"Everything Happens For A Reason" - An Interview with America's Next Top Model 3's Yaya

RNO: Were you insulted each time one of the judges or Jay Alexander would tell you to curb your education for a shoot or a challenge?

Yaya: No, it didn't really insult me, it just told me a lot about the industry. A lot of people in the industry might think that having an education isn't the most important thing. I disagree with that.

RNO: Was there really a need for Jay Manuel to be present during the photo shoot each week? It seemed that if anything, he stressed you girls out more than you already were!

Yaya: Yeah, there is. He's the one that directed us and chose our pictures, so his presence was pretty necessary.

RNO: One of the biggest criticisms the judges gave you was that you didn't seem personable or approachable. What was your take on that - did you feel that way as well?

Yaya: I'm actually very personable, and I've always got along with different kinds of people. However, there were people there that were bubblier than I am, and it was easy to come to the conclusion that I'm not approachable. People that know me thought it was funny, but hey, it worked for the show to portray me that way!

RNO: What was the hardest aspect of the show? Was it the lack of sleep, living with the other girls or the cameras always being around?

Yaya: It would definitely be the cameras always being around. Nobody expected it to be so intense!

RNO: Which of girls would you say you became the closest to? On the flip side, is there anyone you wish you could have gotten to know a little more?

Yaya: I probably became the closest to Toccara - we just hit it off from the beginning. I wish I could have gotten to know Magdalena better, but since she left so early, there wasn't enough time. I'm in contact with her now though, so now I have a chance to get to know her.

RNO: Is there anything you could have done differently to beat Eva in the end, or do you think the judges already had their mind made up?

Yaya: I think there are things I could have done differently, but my character… um, the judges had a good idea before every elimination who they wanted to stay and who they wanted to go. It's hard to say what I could have done differently, but I think I was on a criteria different than they advertised and used. If I had done anything differently, I wouldn't have been being true to myself.

RNO: Is modeling something you want to continue to pursue, or did you want to further your education and try something else?

Yaya: Since they are such total opposite things to do, and very hard to compare, I'll just say that I'm going to do both, and do them both well.

RNO: What advice would you give to girls that are thinking about applying for future seasons?

Yaya: I would say to have fun, take all the judge's criticism with a grain of salt and remember who you are. Also, remember that this to shall come to pass!

RNO: Thanks, Yaya!

Yaya: Thank you, Phil! Have a great holiday and thanks for your support!

Phil Kural is a recent graduate from Temple University, with a degree in journalism. You can reach him at pkural@gmail.com with any feedback that you may have.

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