"You Just Don't Mess with A Girl's Weave!": An Interview With America's Next Top Model 4's Tiffany

RNO: What did your grandmother say when she saw how you were portrayed on the show? Was she disappointed you all but gave up?

Tiffany:My mom, my grandmom and my baby's daddy know the real Tiffany. They know I didn't just give up. They were actually impressed with me, and were glad that I was real and stayed the real Tiffany. I wasn't like Kelle from season three. I didn't go in there acting so sophisticated. I spoke the way I always do and acted the same.

RNO: Have you spoken to Tyra or any of the judges since your elimination?

Tiffany:Well, if Janice Dickinson ever calls me, I'm hanging up. I talk to Tyra about two or three times a week, and she and her mom have become my mentors. Tyra said she's going to help me with modeling after this is all over, and I'm so grateful to her for that. I call her mom "mom" too, and I love them both. They have been so great to me.

RNO: Was your laughing when you were eliminated just a defense mechanism to now show your real sadness?

Tiffany:Phil, that's why I love you. You totally understand me. I had cried so many times before then, that I told myself if I cried one more time I was going to punch myself. You either love me or leave me alone. I was so tired of being picked on, so on the outside I was trying to take it the best way I could, and that was just joking about it. On the inside though, I was crying a river because I was so hurt! There was nothing I could do though -- I was eliminated!

RNO: What was running through your head when Tyra blew up?

Tiffany: I was thinking "Punch Tyra!" Then I started thinking "No this bitch ain't. She must be trippin' or something!" I wasn't exactly sure what to think at that point! I know now how much she loves me though, and how much she was just looking out for me. It's one of those things you have to reflect on before you can appreciate it.

RNO: After all that you have been through, do you still want to try and get into modeling, or are you ready to try something new?

Tiffany: Oh, I want to get into modeling, and Tyra tells me that I have no choice. She tells me all the time that she's going to help me and I'm going to model, so I can't wait!

RNO: Is there anything you regret from being on the show, or would you do it again if you had the chance?

Tiffany: As crazy as it sounds, I don't regret a thing, and if I had to do it all over again, I'd do it the same way -- from when I got there to when Tyra was yelling at me. I don't want to do another damn reality show though. I'm done with reality TV!

RNO:Did anyone resent you when you came to the aid of Brandy, since she seemed to be rubbing everyone the wrong way?

Tiffany: I think they made it look that way, but what I had with Brandy was like looking after a kid sister. I managed to be friends with Brandy, but stayed close to the other girls too. This season wasn't about everyone hating each other. We all got along, and although we had our moments, nobody was hating. Even when Brandy came out demanding to use the phone -- it wasn't a big deal. I think it was just made to look that way.

RNO: What's the one thing you walked away from this whole experience with?

Tiffany: You know, I learned that in this business, you should never let people know exactly how you feel on the inside. If someone says you look tired, say "Oh no, I just woke up from a nap, I'm great." However, don't be pushed around either. Be yourself, and that's the best you can do.

RNO: Tiffany, you're fabulous, I hope everything works out for you! I love you!

Tiffany:Thanks Phil, I love you too!

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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