What did it feel like when you heard that you won America's Next Top Model?
There are no words that can describe my actual emotions, but my life has changed drastically. I'm living in a whirlwind right now and enjoying every moment of it.
To go back a little bit, how did you feel when you were eliminated from Cycle 7?
I was a little disappointed. I was like, "Why?" I worked so hard and I wanted to be on the show so badly. I felt like I did such a good job. For [the elimination] to happen all of a sudden [was unsettling]. It was a little disappointing, but it made me a stronger person and I kept on asking.
Did you think you were going to get a second chance?
Yes, I did. I already knew it. I felt like showing determination and coming back even stronger really surprised them and showed them I really wanted to do it. Definitely.
I know you had received a lot critiques. What was the hardest thing you had to hear from the judges?
I wasn't really bothered [by anything] to be honest. I took their comments as constructive criticism and tried to make the best out of whatever they said. I would not put myself down in any way. I know that they're there to help us, not to ruin our dreams of becoming [top models]. I was not bothered with anything at all. I took them as [signs] to get better
What was it like living in a house with 13 girls?
How about that one? (Laughs) You know how girls are when we're all together. I developed special relationships with all of them--but it was hard at first. We all came to Top Model [with competitive mindsets]. Nobody was willing to open up to anybody else in the beginning. After we started getting to know more about each other and spending more time with each other, we became closer. Now I'm glad to say that I have a special relationship with each of them. I'm very glad to have them in my life.
Did you feel you were accurately depicted on the show?
Yes, definitely. It's funny how girls talk about how it's the way they edit the scenes so that they're not portrayed right. But how can you change what you say and what you do? They may change situations or put what you say in a different situation but they will never change what you feel or what you do. You are who you are. I was very happy and I went in a certain way and that was exactly how I was portrayed.
Did you feel like Natasha (the runner-up) was a real threat?
Not at all. I thought I had such a powerful walk; I was very confident with it. Yes, Natasha also had a great walk but the runway is something I do best.
What is it like when you're actually on the runway?
I just get this adrenaline rush. I feel this fire running behind me. I feel so confident and so good when I'm up there.
What does it mean to you to be the first Latina Top Model?
It brings me great honor, I can't believe it. In America I always tell people this, and I've even told Tyra herself -- "There's not only white folks, there's also Hispanics and Latinas!" They're very proud of me right now and I feel very happy to be able to represent my culture.
Are you self-conscious about anything?
No, nothing at all. Before the show, if you were to ask me that, I would probably have told you a million things. But after coming out of that show with a huge amount of confidence, I'm such a different person. I have no self-consciousness about anything.
many things can happen
Jamie Lurves You
19.27pm 10th october 07
