DF: How old are you and where are you from?
KS: I’m 19 years old and I’m from Seattle.
DF: Are you in school?
KS: I am going to Portland State University, studying sociology. I’m a senior, so I have just a little bit left.
DF: You’re a senior and you’re only 19?
KS: I graduated high school with my associate’s degree through a dual-credit program.
DF: So when you get out of school, is modeling what you want to do full time?
KS: Most definitely. I would like, at the same time, to finish off my bachelor’s degree while also modeling full time.
DF: What about modeling appeals to you?
KS: Everything. I love any form of art. Photography, design, any kind of art. You throw it all together and you get modeling.
DF: Is it tough to balance the model part of this with your schoolwork?
KS: It’s not really hard, because I consider it a hobby right now. All my free time can be devoted to this, and I don’t feel stressed out.
DF: So if all your free time is devoted to this, do how you have time for fun?
KS: This is fun to me. Other than this, I like hanging out, do a lot of outdoor sports.
DF: That’s what the Great Northwest is known for, right?
KS: Exactly. I like bike riding, I do some rock climbing, hiking a lot, running, basketball.*I dabble in everything.
DF: What’s on your iPod right now?
KS: Oh, man. I don’t have an iPod, first of all.
DF: You don’t have an iPod?
KS: I know, isn’t that ridiculous?
DF: Last week, I interviewed Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state, and she has an iPod.
KS: Everyone has an iPod except me! So if anyone wants to get me one… But if I had one, my playlist would include a mix of Incubus (Morning View) and Hawthorne Heights.
DF: How would you celebrate if you won this contest?
KS: Well, I would start by moving here to New York, which would be a celebration in itself. Other than that, it would just be a huge party for me!
DF: I have to say, it’s unusual to see a modeling contestant with braces. How do you feel about representing for people with braces?
KS: Getting braces was probably the best decision, especially for my modeling career. I don’t think they should hold me back, and I’m very thankful to Ford for allowing me to be in the contest with braces. It’s a great opportunity to show girls that you don’t have to be shy or self-conscious about having braces. You’re helping yourself, so it’s a good thing.
DF: Lastly, any special plans while you’re in New York?
KS: I don’t think we have a lot of time, but if I were to have special plans, I would probably hang out in the West Village and Central Park. Just walk around and see the place.
