Having arrived in London to seek refuge during the civil war in Sudan, where I was born, the thing I'm most proud of is having totally evolved. I came here not knowing how to speak English, but I went to school and learned; I adapted to this new culture. Alek Wek adaptarrivebear share on social
True beauty is born through our actions and aspirations and in the kindness we offer to others. Alek Wek actionaspirationbear Change image and share on social
You can feel very strongly that someone doesn't like you. I think any model who didn't have the same sort of upbringing as me would find that very difficult. But I absolutely knew I was entitled. I never thought I was ugly - it never crossed my mind. Alek Wek absolutelycrossdifficult share on social
The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by. Alek Wek beautifulcelebratememory Change image and share on social
Don't focus on negative things; focus on the positive, and you will flourish. Alek Wek flourishfocusnegative Change image and share on social
There was no concept of fashion and catwalk shows where I came from. Alek Wek catwalkconceptfashion Change image and share on social
Starting modeling in the '90s, it was quite surreal. They were like, 'You're so different! So weird! So bizarre!' And I'm like, 'I'm so normal. What are you talking about?' Alek Wek 90sbizarremodele Change image and share on social
I've always loved to paint - I was studying to do an art degree when I was approached to become a model - and I've being doing some design work as well. I also love just having a quiet time, sitting in my little library at home in Brooklyn and reading or watching documentaries or listening to music. Alek Wek approachartbrooklyn share on social