“Well,” I say, trying to look like I’m contemplating, even though I’ve been asked this question a million times. “It’s been nice to be at home. And definitely nice not to have the cameras following me around. But as for adjusting, I don’t know. Ask me next semester, when I’m back at school without them.”

She writes something down and consults the sheet in front of her. “So while you were on the show you decided that you wanted to major in photography, even though your family didn’t necessarily support that decision.” She makes it sound like my family was about to disown me, which isn’t exactly how it happened, but whatever. I’m used to the details of my life being exaggerated, so I just nod. “You ended up applying for the photography program. Any word on that?”

“Not yet,” I say, crossing my fingers under the table, “but I’m really excited to hear. Hopefully in a couple of weeks. I have some photos under consideration at a few magazines, too, so . . . something may come of that, which would be really great.” I give her a smile. She smiles back.

“What would you change about your time on the show?” the reporter asks, and I smile at the inevitability of the question.

“Nothing,” I tell her. “I really think everything happens for a reason. And I think everything that happened here these past few months was for the best.” She writes something else on her pad, and I try to glance at what she’s writing without her seeing. She seems cool, but I could be wrong. I mean, she could basically write whatever she wants, so the trick is to be open and approachable, but not to seem like you’re trying too hard.

I made that mistake with my first interview, and the reporter wrote that I seemed kind of fake. Of course I was fake. What did she expect? Everyone’s fake in certain situations. It’s like when you go for a job interview and they ask you, “What would you do if you found one of your friends at work stealing?” and, let’s face it, no one’s going to tell on their friend. But of course you have to say, “I would tell IMMEDIATELY, because I don’t think I could work in that kind of environment, it’s not good for my morale.” No one wants to look like an idiot.

“So what are you doing in Syracuse two weeks after the show stopped filming? Shouldn’t you be at home, enjoying your semester break?”

In the past, I’ve told reporters that I’m here finishing up some last-minute stuff from the semester and working a little bit on my photography. Which is pretty much bullshit. But since this is my last interview, and I’m feeling a little reckless, I decide to tell her the truth.