Becoming a Model Anonymous

It wasn’t my first audition, yet as I looked into the intimidating mirror, I needed to reassure myself: "You are Beyonce." I gasped for oxygen as I entered the dimly lit room, attempting to calm the fire in my stomach, but listening to other contestants croak one pop song after another didn’t help my nervousness.

Finally the judge called, "Next.” Composing myself, I began my rendition of Beyonce's “Listen.” As I belted out the complicated riff at the climax, I knew I hit every note just as I’d practiced. As I finished, the corners of the judge’s mouth rose and he handed me a paper. "Good rendition of the song. Welcome to Dream Entertainment."

I left, screaming with joy, mistakenly thinking I had achieved my dream of becoming a model and singer. But soon I came to realize that I had merely begun a thorny and exhausting climb towards an even higher ambition. In order for the company to invest in me, I would need to market myself and prove that I could outshine my competitors.

To push my limits, I attended additional training sessions beyond what was required. I took posture classes to walk in seven-inch heels, vocal lessons to enhance my tone, dance classes to improve my rhythm, and language classes to...