Sarina Nowak

What was it like competing on Germany’s Next Top Model? How did your life change after that?

It was a really cool experience. We were traveling a lot—it was my first time going to America and when I came back to Germany people started recognizing me on the street from the show. I went back to school and everyone knew me there. It was cool but also felt a little weird to be recognized by people you've never met.

What has been the biggest “pinch me” moment of your career?

When I got chosen for the Sports Illustrated show in Miami and the shoot we did for the new SI swim line, a dream came true. Also being a model for Good American! When my agency called me that I got booked for Good American, I was sooo excited and happy. Seeing myself in Times Square for the new Forever 21 campaign is so surreal too. I just feel very grateful and happy for everything.

Tell us about the moment you learned to love your body...

When I started modeling, I was always told that I needed to lose weight. I struggled for a long time fighting my natural body type—trying to stay skinny. It was very hard for me, so one day I finally decided to be myself and embrace who I am. I'm so glad I decided to be brave and do that because now I feel so good and happy with my body. I didn't do it for my modeling career, I just did it for myself so that I could feel free and happy, but the fact that my new agents and the fashion industry accepted me after doing this is a very good feeling. It's a sign that times are changing :) I am really happy with the team that I have around me now that fully supports me.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years?

-That I have my own organization to help animals and people in need. I love animals and have always been very passionate about animal rights and also human rights.
-That I am on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
-That I am in movies and get nominated for an Oscar.

You recently relocated to Los Angeles—what’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the city?

The weather! It's always sunny and warm here. In Germany it gets really cold in winter and rains a lot.

What outfit makes you feel the most like yourself?

Jeans and a t-shirt!

If you had to pick an alternate career path, what would it be?

Good question! I always wanted to be a designer before modeling—I love drawing and sketching. Maybe one day I will have my own collection! :-) And I also wanted to be a marine biologist because I love the ocean. It's so interesting.

You come from a very small town in Germany—what would we be surprised to learn about your hometown? What do you miss the most about Germany?

You guys would be surprised to know that my hometown has a population of 100 people. It's a big farm town and it is veeery small but I love it. I miss my family the most—it's really hard to be so far away but I try to go home as often as I can :-)

If you could give advice to any aspiring model, what would it be?

Don't change for anybody. Be yourself and love yourself :-) The most important thing is that you are happy with yourself.

What does it mean to be a ‘good American girl’?

To be kind to everyone, to support each other, to love each other and to empower each other!