My modeling career began more than six years ago by opening a simple letter and reading it aloud to my mom. The letter was an invitation to participate in the Miss Missouri Teen pageant. I opened it up, looked at it for about 15 seconds and then literally laughed out loud. But my mom asked me‚ “Why not? Why not just give it a try?” So the stubborn, never-back-down-from-a-challenge side of me kicked in, and I said I’d do it. I did not place, but the pageant gave me my first taste of modeling, and I wanted more. I was able to model throughout high school, but it was much more of a hobby than a job at that point.

Once I got to college, I realized there was potential to pursue modeling professionally. Columbia sits evenly between Kansas City and St. Louis, so I was finally able to work both markets. In the course of two years, I was able to make myself known in both markets, be in six [music videos](http://www.radiojavan.com/videos/video/arman-gol-baroon#.UBR_hdRxxNI.facebook), get published in advertisements and magazines, sign with an agency and make it to second rounds for “America’s Next Top Model.” I finally had the time, money, drive and resources to pursue my dream, and luckily my hard work and dedication have paid off.

Being a full-time professional model and college student is almost like living two lives. I have a civilian Facebook and my [modeling one](https://www.facebook.com/LinzyAnnaModel). I book my weeks according to school and weekends for modeling. I bounce between Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis like a ping-pong ball. I even go by separate names: Linzy Anna is my stage name and the only name people in the industry know me by. It can be hard at times because Linzy Anna is my image and Lindsay is who I am. Of course, I still am who I am in the modeling industry, but I have to be aware that everything I do is constantly watched and placed under a microscope, so I have to be more aware of my actions and words.

Many weird and funny things have happened over my years as a model. I have had a young homeless man ask if he could be a model while on a photo shoot. I have seen two girls get into a fight on the set of a music video. I’ve gone to New York City to be the lead in a music video. I never know where my modeling will take me next or the adventures that will come out of them. For example, while at a wedding photo shoot, I had a group of Asian tourists approach me and ask to take photos with me!

Modeling forces you outside of your comfort zone and pushes you to have a thicker skin. This industry constantly cuts models down and can destroy self-esteem and self-image. It is important to have confidence in yourself and your abilities and always be willing to learn and grow. I am always promoting, networking and hunting for gigs. Even though it is a lot of work and a very high-stress industry, I could not imagine my life without modeling.

**Read more about Lindsay’s life online at “Chronicles of a Model” in MOVE’s fashion blog!**

What Tyra Banks and “ANTM” don’t tell you:

1. Big magazines tend to not pay models very much for spreads — they think the prestige is high enough to cancel out a lot of the cost.

2. Most photographers in smaller markets will not work with a model unless they are 18+ because of legalities.

3. Many models actually eat‚ a lot. Many of us have extremely high metabolisms and have to eat a lot to stay healthy and active.

4. If you are feeling brave, model in a hair show or for a salon. They will usually cut, color and style your hair — but it is only to their consent, and you have little to no say.

5. At least 4-inch heels should be worn to casting calls.

6. Many models turn into photographers down the road.

7. Smaller magazines go by a submission basis. They do not hire the models, photographers, etc. People submit their editorials each month, and the magazine chooses a select number to print.

8. Shoots and shows last for hours. Prep, wardrobe, fitting, practice and the actual show/shoot together usually last between 7 and 10 hours, sometimes even more.

9. The term “polaroid” does not mean an actual Polaroid. It means a photo portraying you in body-conscious clothing, little makeup and with your hair back.