by Gina Scarpa

This week, on America’s Next Top Model, the models headed off to Hawaii for the international destination.  Tyra incorporated the Hawaiian word “Happa” into the photo shoot, which means the mixing of race and culture.  In panel, the judges felt that Brittany’s pose lacked inspiration and inventiveness.  She was eliminated from the competition and, today, spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her experiences on the show.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to try out for Top Model this season?
A. Brittany: It was actually kind of a fluke that I got on because I had no idea that they were doing a cycle for petite models.  I was in school and one day, I got an email from someone who had seen my website.  I’ve had this website for four years and it was someone from Top Model who said I should come interview with them.  I went to a pre-casting call in San Francisco.  I interviewed with a casting associate.  She liked me and the rest was history!
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you fit in with the other girls on the show?
A. Brittany: It was really difficult at first because, throughout  my whole life, I’ve never been the type of girl that’s had a lot of girlfriends.  I had two best girlfriends and that’s pretty much it.  Going into the house, I was terrified because I’ve never been around so much estrogen in my life but it actually went pretty well.  It was like summer camp at first but it was actually pretty fun.  After being around the same people, you get irritated after a while. 
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you feel to be going to Hawaii? Have you ever been before?
A. Brittany: When we first found out, we were going to Hawaii I was shocked.  Top Model has never traveled within the state.  It’s always the abroad location.  At first, I thought it was bizarre. I thought we were going to go to Asia for sure.  I’ve been to Maui before and I had stayed right where we lived.  I was familiar with the area and I felt comfortable there.  Maui is beautiful so I can’t complain.
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you wish that you did travel abroad for Top Model, instead of to Hawaii?
A. Brittany: I love traveling and I love seeing new places and experiencing new cultures.  For my own selfish reasons, it would’ve been great to go to a new country.  Hawaii was a beautiful location, though.
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is it like to have Tyra photograph you?
A. Brittany: The first time, I was really nervous because I had no idea what to expect of her, having her right in front of me, taking pictures in my face.  She was awesome to work with.  She’s really sweet and very energetic.  She wants you to do well.  In Hawaii, it was a great experience with her.
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you feel about the Hapa you were given? How did it affect you in your shoot?
A. Brittany: When I was first given that, I thought, “Okay, well what’s my objective and how am I going to achieve that?”  The assignment was okay.  You have these two different cultures you’re portraying and you need to create an editorial shot.  I was given Native American and East Indian.  I’ve always seen portraits of women from these different cultures and they’re poised, elegant, and strong.  I wanted to represent that so for me, the shoot was really exuding that personality instead of worrying about funky poses with the wardrobe.
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you feel going into panel?
A. Brittany: I felt really good going into panel.  The shoot went by fast, Jay gave me great critique, and Tyra kept saying that we got the shot.  I had no idea that I would be in the bottom two.  In the photo, I felt like I had accomplished what I set out to achieve.
 
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you feel that you were eliminated too soon in the competition?
A. Brittany: I really do.  I understand some of the things they said.  Still, I was shocked for weeks afterwards.  I had nightmares about being at panel.  I really think it wasn’t my time.  I wish I could’ve stayed on longer.  I feel like I gave a great range throughout the competition and I showed variety.  I would’ve loved to stay on longer!  

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: With the skills that you have gained on Top Model, do you feel you are a better equipped to book jobs as a petite model?
A. Brittany: It definitely is challenging!  It’s absolutely wonderful what Tyra is doing and how she’s promoting petite models.  Then, you get back to reality and the rest of the world hasn’t changed.  I learned a lot about being personable on the show and how to act.  It’s definitely bizarre to watch yourself on tv.  I’ve gained a lot of insight with the rest of my modeling career.  I feel like this definitely gave me the exposure I need to continue modeling and make connections.

America’s Next Top Model airs Wednesdays at 8pm ET on the CW.
 
(Image courtesy of the CW)

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

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