At a Crossroads: An Interview with Millie from ‘The Amazing Race 4’

Phil: I know that you work with children. What exactly is it that you do, and did the kids that you teach see you on TV? Has being on TAR affected your job and do you plan on staying there?

Millie: This past summer I worked at an aquarium teaching environmental education to children ages 4 and 5. This is the only aquarium that is staffed to be a regular school so they have classes in the fall and camp in the summer. The kids loved that I was on TV and parents of all the children were very supportive of me. I’m not working there right now, but I’m looking at other possibilities in the same area.

Phil: What is the one thing that you walked away from the race knowing about yourself that you never realized before? Was there something about Chuck that you realized as well? If so, would you say the end result is good or bad?

Millie: The one thing that I realized that was very positive was that I had much more confidence in myself than I had originally thought. One thing sort of bad that I realized was how much of a personality difference Chuck and I have when working together. About Chuck, I realized that he so patient and I love him for that. The end result was definitely good because I learned something about myself and Chuck that I never really thought about.

Phil: Who or what influenced you to try out for the race? Was it a mutual decision for you and Chuck, or was it more one than the other?

Millie: Actually, it was me that wanted to do the race and got everything together to apply for the show. However, the more Chuck got a look at the show and the whole process, the more he wanted to be on the show and involved with everything.

Phil: Have you been approached by anyone to maybe do some promotional or TV work? Would you even be interested in that? I know you told me that you were thinking about journalism in college, is that still an option for you?

Millie: Well, I do have a degree in communications. I actually worked in L.A. for a while and did some things with my degree in that. Also, I have taught in Taiwan because kids are my passion and always have been. I’m not sure about what I’m going to do you as far as a career, but I’m looking to communications right now. A few people have approached me about doing abstinence promotions and I have done some local speaking which was fun. I’m not so sure about TV yet.

Phil: What did you think about Reichen & Chip being a married gay couple? I know that when they first told the group, it looked like you had a little uneasiness in your facial expressions. Was that the case, or did it really not matter to you?

Millie: What you have to realize is that Chuck was very nervous around the cameras and never really got used to them. So when Reichen & Chip revealed that they were married and the cameras were right on Chuck, he looked nervous to begin with. It wasn’t a big deal to us. We don’t condemn them because they are gay or married. We have gay friends and treat everyone equally. Chuck and I would never sit there and judge them on their sexuality. We wanted to be sensitive and honest at the same time, so with both had a talk with Reichen & Chip a little later and everything is good between us. In our eyes, they are very respectable men.

Phil: Do you feel that people ride you a little too much? When I say that, I mean: does it feel like now that you were on TV and came across as a pretty devout Christian, do you feel like people want to dissect you a little more and point out every little character flaw that you may have? If so, how do you deal with that?

Millie: Sometimes I feel that Christians set themselves up for that. Most of the Christians that are on TV are depicted as a little “too religious.” They are out there and come across as obnoxious and naturally, the public want to counter and revolt on them. Some of the criticism that I received was well deserved, but I’ve learned not to take everything to heart.

Phil: What did you think about TARCon? Did you enjoy yourself? Were you amazed to see how many people are devout fans of the race and wanted to see all of you?

Millie: Oh, I had so much fun. It was so cool to meet all the fans and mingle with everyone. Plus, we got to hang out with all the other racers. It was definitely a good time.

Phil: Is it safe to say that a lack of sleep did your team in? If so, would it also be safe to say that resting is the most important aspect of the race and making sure that you have enough energy and rest to complete each leg? I mean, map skills and the language barrier are big things too, but isn’t rest the most key?

Millie: I would say teamwork did us in, but a lack of sleep was a very close second. I’m very spatially challenged and not very good at navigating. Before the race even began we went to Atlanta a few times, the largest city nearby, and did a little bit to tighten up on our navigation skills. I think we stayed up too much at the pit stops sometimes trying to prepare for the next leg of the race. It was too much on us, and we were exhausted. Sleep is a necessity to do well in the race.

Phil: What has Chuck been up to these days?

Millie: Chuck is doing quite well. He owns his own valet company that works for corporate events. He’s such an entrepreneur. What he really wants to do is buy houses, fix them, and then sell them. There is a lot of money in that.

Phil: Oh, they do that around Temple all the time. People buy dilapidated houses and wait for Temple to want the land then they sell it for a hefty price. Tell Chuck about that!

Millie: (Laughing) I definitely will, thanks!

Phil: Since they have renewed TAR for another season that means there will probably be another TARCon. Do you think you may make an appearance, and do I get to be the first person to get a hug from you if you go?

Millie: Of course you do, Phil! I’m so clueless sometimes. If anything, I’ll stand by your side the whole night, it will be fun!

Phil: Millie, I have to say, it’s been a pleasure. I will admit that you sometimes got the short end of the stick, but I have your back. I’m sure that’s all you needed to know. Anyway, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule (and I know it is) and doing this interview with me. I wish you and Chuck the best of luck and look forward to talking to you again in the future. Thanks again!

Millie: Oh, like I said, no problem! This was fun, and I’m glad we got a chance to talk. Keep in touch and I will talk to you soon!

Phil Kural is a senior at Temple University, and can be reached at pkural@temple.edu.

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