Los Angeles
Sometimes life just sucks! This freakin' model search completely destroyed all expectations and I've had to meet more than 700 aspiring young models in the span of just a few months! What the hell did I ever do to deserve this?
I know, I'm just kidding...calm down. But it really has been quite an experience-it's definitely outgrown anything we could have possibly imagined. The latest stop on the nationwide tour in Los Angeles saw the model-search booth bulging at the seams with more than 130 young ladies chasing their dreams. Unfortunately for some, we have to narrow it down to 20 to allow you guys to vote and play an integral part on an upcoming Import Tuner cover. The votes, once again, came in by the thousands, and at the far end of things another 18 unlucky girls had to hit the road. Two, however, have advanced to the final round compliments of you, the readers. Meet Chyen Huang and Vanessa Graw, Los Angeles' lovely finalists.
Chyen "Chy" Huang
IT: Lets start at the beginning. Where were you born, and what was it like growing up?
CH: I was actually born in Taipei, Taiwan. Made in Taiwan! That's me! I grew up in Huntington Beach, my parents moved over here just when I turned 2. They said it was my birthday gift, but I think they were lying.
IT: This being a car magazine, we have to get the important stuff out of the way and ask you: What do you drive?CH: I drive a BMW 325.
IT: Why a BMW?
CH: Well, I bought another car and it was a piece of shit, I was very upset with it. I talked with my dad, and he said he would split the cost of my next car with me. He was actually the one who suggested getting a BMW, so I went along with it. It's a great car. I love it!
IT: When did you first start getting into cars?
CH: My brother is really into them. He races them and works on them all the time. He used to street race a lot out in Ontario back in the day, and he went to all the shows and stuff. I loved going with him and watching him race and work on cars. That just kind of got me into them.
IT: How long ago did you get into modeling?
CH: Only about six months ago.
IT: What made you decide to be a model?
CH: Well, after I got my degree in Psychology and Business from UCSB, I got bored to death in life. I just woke up one morning with this revelation "Why not try it?" You only live once, you might as well do what you can and live it up.
IT: A double major, huh?
CH: Yeah, you know us Asians. We're always overachievers.
IT: What was your first modeling job?
CH: It was at E3 with Tecmo, around May 2002. It was so much fun! I've never done anything like that. The other models were really nice, everyone treated me so well, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Plus, about a month later my picture started showing up in all the video game magazines.
IT: What was it like to see yourself in a magazine?
CH: My first reaction was "Is that what I really look like?" It was shocking at first. I picture myself as this little Asian girl with this round face, it was cool to see myself all grown up and mature.
IT: Are your parents proud of you?
CH: My father isn't too thrilled, he wants me to get a "regular" Monday-through-Friday, nine-to-five job, but my mom is very supportive and is my best friend. She's very understanding and helps me out with a lot of things.
IT: OK, time for the big finale-if you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
CH: Jeez, what's with the hard questions? Hmm...well, I think I'd probably be an astronaut
IT: And why is that?
CH: It's such a limited field, only the best of the best can break into it. You are IT! If you're an astronaut, you can do anything and everything! Everyone feels so limited in life, to be an astronaut you physically remove yourself from here. That would be just such an amazing feeling! I couldn't even imagine anything better. What do you think you would do?
IT: I thought I was asking the questions!