"The Viewers Boosted My Confidence The Most!": An Interview With America's Next Top Model 4 Winner Naima

RNO: Did you think that Keenyah was going to be with you in the finals, or were you leaning more towards Kahlen? Do you think Keenyah would have been good competition for the final challenge?

Naima: Actually, I felt that Kahlen was my biggest competition. She was a friend of mine from the beginning, and I wanted to go against her in the end. Keenyah would have been some good competition, but I believe it was Kahlen that should be in the final two with me, and we both competed the best we could.

RNO: What was the biggest hurdle for you during the competition?

Naima: I would say it was the confidence thing. The judges saw me as tense, and I knew that I would have to find some confidence in me in order to stick around. Luckily, I did find that confidence, and it showed. Once I was over that hurdle, I knew I could do anything.

RNO: Were you nervous that being a dancer would come back to haunt you, just like it did prior contestants?

Naima: No, it was actually quite the opposite. I thought that being a dancer would put me a leg up on the competition because I know how to move my body and how to pose it as well. Everyone noted that they saw the "dancer" in me, but it wasn't a hindrance at all, I would say it's one of the reasons that helped me win.

RNO: What did you think of Keenyah's comments regarding her not understanding what the judges saw in you?

Naima: I'd rather not answer that question, sorry.

RNO: Which of the prizes are you the most excited to get started on?

Naima: I would have to say the photo shoot for Elle. The photographer for that shoot has shot so many major people, including Tyra. Although, to be honest, I'm excited about every aspect of winning the show!

RNO: Now that you have broken into the modeling scene, do you want to try acting now as well?

Naima: Oh, I would love to get into acting. I had fun when we did our acting challenge, and I want to give myself in every aspect that I can. Acting would definitely be something I want to get into in the future.

RNO: Where do you want to see yourself a year from now?

Naima: A year from now I hope to seep myself on the cover of at least two major magazines. I've worked so hard to get here, so I don't want to let it slip through my fingers. I plan to work as hard as I can to get to where I want to be.

RNO: Is there anything you would like to add, or some advice to girls that are thinking about applying to future seasons of the show?

Naima: You have to be brave. If you aren't brave, and don't believe in yourself, then you won't be able to last long in this competition. If you know who you are and believe in yourself, you will accomplish the things you want. Good luck to everyone!

RNO: Thanks, Naima!

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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