Sam Shaw by: Jennifer Pena
	"I was inspired to study acting by seeing my own pictures!" - Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe began her career in show business by accident. She was discovered while working in a factory by a young photographer. He was looking for a face to give the boys at war a glimpse of what was waiting for them at home. Norma Jeane was to represent the typical American girl. As Norma Jeane expanded her modeling career, she learned she could use her face and her body as an image for which men would yearn. She spent hours practicing her makeup and facial expressions. She dyed her hair blonde because it would look better in the black and white photos of the day. She got involved in acting and turned this self-created image into a whole new person - Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn used her looks as the foundation for her career. She knew just how to pose, how to speak, how to walk. This was natural for her as her wit and yet she worked hard to maintain the image. She cared not for the wealth and the riches of stardom, she just wanted "to be wonderful." Marilyn became aware of quite how much she was adored when she visited the troops in Korea. Marilyn describes this as being "the first time I ever felt I had an effect on people." It was truly her shining moment. But as her star began to rise, she continued to feel empty inside. Marilyn realized that she was a product of the people; she was a star and the public made her that star. All the fame and recognition never brought her the real, true love she craved her whole life. People loved Marilyn for the image she created, not for who she really was inside. So she went about trying to change that public image. She tried to take more demanding roles, to expand her skills as an actor, to broaden her range. She was tired of just being the bimbette showgirl. She became obsessed with becoming a good actress. Had Marilyn lived longer, I'm sure she could have recreated her image into something in which she could take pride. And perhaps she would have come to the realization that people did love her for who she was - a strong, hard-working woman with the courage to do what she wanted.