“I Really Did Have An Experience Of A Lifetime” – An Interview with America's Next Top Model 7's Megan

I had a good feeling that Megan was going to be eliminated fairly early after the first episode aired. We didn’t get to see a whole lot of her, and when the second episode featured her so prominently, I knew it was spelling danger. That being said, she really did have the tools and experience to do well, and I’m pretty bummed that she didn’t make it further. I had a chance to talk with Megan about her time on the show. Although also being pretty bummed that she was sent home so early, Megan had some pretty interesting things to say!

RealityNewOnline:Hey Megan! Thanks for taking some time out of your schedule to talk with me today. First things first – did you end up staying a blonde?

Megan:Oh, yes! I absolutely loved the hair color and I’ve stuck with it since the show has ended.

RNO:What was your reasoning when you decided to apply for the show? Had you watched previous seasons?

Megan:Well, I don’t usually watch TV and saw very few episodes of the show. However, I was looking for some freelance modeling work, and saw that the show was having open casting calls in my town. I figured I’d give it a try, and at the very least, I’d get my face out there. That’s what this business is all about!

RNO:What did you think of your makeover as a whole? Were you expecting more, less, or were you happy with what they did?

Megan:To be honest, I really wanted them to do more. I was hoping they would do something very off the wall for me. I expected the blonde hair, and I love it, but I wish they would have gone very extreme with me. I was looking forward to it!

RNO:Did you find it strange that some girls were more emotional about having their hair cut than they were about posing nude? How did you handle both situations?

Megan:The way I handled both situations is the way I handle most situations in my life. You have to stay calm and figure out what the best way to deal with things is going to be. I can understand why some of the girls got so upset about their makeovers. They weren’t used to being changed so drastically, and I think they felt like part of their identity was being taken from them. As far as the nude photos, most of the girls were excited about doing them – especially the 13 who made it into the house. After all, it was a photo shoot, and that’s what we were there for, right?

RNO:You said when you were eliminated that you wish you had shown more character. Do you feel that the opportunity was there for you to be more animated?

Megan:With the editing, you never know how you are going to end up being portrayed. In the house, around the other girls, I was very outgoing and my personality was always on display. However, when I was in front of the panel, I tried to remain quiet and be respectful to their opinions and criticism. That’s just the way I am! I wish I had been a little more animated in front of them, though.

RNO:What the heck is Monique’s deal? Is she trying to play up an attitude for camera time? She didn’t seem like such a diva during the semi-finals!

Megan:It was so strange! I think the whole “being a diva” thing just went to her head maybe. I think the fact that she knew she was one of 13 girls that would be in the public eye – she just had to play it up as much as possible. Plus, I’m sure she wants the publicity. In fact, I was good friends with Monique before we moved into the house, and during the semi-finals. We were so excited to get into the house, and when we did, she just totally changed. It was unbelievable!

RNO:What are your thoughts about Amanda and Michelle both competing? Do you feel that twins might have an unfair advantage in the competition?

Megan:It’s reality TV! Who wouldn’t want to see twin models!? I don’t think it’s unfair or anything like that. Everyone had to perform and do the same thing, so they didn’t have an advantage.

RNO:Do you feel that you were pushed into the whole role of the “boring girl” or do you think that you really were a little too laid back and subdued?

Megan:I wouldn’t ever call myself boring, and I doubt that anyone that really knows me would either. I think that in front of the judges, yes, I was probably seen as boring. I’m not even sure why they called me boring. Was it my photos? Was it just me in front of them? I have no clue! I think the fact that I didn’t get into the drama in the house played against me. I just couldn’t get upset over some of the petty things the other girls were getting upset about!

RNO:Standing in the bottom two with Jaeda, who also received some harsh criticism from the judges, did you think that you would be the girl sent home?

Megan:I did. On top of all, what you have to realize is that you are going to be your own biggest critic. I think when we were all in the holding room, while the judges deliberated, about half of us thought that we would be the one going. You have to realize that almost everyone gets some kind of criticism, so nobody knows who the judges are ready to send home. I had a good feeling it would be me though.

RNO:What is your fondest memory of the experience?

Megan:I think it would have to be the friendships I made and the experience that I got for the business. I really did have an experience of a lifetime. Plus, the fact that I got my face out there is always a good thing!

RNO:Do you feel that the weave that was given to you maybe wasn’t as dramatic or over the top as the other girls’? Besides, it’s not like we could see it spinning in a picture!

Megan:I was very disappointed with the weave I was given. Actually, I was the last girl to go and when I saw the weave that they were giving me, I was a little confused. But, you have to deal with it. I think they gave it to me because it best matched my new blonde hair. However, I wish they would have given me better makeup as well. It wasn’t very flattering.

RNO:Do you find that a lot of people are comparing you to Kim from Cycle five, feature wise?

Megan:Yes, I have heard that a few times. In one way, it’s nice to hear, but in another, I don’t know how much I like being compared to someone else. I am my own person too, ya know!

RNO:Did you have any modeling experience before you applied for the show or was this your first time?

Megan:Well, like I had said earlier, I had done some freelance before, and that’s why I ended up going to try out for the show. I wasn’t ready to sign with an agency, especially with school and all, so besides freelance, that’s about it.

RNO:So what are your plans for the near future? Do you plan on continuing to pursue modeling?

Megan:Oh yes, I really want to continue trying to model. Also though, I’ll be working on my production company. I graduated last year with a degree in media studies and African studies.

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

Megan:You’ll be seeing me again, I promise – I plan on being out there!

RNO:Thanks, Megan!

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

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