"I Wish I Had Taken More Risks!" – An Interview with America's Next Top Model 10's Atalya

I have to admit, I didn’t even remember Atalya was in the episode until she was in the bottom two, so that can’t possibly be a good thing when it comes time for someone to go home. That being said, I did agree with the judges that she was a pretty girl, but not very high fashion. I had a chance to speak with Atalya, and I got to ask her if she thought she could be more high fashion if given the chance. She fills me in on what she thinks, and sheds some light on a whole bunch more. Read on!

RealityNewsOnline:Hey, Atalya! Thanks for taking time to sit and talk with me today. Had you watched previous seasons of the show, and what factored into your decision to apply?

Atalya:Oh yeah, I had watched the show since the first season. I saw what the judges were looking for, and I had a pretty good idea that I could give it to them. So I knew that when I turned 18, I was going to try out right away. I did, and I got picked the first time I tried!

RNO: Did you have any previous modeling experience prior to being on the show, or was everything new to you?

Atalya: I had done some little things, but I have never been signed by anyone. The few things that I did do, though, really helped me with my walk and figuring out some posing.

RNO:You definitely had a problem with being away from home and your family. Did you expect that to be your biggest problem?

Atalya: No, not at all! I mean, you’re away from your family and friends, and under a lot of stress. It stinks not being able to just pick up the phone and call someone. On one hand, I loved being away from home and on my own. I think I could have done it under any other circumstances, but it was just so stressful that not being able to just talk to them made it worse.

RNO: What are your thoughts on the judges feeling you were a pretty girl, but not right for high fashion? Do you agree or do you feel you could have changed their minds had you been there longer?

Atalya:I really disagree with the judges comments. I know that Saleisha, last cycle’s winner, was marked as commercial, but they made her high fashion. They can do the same for me. If I had lasted past the makeover episode, I know I could have proved them wrong. I think I went home way too early.

RNO: Did you have any, idea prior to being in front of the judges, that you might be going home?

Atalya:I had no idea at all. When they said that I was just a pretty face, even then, I didn’t think I was going home. I know I’m more than that, though. I go to school and I take classes. I have plenty of brains to back up my looks.

RNO: What about when Kim quit? Had she mentioned to any of the other girls that she might be doing that, or did it catch you all off guard?

Atalya:I was caught so off guard. I guess it just wasn’t what Kim wanted, and that’s fine. I don’t judge her for that, and you really do need to figure out what is right for you. I know Kim would have done well, and it’s disappointing to watch someone quit, but I guess it just wasn’t what she thought it was going to be.

RNO: Did you think that there was still going to be an elimination after she decided to quit? What do you remember your first thoughts being when Tyra said someone was still going home?

Atalya: Honestly, I thought they were just going to end it there, since Ebony quit last cycle and they just let the other girl stay. That’s what I was expecting to happen, so I was shocked when Tyra said they were still going to send someone home.

RNO: Going into the competition, what did you think would be your biggest asset?

Atalya:I figured my look would be my biggest asset. I’m versatile, I have great skin and a great body. I can have an attitude, but I know I’m not a bitch at all. Sometimes I think they are looking for that more than the nice girls!

RNO: Looking back, do you think there is anything you could have changed in order to stick around longer?

Atalya: I wish I had taken more risks. I could have done more at the first photo shoot. I think it was due to the fact that I’ve never been homeless, so I wasn’t channeling anything. Some of those girls went through a point in their lives when they were homeless, and they were crying and everything. I didn’t have that experience to pull from, and I’m actually happy for that!

RNO: Was there anything about you that we didn’t get to see conveyed on the show? There wasn’t really a whole lot of time to get to know you, so what should we know that wasn’t shown?

Atalya: We really did have a lot of fun on the show. Oh, and I did so much more than what was shown – I didn’t just stand around. I did talk to the judges and defend myself. It’s a lot different than what you see on TV.

RNO: Even though you were sent home first, if you had the choice to do it all over again, do you think you would?

Atalya:I did it once and once is enough. I plan on just using the experience on the show as a stepping stone for things down the line. However, I don’t think I’d ever want to do it again, knowing what I do now.

RNO: So is modeling still something that you are trying to pursue?

Atalya:Oh, definitely. It’s always something that I’ve wanted to do, so I’m just going to keep on trying. I’d love to get into acting too, down the line.

RNO: What are your future plans down the line, and is there anywhere we can expect to see you in the near future?

Atalya:Hmm, well, I’m going to school for broadcasting, but I’m interested in business as well. I would say to just keep your eyes open because I do plan on continuing to pursue this career. I want to be like Tyra – she’s a supermodel with her own talk show. Tyra has a lot of influence in the entertainment industry, and I’d love to get to her level some day.

RNO: Is there anything you would like to add or say to fans of the show?

Atalya:Just thank you so much for the support, and all the good things that have been written about me. It really does mean a lot. Again, thank you to all the fans of the show!

RNO: Thanks, Atalya!

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Phil Kural is an office manager at a dental office, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. You can send feedback to him at pkural@gmail.com.

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