Sarah Hartshorne, also known as Vita Lightly of the Boston Babydolls, was eliminated from this week's America's Next Top Model. She took the time to answer a few of Bostonist's questions about the experience and her future plans.

1. What advice would you give anyone who is considering trying out for America's Next Top Model?

I would say to take everything seriously except for yourself. There is so much to learn and so much to take in, but at the same time it is really easy to forget that what they are looking for are easygoing, natural, fun girls.

2. America's Next Top Model makes modeling look a lot harder than we thought. What is the toughest part about modeling?

It is a really difficult job--you have to be aware of your entire body and how it relates to the clothes, the light, and the set. Makeup and hair take hours, and then you have a pretty short amount of time to fulfill the photographer or the client's vision. I'd say the hardest thing is making everybody happy--the photographer, the art director, and the client--while still being yourself and looking good.

3. Where did you get the idea to put that piece of paper up your nose during your first audition?

My great-grandma Annie taught me that trick when I was about ten. We were in a Friendly's and she did that trick, and I laughed until I squirted milk out my nose and I have loved it ever since. I wanted to stand out and it was the only thing I could think of! Some people hated it, but, if it gets you on the show it's worth it, right? I can be really immature and ridiculous sometimes, but at least I'm memorable!

More interview after the jump! Image of Sarah from CoverGirl's website.

4. What was your favorite modeling challenge, and why?

My favorite challenge was the one I won, of course! [The CoverGirl challenge, in which she shot a video on her makeup tips.] It was especially surprising to me because I rarely wore makeup before I went on the show, so it was nice to win a challenge with those skills.

5. Do you think people just get nastier when a camera is around?

Some people might, but I don't think that was the case with anyone in the house. At the same time, what viewers see is such a small fraction of what goes on in the house that they don't really get the full picture. For example, Bianca and Heather really got along except for the few moments that aired.

6. How is the person you appeared to be on the show different from who you really are?

I'm not much different from how I was on the show, although it's difficult to really get to know someone based on a few minutes every week. I really am just a very silly, awkward girl. I loved hanging out with the other girls and doing the photo shoots.

The main difference was that I really liked Lisa in real life and feel really bad about the way I came across towards her. I was disappointed that the moments where I let myself get catty and criticize her were the ones that made it onto the air, instead of all the good talks and times we had. I really respect her as a person and as a model, and I know that the judges of the ice-skating challenge know better than I do what is a good pose. But I let the competition get to me for that one moment, and it's what people saw.

I was also surprised at how insecure I seemed sometimes. I certainly had my moments of doubting myself, but I think that I'm a very confident person, and I love my body. It may not be stick thin, but I think there's something to be said for a girl with curves. Look at Marilyn Monroe or Scarlett Johansson. Also, I wouldn't want girls to see my insecurity and think it's something they should feel. I don't want anyone to believe that being stick-thin is necessary anywhere in life. It isn't, and hopefully my making it as far as I did will help push that message across.

7. Did being a Boston Babydoll give you an advantage on the show? If so, how?

Being a Boston Babydoll certainly boosted my confidence and made me aware of my body, which helped at photo shoots. I was also very comfortable changing in front of people or wearing skimpy outfits, which helped at challenges. Also, dancing of any kind is very similar to modeling, and knowing how to move my body helped in taking good pictures.

8. How did you feel when you were being talked about as a plus-size model? What is the regular size for plus-size? Lots of commenters on the Internet thought that you were already thin.

I don't really know what size most plus-size girls are, but people tell me it's a little bigger than me. I try not to think too hard about labels like that. I am who I am, and I look how I look. I like it, Tyra likes it, and I think I held my own among the other girls. Since I never thought of myself as a model before the show, I definitely never saw myself as a plus-size model. I wouldn't mind being one, but I wish we didn't have to categorize everything so much. Why can't I just be a model? Why couldn't someone as gorgeous as Toccara Jones just be a model? Why do we have to be put in our own section? I'm not one of those people who believes that all skinny girls are wrong or bad or don't belong on a runway. The girls in the house were beautiful and talented but I wish their beauty and talent was what mattered most, not their weight.

9. Are you still planning a modeling career? What are your other career goals?

I would love to pursue a modeling career, and I'm so grateful to the show for opening up that door for me. I always thought of myself as an actress, and I am excited to act and model in the future.

10. Are you still doing shows with the Boston Babydolls? If so, when will you be returning to the stage as Vita Lightly?

I'm in New Jersey now to be nearer to New York City, but I hope to return to Boston and perform with them whenever I can. And, of course, they travel, so if they're in the area, I'd take advantage of that, too.

Sarah will be performing with the Boston Babydolls at the Brrrrlesque performance on December 15 at Coolidge Corner.