Nothing builds character like crunchy rice seasoned with insects. [laughter] So it sounds like you made the most of boarding school.
Looking back, they were some of the best times of my life. Our school was small and everyone was there 24-7, so I made some great lifetime friends.
Did you ever get into trouble?
Actually, the most trouble I ever got in school was back in the sixth grade. I used to be a rebellious little girl. I dyed my hair green and I got suspended from school for doing so. My principal yelled: "Don't come back until you've dyed your hair back to black." Taiwanese people can be so close-minded.
Is your rebelliousness what got you into modeling for our scene?
I guess you could say that. I went to my first HIN when was 15 in Hawaii. It was crazy! I met the Myspace guy, Tom. He loves Asian girls.
Is that where you got your 'break' into modeling?
Not really. I was wandering the show and a lot of photographers gave me their cards and asked if I would like to shoot with them sometimes, but I was more focused on learning how to swim in Hawaii, so I didn't pursue modeling then.
Where did you move after Santa Barbara?
I moved to New York City last September to attend NYU.
From boarding school to the Big Apple . . . how do you like the East Coast?
I hated New York at first tremendously. The weather here is disgusting! Well, considering I lived in Taiwan, Queensland, Hawaii, and California I was a bit spoiled with great climates. Before I moved to NYC, I never saw snow. I remember I got scared when the city turned white.
If you had to pick, where would you want to settle down?
California! It is the perfect place for human beings! California's got perfect weather, beautiful beaches, amazing food from all over the world, and everything else you need in life. Growing up there and also having traveled a lot, I'm sure you would agree with me, Carter.
Agreed! So do you still enjoy traveling?
Absolutely.
If I was a travel genie and could grant you a wish, where would you go?
I would want to go to Tel Aviv, Israel, and Beirut, Lebanon. I would have to go to Lebanon first, then Israel. I heard Lebanon won't let you in the country if you have an Israeli stamp on it, but not vice-versa. I am not very familiar with Middle Eastern culture, and would love to learn more about it.
Middle East? Not my first guess, but it's very open minded of you. What about China? I've been meaning to go-any recommendations?
It's great. I used to travel all over China with my dad. Go to Beijing if you are into rich history and culture. Go to Sichuan if you are into beautiful scenery and pandas. Go to Shanghai if you are into being pushed around by smelly people. Yuck!
Shanghai it is! Other than rude and stinky people, what do you look for in a guy?
I like guys with big eyebrows. You know, thick, bushy ones . . . I think it's sexy.
Word? Are you into body hair, too?
[laughter] Sure, why not? Body hair can be sexy, too.
Gag. Shifting away from man-hair, what type of food do you like?
Man-hair to food? Worse. Transition. Ever. [laughter] I love sushi! I can eat sushi for the rest of my life. Olives, truffles, and blue cheese, are also some of my faves.
Ugh! Blue cheese? That makes the top three list of my least favorite things on this planet. How is it you can't stand stinky people but you like cheese that smells like toe jam?
[laughs] Stinky people can take a shower. But blue cheese can't help itself.
Some stinky people can't help themselves, either. It can be hormonal, cultural . . . nevermind. Enough about B.O. Can you cook?
Yes and no. I make a lot of sushi. It's the one thing I know to how to make. I roll sushi for friends and myself all the time! But cooking . . . does cereal count?
If it doesn't involve blue cheese, why not? Have you been to Japan?
Many times! The sushi there is the best. Period. But I don't like Japanese guys.