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How I Became a Fashion Model

by Zorana Dujakovic, 17,
from Valjevo, Yugoslavia

When I was a little girl I wanted to become beautiful and popular. During elementary, and now secondary school, I have realized that my wishes could be something more than just dreams. One evening I saw on television that Elite Model Look agency was looking for new models . I dialed their phone number and on Saturday, November 21, 1998, I took part in the first casting which was the most important one. I was very happy when I passed it. A few days later my father and me went to meet the manager of the agency who gave us an agreement which was signed after some time. Three days before New Year's Eve I had a photo shooting for the ,,Book''. It took two days with two photographers, two hairdressers and two make-up men. There was plenty of clothes which we, the models, had to wear for shooting and it was very interesting. It was a little cold in the studio but good music and funny people made us warm.

The ,,Book'' of seven photos was ready for the first international casting which took place in January 1999.The manager of Elite Agency for Eastern Europe was in charge of choosing the girls for the Semifinal of Elite's Model of the Year. 68 girls took part in that selection but only 29 of us passed. I was one of them. The next is the selection for the Final which is going to take place at the end of April and the Final is in June. During that period I had a lot of activities in modelling and fashion shows .I was photographed for the Greek firm ,,Prestige'', I took part in Belgrade's Fashion Fair, I was on TV for television advertising of Elite agency.

In this little glory of mine, my parents, my friends and people I like support me, as well as the local TV and newspapers in Valjevo. I am very grateful for support and best wishes but I don't want to talk about my big success until it really happens. I think it is most important to stay calm and accept everything as just one more experience in life.