I like this boy but how do I get him to like me back?

Don't worry about trying to "get him" to like you. You need to start by figuring out what you want first. Grab a notebook and write down all of the qualities that you would want in a perfect boyfriend. Nothing's too small! If you want him to listen to indie rock music, write that down. If you want him to call you every night, write that down. This really works! I made my own list a few years ago, forgot all about it, and then met my husband. Because I'd taken the time to think about what I wanted, I was able to realize that he was everything on that list and more!

I want to become a model or actress but I also don't want it to take away from school time. How can I manage my time wisely?

What a mature question! I'm going to let you in on a secret: it's all about juggling. You need to create "untraditional" times to do your homework. Many of our models do their homework on the subway, backstage at fashion shows, and even when they're in the stylist's chair! I recommend that you buy a planner and write down what you're doing for every hour. That way, you know that the work will get done.

I feel like everyone makes fun of me because I'm fat. Sometimes even my sister. What can I do to lose weight?

Here are some starter tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (but remember that the focus needs to be on staying healthy instead of becoming skinny). When you think that you're hungry, you might just be thirsty instead. Drink a glass of water and if you're still feeling hungry, then you know it's time to grab some food! Always take the stairs instead of the elevator for a quick fitness boost. And make sure that you're "grazing" throughout the day. Grab some snacks (like trail mix, dry cereal, fruits, etc) and then make sure that you eat at least once every 2-3 hours. This will make sure that you're never starving, which will stop you from raiding the refrigerator. It will also keep your metabolism working, which will help you burn more calories!

I live in a small town but I'm in NYC all summer. I want to become a model. My mother has taken me all over to open calls but people keep wanting $2,000. Please help?

At Wilhelmina Kids and Teens, we don't charge any significant money upfront. If an agency wants you to sign an agreement that commits you to paying a lot of money, your parents need to read these agreements carefully or even give them to a lawyer to review. This business works on commission, which means that we get paid a percentage of the money that you get paid for your modeling jobs. Most reputable kids' agencies don't ask for much more than snapshots when you're first starting out. So if someone tells you that you need to pay $2,000 for special photos or classes, make sure that you know what the money is for and what you will be getting in return!

Can you use comp cards as headshots or do you need to purchase an additional package?

Headshots are required when you're being considered for on-camera roles (like in films or on television). If you don't have a headshot, you can use a comp card for an on-camera audition in a pinch.

I got a really bad sunburn on my shoulders and it hurts! Is there any way to soothe my skin?

Ouch! You can find aloe lotion in any drug store. Make sure that you buy lotion that is mostly made out of aloe vera gel. Apply lots of lotion to your sunburn and then wrap a cloth around the burn to keep the lotion from rubbing off. Put lotion on your sunburn twice a day and you should begin to feel better! And next time you go out into the sun, make sure that you're wearing sunscreen!

If you got left back before, could you still become a model?

At Wilhelmina, academics always come before modeling. When I hear that any of my models has grades that are slipping, I immediately talk to her parents about booking out. That means that we temporarily stop sending that model out on auditions. That's not something that you want happening because you fell behind with your homework! However, just because you were left back once doens't mean that you can't be a great student going forward. Really focus on succeeding in your classes next year. If you get your grades up, there's no reason why you can't follow your dreams!

I have a friend but I don't really like her anymore. I don't want to tell her I don't want to hang out anymore. What should I do?

Whenever I get a question like this one, I always think about that saying: "Make new friends, keep the old. One is silver, the other gold." It might be cliché but it's totally true! Don't discard your old friends just because you might be feeling bored with them. Just make room for new ones in your life.