Among the 13 participants in the 2010 “America’s Next Top Model” series, which began airing March 3, was Naduah, a 22-year-old full-time mother who calls downtown San Diego her home. Naduah took some time from her hectic schedule to answer questions last week before the first episodes of the Bravo TV show began. Here is what she had to say: Question: What prompted you to try out for “America’s Next Top Model?” Answer: “I had been modeling locally for some time and it had become more than just a ‘job,’ it became an ultimate expression of art for me. I love to draw, to dance and to write poetry, and while modeling I feel all of these arts running through me. I use my experience from drawing to understand lighting and posing; from dancing I understand on-stage presence; and from poetry I learn to link it all together and make it flow. I had never really had the opportunity to take it to the next level, so I was enthralled by the possibility of doing just that by participating in ‘ANTM.’” Question: What will be the most difficult aspect of competing on this show: dealing with the other models or performing as a model? Answer: “Perhaps it will be most difficult to keep in mind the difference between just modeling and what it means to participate in a reality show. Knowing that it is not just about modeling or putting out artistically, but that it is also about being involved with everyone else on the cast for entertainment purposes does make it quite a different ‘game.’ I watch people a great deal and express myself mostly through my artwork, so at times it is as if I am looking at things from the outside when perhaps I should be on the inside and interact more with the other participants. We all have our own personalities and I do not believe one should distort themselves merely to be ‘accepted,’ but one should make the effort in a situation such as this to let others feel a little more involved with you. Question: What is your favorite part about living in downtown San Diego? Answer: “Especially being a ‘family woman,’ I enjoy the tranquility and activity possibilities of the city. We are not far from the shore, we are not far from SeaWorld or Balboa Park and the zoo. Seaport Village is also very nearby and that is one of my favorite places. My fiancé and I are both artists and San Diego is a great place to develop our interests and talents. We also both a have a great love for the mixed martial arts, and this is one of the top places for it.” Question: What are your future plans beyond “America’s Top Model?” Answer: “Hopefully the modeling industry will like my style and potential and I will be able to expand artistically and professionally and develop into a successful model and give my daughter as wonderful a life as I am able. I also will also be studying art and working on completing my artwork/drawings alongside my fiancé, and perhaps even write a book of poetry.” Question: Will you tell us about your daughter? Answer: “My 3-year-old daughter is the brightest, most adorable child I could possibly hope for. We named her Arcelia Shaitana Zen.” Question: What is your favorite part of being a mother? Answer: “Being able to play such a key part in her development, and seeing her grow and learn as fast as she does. She’s such a bright kid and a wonderful student of life, and nearly every day she surprises us with something else she’s learned. Zen’s father has been an amazing influence on her and I give him most of the credit for her intellectual and emotional strength, but it is so wonderful to me when I see her embrace something which I have taught her and how she puts it to use. Aside from my fiancé, she has been the biggest deciding factor in my life between failing and becoming something worthwhile. She and her father are what always pull me through in the end and keep me going upward. These are my family and dearest friends.