This is the first part of Ali's story, courtesy of her mother Patty (tFS user modelmom). Ali's journal chronicles the beginning of her modeling career in Paris at 15 years old (which was in 2002). Patty's comments are italicized and the format has been edited.

All of this story was written by Ali in a journal she kept for her English teacher. It was her homework assignment while she was away from class.

When you send your pictures into an agency you realize your chances of getting an answer are not good. When the phone rings and it’s a top agency wanting an interview, you’re still thinking this may or may not happen. When they sign you shortly after you walk into their office you start to think, OK I’m going to be a model. Your idea is that you’re going to be in local magazines and do commercial jobs for department stores. Their idea is much bigger, in fact it’s amazing.

They want to send you to Paris. They know what your dreams are and they fuel the flames. If you take a chance and go to Paris you’ll have your dreams come true, and much more, and much more. The word ‘maybe’ is never mentioned.

Two weeks later you’re on your way to Paris with your mom because you’re only 15. You arrive with too much luggage and drag the whole mess into the agency. The receptionist takes you to meet the agency head and during the conversation it comes up that you’re only 15.

Her reaction is an immediate “NO”! 

Your mom says right away if that’s going to be a problem your bags are still packed and you both can return to the States…but after regaining her composure, the agent says ”Certainly not.”

Then comes all this talk about a doctor’s certificate and only working a few days a week.