Tips on reaching fashion model goal

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Updated: February 22, 2012 8:01AM

Dr. Wallace: I’m 16, and my dream is to become a fashion model. I’ve already graduated from “charm” school, taken singing lessons and I’m taking a public speaking class at my high school. I’m 5 feet 4 inches tall and still growing. I plan to contact a modeling agency sometime next year when I will be in the 12th grade. Is there anything else for me to do while I’m still in high school to help me reach my goal?

Lana, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Lana: Former fashion model Kate Tuttle suggests that you contact several department stores in Santa Barbara and volunteer your time to model the latest fashions that will be sold in early spring. It would be an enjoyable way of getting some experience in the field.

To become a fashion model, a candidate must meet rigid standards, one being a minimum height of 5 feet 8 inches tall in stocking feet. If Mother Nature keeps you from reaching your goal of being a fashion model, you can model clothing for large, nationwide stores in their catalogs and newspaper advertising. Continue to follow your dream. Models who have achieved their goal became successful by virtue of dedication, hard work, proper training and a degree of talent. I’m a firm believer that every teen should set a goal and work towards achieving it. Even if the goal becomes impossible to reach, good opportunities will arise presenting new goals to be achieved.

Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net