“I was taught to enjoy food, not to fear it.” He later developed a much healthier habit and even started working out with his mother's exercise group. Her grandmother's death had a big impact on Tyra's life. Her grandmother died of lung cancer and it was after this that Tyra vowed never to smoke. The transition from middle school to high school wasn't easy for Tyra. She went from being a "popular, gossipy, mean girl" to pretty much the exact opposite. She was bullied throughout her years for being so tall and awkward (growth spurt), often called "Giraffe" and "Lighthead". “I went from being the popular girl who seemed normal, to being considered a monster.” But despite all of this, she says all the teasing and abuse she received throughout high school taught her the importance of kindness. At fifteen, Tyra began modeling. She was rejected by four modeling agencies until she was finally signed by Los Angeles models. She later moved to Elite Model Management at the age of sixteen. Because of the modeling opportunity in Europe, Tyra put off college and moved to Milan instead. She was booked for twenty-five shows at the 1991 Paris Fashion Week during her first runway season. She subsequently appeared on the covers of Elle, Teen Vogue and Vogue magazines. She has walked the catwalk for many designer companies such as Chanel, Valentino, Fendi, etc. and has appeared in advertising campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Nike, Dolce & Gabbana, etc. Today she is known as one of the main personalities of international fashion.