Every kid has difficulties coming to terms with who they are and where they fit in in the world, and Alba was no exception. A sore spot for Alba was being shunned by the Latin community, but also not being accepted as white. She was bullied a lot back in high school. This made her all the more determined to make something more of herself, outside of her community and school.
At only 11 years old, Alba had her mother take her to an acting contest in Beverly Hills. The winner would be awarded free acting classes, and you can probably guess how Alba fared in the competition! After winning, she enrolled, and from that opportunity, her life would forever change.
Never Really Fitting In
Alba's background is part Danish, French, and Mexican. But despite her exotic looks, Alba struggled with the fact she was of diverse ancestry – she felt as though she never could really fit in or identify with a single culture. Did you know she felt shunned from the Latin community for not being Latin enough?
It was this feeling of not belonging that spurred Alba into action, and she had a deep burning ambition to make something of herself and prove that she was so much more than where she came from. She really wanted to show that she doesn't need to fit in — that she was born to stand out.
In the Name of the Father
Alba had a rather strict Christian upbringing, which meant that she lived by a certain set of rules that limited her “freedom.” We’re talking about curfews and fulfilling certain obligations, like praying. Not to mention the modesty part: no physical intimacy before marriage is an extremely important tenet in Christian families, Alba’s included.
She realized that she was being looked at differently to the other girls, and wasn’t particularly fond of all the attention – so much so that she confided in her youth pastor. Unfortunately, the pastor only commented on how Alba should dress less provocatively, causing her self-esteem to drop even more.
Learning the Actors' Way
Starting acting lessons helped her channel her teen angst and pent-up emotions — she was using all she had pitted against her to make her a great actress. Alba proved that she had a natural talent for it, and after just nine months into her acting lessons, she was signed at 12 years old!
Following this momentous change, things were looking up for Alba and she finally found a place where she belonged. But it wasn’t all rosy – there were a few hiccups along the way – and terrifying ones at that. As it turns out, her intense beauty would somehow both help and hinder her career.
Alba’s Film Debut
She soon got a small role on the Nickelodeon TV show "The Secret World of Alex Mack". Things were moving quickly for Alba, who even got herself a talent agent. She garnered a role in her first film, the 1994 comedy, "Camp Nowhere". As she entered her teens, Alba also began doing some modeling work, as well as commercials.
For a young teen wanting to be an actress, it would’ve been a dream come true – but this was just the beginning for Alba and her career. But with great attention, can sometimes come unwanted consequences. The actress soon found herself weathering bad reviews and intense negative attention.