Among the exceedingly talented groups of students at South, there is a small population of students that look to pursue careers in the modeling industry.

Sophomore Gaby Biczek’s dream of becoming a model emerged when she was seven years old. She was inspired by her role model, her cousin, who modeled at the time.

“I started trying to get into agencies but it didn’t really work out [at first], but then I got into a small business where they helped me [develop] my portfolio,” Biczek said.

According to Biczek, hair and makeup preparation itself takes around three to four hours before she can actually get in front of the camera. At first, Biczek was timid to be on set and pose for the camera.

“I was nervous [and uncomfortable with taking pictures at first] but after that, I was okay [and] I got into it,” Biczek said.

After getting the hang of it, Biczek now plans to continue modeling. She aspires to one day become a well-known model.

“I want my [modeling career to go further] and I hope it does,” Biczek said.

Junior Julio Santos-De Soto also enjoys modeling and made his debut in the modeling industry at a young age. When he was nine, his mom signed him up for an audition to act alongside Disney stars.

“My first experience was a shoot for a Disney magazine,” Santos-De Soto said. “It was Latino-oriented, but I got the cover page and made a lot of money. It was pretty awkward [at first] but after a while, it got easier and I felt more comfortable.”

Santos-De Soto is currently working with an agency called Stewart Talent. He feels that modeling is a way for him to make some extra cash while also getting exposure in the acting and modeling industry.

“I [recently modeled] for an anti-underage drinking billboard and a small school magazine,” Santos-De Soto said. “Right now I’m working on getting signed into big companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, but really, it’s whatever comes my way.”

Among with Biczek and Santos-De Soto, junior Melanie McNulty is another student who started her modeling career young. At the age of 13, she participated in her first casting call.

“A casting call is an event that a casting agency sets up for anyone interested in commercial modeling or acting,” McNulty said. “You go there and they do a photo shoot and if they like your look they put you [on] their online database. Then if other casting agents need models or actors they can go on those databases and look through the people stored on it.”

According to McNulty, she took part in casting calls in hopes of being contacted by an agency that will help her achieve her future goal of being in the performing arts.

“I have been dancing since I was three years old, [and] it has always been a passion of mine,” McNulty said.

McNulty says that she loves being on stage to provide entertainment for others. McNulty is currently on De La Cru and has been in many V-Show acts and plays throughout her years at South.

“When I’m on stage, I experience this amazing energy that I can never feel anywhere else,” McNulty said. “It’s the best feeling in the world to be performing and [to be in front of the] camera.”