by Gina Scarpa and Michelle Spigner

 

Last night, on the season finale of America's Next Top Model, it came down to the final two girls - Raina, the strong print model, and Krista, the strong runway model. For their final runway challenge, the two girls walked it out in an Anna Sui fashion show. After shooting their Cover Girl commercials, they headed to the panel to find out who would walk away the winner. Raina turned in an impressive performance but in the end, left with second place. Today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her experiences on the show and what's next for this aspiring model.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How does it feel to have made it as far as you did in the competition?
A. Raina: Absolutely amazing! I couldn't be happier.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The judges thought that you were stronger in photos than you were on the runway. Do you agree? Is that they type of modeling you want to focus on?
A. Raina: To be honest, I want to focus on everything. I want to do everything, but the judges really know what they're talking about. They have so much knowledge. I'm going to take their critique and advice and roll with it. I definitely agree that Krista was strong on the runway and I was stronger in print.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your favorite photo shoot?
A. Raina: I enjoyed working with the hair and I loved the vampire photo shot. That was really, really fun because it was completely out of the ordinary. I also liked the shoot with the rain and the wind because I got best photo but it was difficult and challenging. I enjoy being pushed.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the most difficult part of the competition?
A. Raina: The most difficult part was being away from my friends and family. Being away from that support system is extremely difficult. I didn't have the opportunity to talk to them much which made it more difficult.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your performance remained pretty consistent in the competition. How did you stay so focused?
A. Raina: I am a volleyball player and have been playing since 7th grade and I played in college. If you really love something and it's your dream and passion, you're going to put everything you have into it. I don't really know if I can say what particular things I did to stay so consistent but I just wanted it so bad that I constantly gave 110% of myself.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You gave up volleyball to be in the competition. Was it difficult to leave everything behind to pursue your dream?
A. Raina: It was my dream to be a volleyball player and play in college. I got there and I played but when I all of a sudden had a passion for modeling, it grew and grew and I needed to do it. It was so fun and I loved it and it felt natural to me. That became an even bigger dream. I gave up one dream to pursue another and I'm so glad that I did.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You mentioned being teased as a kid when you were on the show. How has modeling helped to build your self-confidence?
A. Raina: Oh my goodness. Modeling in general is like anything else. You have to put a lot of work into it. When you see your results and success, it motivates you even more. You can see your final outcome and you have Tyra and Nigel and Andre and a guest judge all critiquing you. Hearing that advice and positive input, really, really boosted my self confidence.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are you up to now? How will winning Top Model help you in your career?
A. Raina: I'm moving to Los Angeles or New York City at the end of the summer. I'm deciding which coast to go to in a week. I'm procrastinating. I booked my first international campaign in Dubai. I'm going to be the face of this store featuring top designers, such as Vera Wang. I couldn't be more excited.

 

 

(Image courtesy of the CW)

 

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more Top Model links, visit SirLinksALot.net