| Written by Cincy Chic staff, on 06-05-2007 23:26 |
Chic Spotlight: Down Under with "Survivor: Fiji" Contender, Michelle Yi
This UC fashion design senior landed a contending spot in this season's CBS "Survivor: Fiji" show. She was just booted out, so she dishes with Cincy Chic on the experience, challenges, lessons and what really went on behind the scenes.
Cincy Chic: How did the opportunity to be on Survivor came about?
Michelle Yi: I’m always on the hunt for new experiences and
adventures. So, it all started when me and my sister applied to be on
CBS’s Amazing Race. Interview, after interview, before I knew it, I
found myself on Survivor instead! It was certainly a much more
challenging experience than I had first anticipated, but well worth it!
Cincy Chic: You were a fashion design at the University of
Cincinnati before the Survivor gig came about. Did you have to put that
on hold to go out to Fiji?
Yi: In order to make it out to Fiji, I had to take a travel quarter
from school. It was a fair bit of paperwork and catching up, but UC’s
co-op department has been wonderful in assisting me, to assure I still
get to graduate in June!
Cincy Chic: Did you do anything special in your try-out video to catch their eye?
Yi: Honestly, in my video, I didn’t do anything particularly
exciting. Just sat down in front of my little digital camera on the
video setting, and spent two minutes talking about myself. That’s the
best recommendation I can give. Just be yourself, be excited and tell
them why you’ve got what it takes!
Cincy Chic: Before the Survivor gig, what was the most difficult thing you had done?
Yi: Oh gosh... I’d say it’s probably something to do with climbing.
I ironically have a fear of falling, so I’m really pushing myself every
time I go to Red River Gorge. And there was one time, when I worked in
jewelry, that we were held up at gunpoint. But in those situations, I
think your choices are obvious.
Cincy Chic: What was the most difficult thing you faced in your time with Survivor?
Yi: Without a doubt, it was the first seven days without water.
You’d have a hard time convincing me I wasn’t dead already. No, I’m
being dramatic. But really. I was amazed at what my body could go
through!
Cincy Chic: Did you get along with teammates off-screen?
Yi: Absolutely. Many of them I just adore, and who’d have thought we’d never meet without this crazy experience!
Cincy Chic: Tell us some juice that we won't get from watching the show?
Yi: Actually, I think that most shocking part for me was how real
it is! You really don’t brush your teeth, and your gums hurt, and
you’re just filthy. It’s a wonder how everyone else still manages to
look so glamorous on TV!
Cincy Chic: Your athleticism earned you the nicknames "Ninja" and "Monkey" ...where'd you get those skills, girlfriend?
Yi: It’s all from rock climbing! I’m still a little kid, running
everywhere, climbing all over whatever I can get my paws on. I love
being active. I lift weights, do yoga, bike around... Whatever I can.
It’s certainly not my attachment for Skyline and Graeter’s that earned
me that handle.
Cincy Chic: What would you have done with all the money, had you won?
Yi: After a vacation for the family? I’d love to start my own
clothing line. Something in activewear. Well, I think people can be on
the lookout for that anyway.
Cincy Chic: Aside from any money, what was the best part about the experience?
Yi: The money pales in comparison to just the game itself!
Thirty-nine days in Fiji, meeting some incredible personalities. And
I’ve got a very competitive spirit, so I’m all about the challenges.
Cincy Chic: What was the worst?
Yi: The dehydration was without a doubt the worst. It wipes you out
in everyway: mental clarity, physical prowess and your nerves become so
hyper-sensitive.
Cincy Chic: Any lessons you learned on Survivor that you'll take throughout your life?
Yi: Just keep your head up. Always. Things in the game - and in
life - can turn at the drop of a hat. Know what you’re working with,
and make it happen.
Cincy Chic: Now that you've been thrust into the public eye, is it difficult to come back to life in Cincinnati?
Yi: Cincinnati is such a wonderful city, and was very welcoming to
come back to. The people here have been so supportive, and it makes all
the difference. I love to know that people are proud of me, so there’s
nothing difficult about that!
Cincy Chic: Where's your favorite hang out spot in Cincy?
Yi: I spend a good portion of my nights training at Climb Time in
Blue Ash. One can always find me there. Otherwise, I feel like every
other day I’m eating at either Arthur’s or Lemongrass in Hyde Park. I’m
always about the food. Especially these days!
Cincy Chic: What are you going to do now? Any goals/adventures planned that you hope to survive in the near future?
Yi: I graduate in June. I’d love to take some time climbing around
the States. And then after that, it’s the big brave world of Fashion.
Cincy Chic: What would you like to say to those Cincinnati women out there afraid to put a little adventure into their life?
Yi: Follow your passions, and fear nothing. Ambition has no risk.
So just go for it, but don’t lose your head on the way. Friends and
family can help you through amazing feats. Take advantage of it!
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