DR. WALLACE: I've been told by my family and friends that I have the physical attributes to become a fashion model. This has caused me to believe that I could become rich and famous by wearing the latest fashions with everyone looking at me. I know that becoming a glamorous model would take a lot of hard work and then I'd have to be lucky enough to be "discovered." I'm sure I can do the hard work, but how can I be "discovered"? I don't live in New York City or Los Angeles. —Nameless, Kansas City, Mo.

NAMELESS: The career you want may not be as glamorous as you think. In reality, modeling is a tough and demanding profession, and young women who aspire to be models should know the facts about the business.

"High times in front of the camera, followed by big nights out on the town are not really what modeling is all about," says Seventeen Magazine writer Cathryn Jakobson. "It is hard on the body and the face — and much tougher on the ego."

The business can be especially rigorous in New York City, a destination for many would-be models who hope to be signed by an agency. However, top modeling agencies rarely find fresh modeling prospects waiting in their reception area. In most instances, new models are found through the mail. Young women who want to be models should send agencies a head shot and body shot of themselves, along with their measurements, height, weight and hair and eye color.

"Any agents worth their salt can tell all they need to know from a good, clear snapshot." Jakobson notes. And if these agencies like what they see, they can bring the girl to New York for a closer look.

One word of caution: If one of the well-respected agencies won't sign you, then it is probably best to give up. Signing with an unknown agency is unwise and may even be dangerous.

But even if a girl is signed by a major agency, that does not necessarily mean she will be flooded with work. Agencies send their models on interviews with clients and editors on what is called "go-sees," and many times these models are not chosen for a job.

As one young model noted, "You have to remember that if you get rejected, you still exist. The world hasn't ended."

Another common fallacy young women may have about modeling is the notion that their faces will be splattered across a magazine's fashion pages, Jakobson says. In truth, the majority of models find work filling the pages of mail-order catalogs, and others do runway work or television commercials.

No one would argue that the career of a model is lasting either. Agencies like to sign models who are as young as 15, and they are quick to decide that a girl is looking old. By the time a young woman is 25, her life as a model probably will be finished.

Most models do not even survive the first year in New York. While some girls view their short time in the Big Apple as a good experience then head back home, others may be overcome with disappointment at failing to make it.

These young women should not be disheartened. As one young model pointed out, "All models have to find something else eventually."

Does this mean you should give up your dream to become a fashion model? Absolutely not! If you meet all the qualifications and have dedication, desire, diligence and drive — go for it!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.