason I accepted the offer is simple: a photo shoot for a magazine where women who are larger are given a boost of self-esteem is an opportunity that may come along once in a lifetime.

After: The photo shoot was fun, and it gave me a chance to feel even more comfortable with myself.  I love the way my hair was cut and styled. I did tell them not to go short, so I didn't give over complete control.   Next time, I will!

The experience of being a model is something that occurs only in dreams for those of us who aren't that perfect size 4. If this is a dream, please don't wake me up!!

Jamie Brannock Before: When I was first approached to be in Radiance magazine, I wasn't exactly sure how to react. I knew it was a great opportunity, but when I agreed to pose, it meant I had to finally admit that I was not a size 6. It's difficult to be a teenager and a larger size. I feel I must always have acceptance from others. I've tried for a long time to lose any weight I could. Even now, I still have difficulty looking in the mirror. I hope this experience will help instill confidence in myself. I think this will help me to stand tall and let people know that even though I am not a size 6, I am still beautiful. I hope on the day of the shoot I feel like I am someone special-and every day afterward. I am glad to have had this Radiance experience. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have had the chance to become . . . Radiant!

After: How did I feel being a model for a day? I felt great! I felt so special and beautiful. At first I felt terrified to have someone take control of my hair. But it turned out great! I now have a more dramatic look, which goes with my personality. I felt so beautiful, having all this attention lavished on me. I am so thankful for the wonderful group of women who did this for me. The dress was a color and style I would never have picked off the rack, but when Debbie said just give it a try, I did, and I was totally surprised at how wonderful it looked.

As for the shoot, I wasn't nervous at all. I didn't have too much time to think about having a camera on me. I just laughed and had fun. I just acted naturally. Okay, I might have posed just a little bit. This was a great experience. I would love to try it again. Thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.