Arizona State University student Leslie Mancia found an unexpected entry into the modeling world when she was selected as a contestant in UPN's hit show, America's Next Top Model. Though she was recently eliminated from the show, Leslie found it to be a good experience, and one that taught her a lot about modeling. She continues to pursue a career in modeling, and hopes to gain representation by summer.

She recently talked to AfterEllen.com about her experiences on the show, and how the reality of her life as a contestant translated to the edited version of the show viewers see each week.

AfterEllen.com: What's going on with you post-Top Model?
Leslie Mancia: I'm finishing my sophomore year at ASU. I still want to model so I've been talking to agencies and trying to get that going. I hope to get signed by the end of the summer. I'm working now to save money. So I'm doing everyday life, normal kind of stuff. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get more into modeling and things will change.  

AE: You're studying law?
LM: Criminal justice.

AE: That's right, I remember that because of the photo shoot!
LM: (laughs) I'm not studying to be a dominatrix, which is what they switched it around to be.

AE: So when you get signed, will you take a break from school and model instead?
LM: I've thought about it a lot. I think right now I want to take a break from school. It is very important to get my degree, and you always need a Plan B. Modeling isn't a very secure business. But I'm kind of old getting into this as it is. These girls are off when they're 13 or 14, it's crazy. I'm already 19 so it's now or never. I just want to get into it and go full force force and throw myself into this business. I feel like school is going to be there, and I know I'm going to go back. I'll finish it eventually.

AE: Did you make any connections on ANTM that you're continuing to cultivate now?
LM: Well, not really. They're very protective of us. We couldn't really give our numbers out or anything like that. It's up to us now. UPN will tell us, “This agency contacted you” or “These people want to do this with you.” But right now it's up to us. Even as the winner, it's up to you to get your career going. So I think that once I move out to Los Angeles, that's when I'm really going to start my networking.

AE: You're moving to LA?
LM: I'm going to go to a bunch of agencies and see who wants me. But right now because it's closest to home—I live in Arizona—I think that's where I'm looking to go in the future.

AE: Is it different for you on campus now that you've had the ANTM experience and are in classes with people who probably watched you on the show?
LM: It's not anything too crazy. I was just talking to Jade today and she was telling me about some incidents she'd had where people were noticing her. And it's never been that bad, like every minute, but I do go out and at least once a day someone will notice me. But nothing too crazy, no one's following me, I don't have any stalkers. (Laughs) I haven't quite reached that status of celebrity.

I'll be at school and someone will say, “Hey, you're that girl from Top Model.” And I say, “Yeah, thanks for talking to me. Have a nice day.” (Laughs) It's kind of awkward, you never know what to say. It's flattering and it hasn't been too nuts.

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