ANTM Interview: Nijah Harris

Earlier today, i got to interview the most recent eliminee from America’s Next Top Model, the statuesque 18-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California. She spoke about all the drama in the house, why she struggled with the photo shoot and her future plans.

Full Q&A is below the jump!

How did you get involved in Top Model?

I decided to go online and looked at the auditions, just to see. It turns out there was one in Bakersfield, which is very close to where I live. I went up the day before, spent the night, auditioned, and made it into the house. There were other auditions in between, but you know how far I made it.

In your confessional, you said you found the photo shoot really difficult. Why?

I found it really tough to work with a partner. With a group, you need to connect with your partners, connect with the camera and still deliver it yourself. You can’t get lost in a photo or any one – or all – of those elements are affected. Kortnie and I got along, but we just didn’t connect. We didn’t click with each other, didn’t click with the camera and didn’t get in the zone. It didn’t help that I was just having an off day either. I wasn’t feeling it that day at all. I don’t know if it was the actual theme or what, but I couldn’t connect.

If you could have picked the personality you and Kortnie shot, which one would you have chosen?

I would have loved to get the snooty girls or the nannies! That would have been fun and those girls turned it out. Actually, I would have preferred any of the personalities other than my own. But I got what I got and did my best to make it work. It just wasn’t my day.

How did you feel about your runway performance?

I love the runway! It’s one of my favorite things to do. I think I’m strong on the catwalk and that I did well each time I had to perform my runway walk. I thought I did a good job at the first runway show in New York. It was so exciting being in New York and walking for all those people! I think I brought confidence to the runway and I owned my dress. Runway classes with Miss J were so much fun. I really wanted to see what he had to say and to learn from him. I really look up to him and knew I could get a lot from him during that session. I thought I brought it at the Jill Stuart show as well. I brought energy and confidence to the show. Obviously, Jill didn’t feel the same way, but that’s okay. I did my best in both shows and learned from them and that’s all you can you.

You didn’t get a lot of screen time. Do you think you were portrayed accurately?

I think so. They didn’t show enough of me or enough sides of me, but it was me. I was more fun and more talkative and more outgoing than they showed. And I stood up for myself way more. I looked pretty meek and mild, but I’m not! I’m fun and goofy and love laughing and smiling and having a good time. They showed that, but not often. I’m stronger than they showed, that’s for sure.

What was it like to meet Tyra?

When we were in Vegas, I was so excited to meet her! I mean, it’s Tyra, we’re a Top Model, oh goodness! But we didn’t get to see her often. In fact, the only other times we saw her were at panel. That was intimidating because you want so badly to impress her. It’s the only shot you get for Tyra to like you and be impressed by you and want to keep you on the show. You need to bring it, both in your photo and with how you present yourself to her and the rest of the judges.

Were you surprised by your elimination?

I wasn’t expecting to go home so early! I thought I had a lot of potential and was going to make it far in the competition. But once I was in the bottom two, I knew I was gone. The judges really like Allison. She has a different, high-fashion look and had a number one call-out already. I hadn’t. I had done well throughout the competition, but once it got to me and her, I knew I was gone.

Did you leave a note for the other girls?

I left a note for Teyona, one for Aminat and one for the other girls. Teyona and Aminat were my girls, the three of us got really close. To Teyona, I wrote that she should take home the title. Since it can’t be me, I want it to be her. To Aminat, I told her that she was strong and fierce and that she should keep working hard and doing what she’s doing. To the rest of the girls, I told them that I’d miss them and that they shouldn’t be too hard on each other. Yes, it’s a competition, but be there to support each in both the good and bad parts of this journey.

When Natalie and Tahlia had friction, you were there to console Tahlia. Can you talk about that?

First, I want to say that I don’t have a problem with Natalie. She’s my girl. We’re both from California and we bonded over that. Plus, our beds were right next to each other’s. We needed to stick together. We got along great and we still talk today. Natalie and Tahlia had their own issues, stemming from that Truth or Dare comment Natalie made. Tahlia was really upset so I pulled her aside and told her not to let this incident break you down. It wasn’t worth getting upset over and she just needed to move on and bring it at the next photo shoot. People will try to break you down; it’s a competition, that’s natural. She needs to be stronger than that, so I just told her I believed in her and that she needs to rise above this moment.

Sandra seemed to rub a lot of people the wrong way.

Sandra was not my favorite girl in the house. We didn’t click and she didn’t click with any of the other girls either. When she rubbed me the wrong way, I let her know and I never made an issue out of it. We never had an incident worth discussing, so I see no point in talking about her now.

What was your favorite part about being on the show?

I loved all of it! I loved being in New York. I loved meeting the girls. I loved the runway. I loved the photo shoots. I loved meeting Tyra and the Jays. All of it was such a great experience. If I have to pick, I guess I’ll say the first photo shoot, where we portrayed little girls. It was fun to pretend to be a little kid for a day!

What was it like living with twelve other girls?

It was my first time away from home. I never had roommates before. Two bathrooms for thirteen girls is ridiculous. We were constantly complaining about that and telling people to hurry up. Our kitchen was super small too. Everyone was after everyone else to clean up their messes and do their own dishes. After a while, though, you got used to it. You realized, this is it. It’s temporary and it’s not worth fighting over. So, you just get used to it.

So who was the messiest?

Oh goodness! London was, definitely! She’s going to kick my butt for saying that!

What’s next for you? Are you going to continue to pursue modeling?

Oh yes! Modeling is my passion. I love everything about it, from photo shoots to hair and make-up to runway. I love everything about it and every minute I spend doing it. It gives me chills! I’m planning on moving to Los Angeles and enrolling in UCLA and modeling there. I think I’m going to study nursing, but I haven’t decided yet. But I see nothing wrong with going to school and working towards being a supermodel!

Thank you for talking to us today!

Thank you!

Image: Pottle Productions Inc