people yelling and lights flashing It’s different and scary but thrilling too I look around our hotel lobby the meeting place for the Teen Design Diva orientation The letter delivered to my hotel room said all fifteen contestants should meet here Everything looks so elegant the marble floors the plants hugging each corner of the room and the soft beige leather chairs The other contestants are gathered nearby and I recognize a few people from the earlier rounds of auditions but the only person I really know is Nina LeFleur a girl from back home We’re more rivals than friends so I’m not exactly anxious to go talk to her I wonder if everyone else is feeling just as nervous and excited as I am Just then the elevator doors whoosh
open and the Teen Design Diva judges Missy Jasmine and Hunter walk into the lobby They’re followed by a camera crew I’ve met them in person three times already but my heart still starts to race at the sight of them Missy smiles warmly at all the contestants First of all we’d like to welcome all of our talented designers to the Big Apple Even if you’re from New York City or have been here before I guarantee this competition will be like no other experience you’ve ever had When things get tough remember to keep your eye on the prize an internship with one of the city’s top designers It’s an opportunity every designer dreams of and it could be yours With that Missy waves Jasmine forward
Jasmine’s stilettos click on the floor all business as she steps to the front Let’s get the important stuff out of the way As I’m sure you know you’ll be in New York for one month There will be a total of seven challenges and two contestants will be eliminated after each challenge The show will be taped except for the final elimination which will air live All the challenges will be timed and unless stated otherwise you will be allowed to use only the materials we supply Jasmine turns to Hunter Anything else you want to add Be creative Hunter says smiling at the group Use your strengths but don’t be afraid to try something new Think outside the box At this last suggestion I feel a poke in my
back I can’t be sure but it’s probably Nina saying I told you so That’s exactly what she said the judges were looking for when she gave me that weird necklace before the final round of auditions in Salinas Looks like she was just being nice after all And remember Missy adds have fun Your first challenge will be held tomorrow morning at nine o’clock in the Central Park Zoo Jasmine tells us Your packets have maps as well as walking and subway directions Don’t be late The next morning I’m up bright and early partially because I couldn’t sleep but also because it was clear Jasmine wasn’t kidding
