Tahlia Brookins captured the hearts of America and the judges on America’s Next Top Model when she was cast despite having burn scars all over her body. Her mantra was to be a role model for other victims, that they, too could achieve their dreams. But after almost giving up just a week before and scoring the best picture, her insecurity, terrible commercial and lack of zeal cost her a spot in the competition. Here are some highlights from an exit interview Tahlia did:

Okay. So going back a few weeks now, what was going through your head as you watched [Celia, a 25-year-old designer in fashion sales from Cynthiana, KY] went up to Tyra and start telling her about you wanting to go home?
Tahlia: Well I mean like, my first [reaction] was to punch her in the face (Laughs). But after slowing down to think about it, yeah I was disappointed that she did it. [Unintelligible] She has the right to her own opinion, and she has to say how she feels and she can do whatever she feels is necessary and she felt that what she was doing was the right thing and I can’t really judge her for that because that’s her lifestyle. That’s how she gets things done, and she thinks it’s okay. That’s her. I mean, I don’t have to be a part of it, but I can’t blame her for doing what she did if she thinks it was right.

Moving to the burns that you haven, could you quickly recap what happened and how you got them?
Tahlia: When I was eight-months-old I spilled a coffee on myself and as a result I ended up having second and third degree burns. [I had] to have surgeries for reconstructions and plastic surgeries.

What was your opinion of [Natalie, a 19-year-old student from Palos Verdes, CA], was she as confident as she seemed on the show?
Tahlia: I don’t think “Confident” is a good word for her, “Cocky” and “Arrogant” is better for her. I’m sorry, she’s jut got a very stubborn attitude and is a very selfish person. But like I said, if that’s how she lives her life I can’t judge her for it.

Kind of going off of that, who were you closest with on the show, and who did you dislike the most?
Tahlia: I was closest with [Aminat, a 21-year-old student from Union, NJ] and Teyona. And as far as [the girl I disliked the most I would have to say Natalie. The rest of them I can stand, but Natalie, she just rubs me the wrong way.

How did you get on the show? Had you applied to previous seasons before season 12?
Tahlia: No actually, I'd never auditioned or anything. My dad just sent it out for my birthday, a kinda on a whim kinda thing. It just went from there. So basically it was a birthday present from my dad.

Best of luck to Tahlia in her future- seems like she's got a good head on her shoulders and it's nice to see a real girl who can be such an inspiration. Keep following your dreams, girl!!!

[image: CW]

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