'America's Next Top Model' ejectee Lisa critiques herself

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Lisa Jackson became the latest girl to be eliminated from America's Next Top Model despite making it to the international destination: China. After being in the Bottom Two the previous week, Lisa found it hard to bounce back from criticism and flubbed her lines in the CoverGirl commercial.

How did you get started with the show?
L: I had always really wanted to be on the show when I first saw it. Finally I got the opportunity and went to an open call. I kept getting callbacks and kept getting lucky, so I went with it.

Can you talk about your nerves when you were shooting the CoverGirl commercial?
L: The thing about it was when you're in the Bottom Two when you thought you were doing good and you dropped, you put pressure on yourself. I'm an over-analyzer. I knew the lines and when I couldn't remember them, the more frustrated I was with myself. I couldn't help it. It kind of just broke me. After watching myself, I was like, "Aw come on, I could have done that."

Which judge gave you the best advice?
L: I would have tro say mabye when Tyra told us, "Don't let other people outshine you or dull your shine. Stay focused." I actually didn't learn it on the show. I learned it after watching the show. I try to focus now about just presenting msyelf with more confidence.

Anything you would change about your experience on the show?
L: I wish I was able to hold back some of my emotions. My cousins watched, and were like, "You're so sensitive." I think that's one thing I would have done differently. I would haven't been so hard on myself mostly.

What did you learn on the show about modeling from the shoots?
L: Being in front of the camera and with different photographers. You have to learn to adjust. If they want you to be desperate, to play that part up ...

  What was your favorite photo shoot?
L: The gargoyle shoot. It really let me show i could be editorial and be fierce and step outside that box and prove myself.

Will you continue to pursue modeling?
L: The area I live is so convenient to New York City. I'll go to every agency and send my pictures out. Me and ebony talked about goiing to LA together and trying things out there if things don't work out out here.

How was it living with the other girls?
L: At first it was a little harder for me. I was aware how they feel aout me. As time went on, we got tighter and it became kind of fun. Therer were so many moments. I liked a lot of the girls. Even with one bathroom and one shower, we all pretty much got along.

What was your favorite experience on the show?
L: When I won the Akademiks shoot.  It got me out of the house. Me, Ebony and Janet bonded. They're my friends, and I talk to them. I was so glad. I had a great time. In that moment I didn't feel like I was on America's Next Top Model. It was a real shoot [for Seventeen magazine].

What advice would you give to the aspiring model?
L: If you want long hair, tell them you don't.

Who are you rooting for to win?
L: You want to see all the girls win. For me, it would be Heather. To a lot of people she's become an inspiration. If she won, it'd be great.

How did you like China?
L:  When we first got there, the whole view of the city itself was absolutely beautiful, so futuristic. And on top of that, at our photo shoot, the people were so warm and so welcoming. I had a good time for the short time I was there.

Do you have short hair still?
L: I fixed it a little bit. I was going to let it grow out. I got it cut and got the color done. I want extenstions,  but I'll go into modleing the way it is, but if it doesn't work out, I'll change it.

What do you think about their portrayal of you as a bikini model?
L: Starting out, they might have put a lot of focus on it. I explained I only did it for a little while ... I moved from Connecticut to New Jersey and needed a job, I had big city dreams. I brought it up too. I told them aobut it. I didn't want it to come back and haunt me. If anything though, I wasn't conservative enough for CoverGirl.

Do you agree with Bianca, being a bikini model isn't okay with the image of ANTM?
L: At the time I was so upset, because it was when I was still aware of being filmed. I felt that she said that I wasn't a good enough model. I don't hold grudges. I look back on it and go, "Whatever." I'm over it.

Do you keep in touch with any of the girls?
L: Ebony and me and her we talk all the time. After each episode we call each other and laugh .I also talk to Janet and Kimberly. And I've even called Sarah. I really walked away with good friends and I'm glad.

Anything you want to tell your fans?
L: I am so thankful to them. It feels good. Thank you.

For more on Lisa, check out her MySpace page.

What's your opinion about Lisa? Did she deserve to go?

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