Gaining Self Confidence: An Interview with America’s Next Top Model 2’s Shandi Sullivan

RNO: Knowing all the mental stress that you went through during the show, do you think you would do it all again if you had the chance?

Shandi: Yes, definitely – without a doubt. Simply for the way the whole thing boosted my self-confidence, I would do it all over in a heartbeat. I did things in that competition that I never thought I would ever be able to do. The whole thing was worth it, stress and all.

RNO: Which of the girls are you still in contact with, and is there anyone you don’t think you will be talking too much once everything is over?

Shandi: Well, I still keep in very close contact with Yoanna and Xiomara. I write letters all the time to Sara, and I email Mercedes pretty frequently. I guess with girls that I won’t really talk too that often, it would probably be the first few girls that were eliminated since I never really got to know them – and of course, Camille. I read in an interview that Camille said the girls weren’t allowed to keep in contact when someone asked her who she still talks to. That’s not true – we were allowed to talk, it’s just that nobody really wants to talk to HER. Even at the finale party, nobody was really talking to her!

RNO: Did your family watch the show, see your transformation, and finally realize what a beautiful woman you really are?

Shandi: For the most part, my family has been so supportive. My sisters call me every day and have just been there for me every step of the way. I think my sisters knew that I had all that inside me. My parents doubted me from the beginning and didn’t even believe I was on the show until they actually saw me. We don’t really talk that much, but when I was on the show, they were warming back up to me until the episode when I talked about my family issues. They haven’t talked to me much since that. Oh well!

RNO: And finally, what do you have to say to other Walgreen’s employees that may be dreaming of a modeling career?

Shandi: Haha, because it all starts at Walgreen’s! I would just say that you have to believe in yourself and have that confidence and support. Also, the less stress you have is the better. This is a very stressful career and the show was very physically and mentally draining, but well worth the effort!

RNO: Thanks, Shandi! Good luck in the future!

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

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