TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

If you follow reality TV, you probably know about Sundai Love, who was a recent competitor on Tyra Banks' "America's Next Top Model."

Love didn't win the big prize, but she nearly made it to the end. But the exposure on the popular show means a wide-open future for 19-year-old Bakersfield student.

Love has her hands full, but she had time to bring us up to date via e-mail:

What are you up to now?

Well, I just started school again at Cal State Bakersfield. Yay, go college! My sister, Kristin, and I both received a makeup contract for two makeup lines, Jordana and Milani cosmetics. There new makeup is a must-buy. I'm working on finishing my book about my life. Also some acting gigs and even a possible single with the rap group Vixen Ent. So I'm working on a little bit of everything.

Tell us about Tyra, Miss J and Jay Manuel. What are the really like when the camera's not on them?

Surprisingly, how they act on camera is the same way they are off camera. Tyra is a very sweet, but busy, woman. Miss j is a say-the-first-thing-that-comes-to-mind kind of person, he holds nothing back. Mr. Jay was the most helpful throughout the show.

So who's the biggest Bakersfield reality TV diva: Amy Adams from "American Idol," Pumkin from "Flavor of Love" or you?

I would have to say Sundai from "America's Next Top Model." She rox.

What did you learn about the modeling biz?

I learned that just because I can take pictures in my bathroom on my camera phone doesn't mean modeling is as easy!

What did you learn about TV?

That the TV world is a lot like another planet. Very strange.

And, did you learn anything about yourself?

I learned to take negative criticism and apply it to my life to better myself.

Do people recognize you out in public? What's that like?

Yes, I was surprised how many locals watched the show. It took some getting used to, but I'm always happy to see a fan's face.

Who was your favorite contestant during your run? Did you have a least-favorite?

Laura (Kirkpatrick, runner-up) was my favorite. My least favorite contestant would have to be the ants that moved into the chip bag under my bed. They never even got eliminated.

Did you figure out how to smile with your eyes?

Yes, I could "smize" in my sleep now.

We think the "Top Model" exit song is cheesy. What do you think?

It's OK. I would much rather have it be the "SpongeBob" theme song

What was the best thing about being on the show, and the worst?

The best part about being on the show is the big boost it gave me to help my career. The worst part would have to be being away from my loved ones and animals for so long.

What did it feel like when you were eliminated?

I was very shocked. I had it in my mind I would win for so long that I wasn't expecting to go. It felt terrible. But everything happens for a reason, and I know God will place me were he wants me.

Tell us about posing topless with the racehorse. Had you done anything like that before?

I've never posed with a horse, let alone without a shirt. Tyra comes up with the craziest things. We called it "Girls Gone Wild" model-style.

Do you have any regrets? If you could do it again, what would you do differently?

I wouldn't change much, but I should have tried to sneak the Hawaii cat on the plane home when I had the chance.

You won the Walmart challenge and said you like shopping there with your mom. How do you rank our local Walmarts?

I was there in my feety pajamas on the Black Friday sale. I bought a PS3 for my boyfriend, Anthony. My wonderful mother didn't want anything, which left me with enough to buy 42 inches worth of TV for my wall. Honestly I like the old Walmart much more. But change is good, right?

You were criticized by the judges for some of your outfits (and over accessorizing) on the runway. How much of this did you see as constructive criticism or was it just to make "good TV"?

A big reason they picked me to be on the show was because of my unique styling. So at first I didn't understand why they would try and change me, but I later realized they were just trying to help. Word of advice for girls trying to model: When meeting with important people on an audition or whatever the matter, a tank top and jeans are all you need. No need to over accessorize -- they like a clean look.

What was your favorite photo shoot? Which special guest did you learn the most from?

My favorite shoot was the horse shoot, since I love animals, and my favorite guests were Chanel Iman, Kim Kardashian and Marisa Miller. They all helped out a lot.

Besides yourself, who did you want to win the whole thing?

Laura, such a sweet farm girl from Kentucky. She deserved it.

Who did you think would win?

I thought it would be me, and my second thought was Nicole (Fox, winner).

Are you still in touch with any of the other girls?

I still talk to all the girls and love them very much. Jenn (An) helps me out with about everything, from what toilet paper to use to what outfit to wear.

What are your plans? Do you still want to model?

I'm definitely continuing to model and I've gotten some really nice offers. but I'm also going to spring into acting and voice-overs as well.