“I’d Let Janice Rip on Me All Day” – An Interview with America’s Next Top Model 3’s Leah

RNO: When each girl was being called during the elimination ceremony, did you think that it was you going home, or someone else?

Leah: When I saw the way Tyra was calling the girls, I had a good idea that it was me who was going home. I actually gave myself a little time to come to that realization so that when I was eliminated, it wasn’t the biggest shock in the world for me, and I didn’t break down in a pool of tears. I was very disappointed though, I’ll tell you that.

RNO: Were the judges what you expected, or do you think they came off a little harsh?

Leah: Well, Nole’ is Nole’. Honestly, I think he needed to board the dog and board the attitude. However, he’s an expert and knows what he’s talking about. It would have been nice for him to just give the fact when giving us feedback, and kept the opinions and comments to himself, but that wasn’t happening. He’s just very eccentric. As far as Janice, she was a riot! She might be the Simon Cowell of the show, but she needs to keep doing it because she was so funny and I loved her so much. She could have ripped on me all day and I wouldn’t have minded. Actually, Janice did give me a compliment, and I felt like I needed her to write it down because I didn’t believe it. The judges were awesome with the comments they gave us, and they really helped me out.

RNO: Was there anything about the whole process or experience that surprised you?

Leah: I was definitely surprised that the second elimination was so close to the first. It came only a few days later, and it was odd that someone else was already going home – which was me! I actually told Kristi the night before that it was probably me, which helped me to prepare myself for the elimination.

RNO: From what you saw during the photo shoot, was there anyone that seemed to be a leg up on the competition?

Leah: Jennipher showed more power than I thought she would. Amanda did great as well. She was able to put all her fears to the side and just get the job done. I wasn’t crazy about the poses in her photos, but she was able to do much more than some of the other girls. She was definitely dedicated to the whole thing.

RNO: Are you still interested in being a model, or are you exploring other options now?

Leah: I love modeling so much, and I’m willing to do anything in the industry. It’s so much fun, and I learned so much from being on the show. I really hope to find an agency that will sign and work with me. I also loved being on the show, and wouldn’t mind getting involved in TV. Honestly though, anything with modeling would make me so happy.

RNO: Did you walk away from the experience learning anything new about yourself? If so, what?

Leah: I learned that I’m more nervous than I thought in front of the cameras and people, but was actually able to get over all that. Also, I learned that you have to be yourself at all times. There will always be people that don’t like the way you look, the way you walk, or who you are, but you need to learn to get over that and to just be yourself. In the end, you will be much happier, and that’ what I learned.

RNO: Is there anything you would like to add or say to the faithful viewers? Anything funny that didn’t make the show?

Leah: Well, this isn’t really spoiling anything, but just keep watching this season because it’s going to be very intense – possibly the most exciting season so far. There is going to be plenty of drama, but fun drama – nothing over the top, and expect Jennipher to spice things up a bit!

RNO: Thanks Leah, and good luck with everything!

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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