Nyle DiMarco

“I think being deaf gave me an increased sense of sight.”

“I love to cook breakfast. I am a morning person.”

“I think we really do need deaf people out there writing their own shows.”

“I am the fourth generation of being deaf.”

“We have our own culture, our own community. A lot of people don't realize that. They just assume that deaf people are very unfortunate, very disabled, but no.”

“Am I complaining about my deafness? No, I am not.”

“Right before 'ANTM,' I was offered a recurring role for the TV show 'Switched at Birth.' I had to pick one because both of the shows were happening at the same time. I couldn't choose, though, so decided to let my dog Foxy decide. She picked 'ANTM!'”

“I'm fortunate to be a part of the 'ANTM' family.”

“Since I knew my deaf identity since birth, it wasn't hard for me to be comfortable, confident, and independent in a hearing world.”

“My passion, personally, is being my true self while inspiring young people who are struggling with their identities to love themselves for who they are.”

“I am truly humbled. Not only that I am going to be known as the final Top Model but as a final Top Model who is deaf! And that is an amazing tagline. This proves that deaf people can do anything and everything.”

“I love it when I surprise photographers that, despite the fact that I am deaf, I am capable of meeting their vision. I love it that I can read their body language and know what they do not like and what they do like.”

“I've never wanted to hear.”

“There are so many deaf kids out there being deprived of their own language.”

“It's one of the reasons I want to do 'Dancing with the Stars': it's a platform to educate.”

“Seriously, I don't find not being able to hear an obstacle or a boundary. For me, and for many of us, it is an advantage, and it's a part of my identity, in fact. It's a huge part of who I am.”

“Own your identity. Love who you are in the world. Love your deafness.”

“I'm fortunate to have blue eyes!”

“In middle school, I had the best math teacher I've ever had, and he was deaf... and I felt inspired by him. I knew from then on that I wanted to be a math teacher.”

“I love working with photographers.”