by Maureen Francisco

Today, RealityWanted spoke with #9, Liberty Freeman, the latest person to leave Solitary in an exclusive interview. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted: How did you learn about the show?

A. Liberty: I learned about the show three years ago when I caught the first episode of the first season. I'm watching it and thinking "I can do this." I have a high pain threshold, and I'm small and agile. From the get go, I was completely enthralled. I saw the casting on Craigslist ... and here I am. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted: Describe your experience.

A. Liberty: Unbelievable! It was like being in summer camp. And, you never knew what the next activity you'd be doing. I even LOVE the challenges. It was like being in a virtual reality video game. It was a fun and a positive experience! I wanted to be a good role model on the show and be the first female winner. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted:When you learned you were the first one to quit the "spin cycle" treatment, what went through your mind?

A. Liberty:Shocked. Upset. Bummed. I was crying. I really thought and BELIEVED I was going to win. You see, winning meant that I would see my family who live in the Virgin Islands, and I haven't seen them in fourteen years. The airfare is not cheap.  Everything seemed so easy up to that point. It really felt like each time I completed each treatment or challenge, it reaffirmed my beliefs that I was supposed to stay in Solitary. I didn't want to go home yet. I didn't want to leave camp yet. I was super sad to leave Val. But, then I thought, I was picked out of thousands of applicants and what an honor to be part of the experience. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted: What was the hardest part about being on Solitary?

A. Liberty:Lack. Of. SLEEP. I am really an energetic person and I don't need a lot of sleep. I can run on four hours, but when you give me NOTHING, I get cranky. I feel my emotions more. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted:  Did the show portray you accurately? Why or why not?

A. Liberty: For the most part, yes. There was so much that didn't even make the cut. If anything, I wanted to see more. I wasn't made up as "wimpy" or "weak." I was portrayed as the "uninhibited."

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted: What did you learn about yourself while you were on Solitary?

A. I learned that I can accomplish a lot if I set my mind to it. It is mind over matter. And, the one second, I stopped believing when I saw the stool, sure enough, the negative energy took over. Up to that point, I only thought of positive things. f you believe in something, it will happen.  Since we have no one with us in the pod, I appreciate the people who I surround myself and care about. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted:  Who do you think will win Solitary?

A. Liberty:That's a tough one. I'd love for Bea to win. I love her sarcasm, "one liners", and honesty. She is doing her best and she's another woman. But, if I placed money on it, Solitary has a history of having a certain type win and I think it will be #2. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted: What's next for you, Liberty?

A. Liberty:I would love to do another reality show. I'll continue to paint since I'm an artist. To see my art, find me on Facebook and friend request me.  I'm an actress, doing theatre projects and films. I'd love to be a motivational life coach and help people find their passion. 

Q. Maureen, RealityWanted: Any advice for those who want to get on a reality show?

A. Liberty:Find the show that's perfect for you where you can just be yourself and not be fake. And, have fun throughout the process!

Solitary 4.0 airs Saturdays at 10/9c on Fox Reality.

(Image courtesy of Fox Reality)