Carmen
*To introduce the New York Jets Flight Crew's 2008 finalists, newyorkjets.com is running profiles of all 51 young ladies prior to the finals on Sunday, June 1. Marc Ecko, who is designing the '08 uniforms, will host the finals, which will be closed to the public. Twenty-one finalists will be selected for the squad and then Jets fans will be able to vote for the 22nd and final member of the Flight Crew on newyorkjets.com. *
In this group: Carmen, Amanda, Danielle, Bianca, Erica, Felicia and Alicia.
CARMEN
Audition No. 58
Occupation: Account Executive, Advertising Agency
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
Being a member of the Flight Crew would be the biggest honor I could ever ask for. I was born and bred a Jets fan. Being able to dance in that end zone and see 80,000 screaming fans would be the most amazing feeling in the world!
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
Nervous would probably be an understatement! Past the nerves I am filled with excitement. I feel privileged to have made it this far in the audition process. I'm going to walk in that door on June 1 with confidence and aura to become a new member of the Flight Crew.
What word best describes you?
Fun! I like to think of myself as the life of the party. I have great people in my life that surround me with positive energy that I can share with others. There's never a dull moment around me. I love to laugh and have a great time whenever possible.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
To not be so neurotic. My friends think I'm crazy. They call me "Itinerary Ida." I always have to have a plan with everything I do whether it be organizing a dinner or cleaning my apartment. Everything has to be meticulously planned out, otherwise I can't relax. Sometimes I wish I could let those small things go.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Live, love and dance!
Do you have a favorite musical artist?
Janet Jackson is my idol!
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Do you really want to know! Whatever the unhealthiest item on the menu is — is what I probably would choose. Pizza, wings, fries, quesadillas! Thank God I was blessed with a fast metabolism because my choice of food is usually categorized as fattening!
Who is your favorite actress?
Jennifer Aniston (love her!!!).
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
The hustle and bustle of it all. I love the people, the noise, the energy and the life NYC has to offer. I'm a city girl and always will be.
What advice do you have for young people?
If you want something — go out and get it. No one or nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams except yourself.
AMANDA
Audition No. 143
Occupation:Student, Commack (N.Y.) High School
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I love to perform! Dancing is my passion and I love meeting new people!
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
Very excited! I feel honored to have made it this far!
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
Outgoing!
What word best describes you?
Fun.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
Not to second guess myself and follow my dreams.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Never give up.
What's your favorite song?
"Damaged."
Group?
Danity Kane.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Have fun and be with my family.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mother. She gives me the best advice and is so supportive.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
The atmosphere.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
My first dance competition.
DANIELLE
Audition No. 153
Occupation:Student, Sachem East (N.Y.) High School
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I know I can do it. I think I would be a good asset to the team. Not only by dancing but my personality will definitely fit the Flight Crew image.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am so excited. I can't believe this opportunity has been given to me.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
My determination, definitely.
What word best describes you?
Genuine.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Be true to yourself always.
Do you have unique superstitions?
A penny that lands on heads is good luck.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Chad Pennington because he's the quarterback.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
I would spend it with my family and tell them how much I love them and appreciate everything they've done for me.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"The Break-Up."
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
The lights, the opportunities, the shows and I love how diverse it is. There is no place like it.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
My great grandmother.
BIANCA
Audition No. 188
Occupation:Recent graduate, fitness instructor, dance teacher and dancer for a DJ company.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I work very hard at maintaining a certain image that I feel people can up to look to. I love dance more than anything in the world and love football, so what an exciting combination.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am excited beyond words, yet just as nervous. Making the team would mean the world to me, but I am so proud of myself for making it this far.
What word best describes you?
Eccentric.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
I sometimes don't know how to say no and am too nice and trusting with people. It often leads to people taking advantage.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I sleep with a security blanket I've had since I was born. I know, it's awful.
Who inspires you?
My mother. She is a phenomenal dancer and an even better person.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who's sitting at your table?
Jesus, George Carlin, Brad Pitt and my mom.
What's your favorite song?
"Bohemian Rhapsody."
Group?
Aerosmith.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Vilma … bring him back!
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Where do I start? Lobster tails, a salad with fruit, goat cheese and nuts. Risotto — any kind. A chocolate chip and banana waffle with ice cream for dessert and an after dinner mint.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
Broadway shows.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
A poem of mine was published. I thought that was the coolest thing.
What advice do you have for young people?
Follow your dreams and don't conform yourself to societal norms. Be yourself.
ERICA
Audition No. 222
Occupation:Recent graduate
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I feel that I have all the qualities that are needed to be part of the flight crew: physical fitness and education, a high-energy personality and dance ability.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am excited to be performing at the finals — A little nervous too. I am so lucky to dance at the finals and I will remember this experience for the rest of my life.
What word best describes you?
Hardworking.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
I tend to be sensitive.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I am half Colombian. Most people think I am full Italian.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Don't spend time wishing you were someone else, be the best you can be and you will be successful.
Do you have unique superstitions?
Before I dance, I have to eat a bagel with cream cheese.
What's your favorite group?
The Used.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Eat a lot of my favorite foods.
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?Penne with vodka sauce, chocolate covered strawberries, a big Caesar salad and a Diet Coke.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"Juno" was amazing. I love that kind of humor.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
I would have to say dancing and competing with my younger sister in dance competitions. We are very close because of that.
FELICIA
Audition No. 223
Occupation:Student at Rutgers University
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I am extremely outgoing and helpful.
What word best describes you?
SPUNKY!
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
That is quite difficult to say, but I'd probably want to be really flexible so I could hold my leg in an extension without stretching.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Most people don't know that I'm German and Irish.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Always be yourself.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who's sitting at your table?
Channing Tatum, Oprah Winfrey, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
I'd eat chocolate cookie dough ice cream, have a party with all my friends and family, go skydiving and watch "Wedding Crashers."
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
BLT sandwich, bruschetta, zeppolis, popcorn and cotton candy.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"Juno."
Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
Vince Vaughn and Patrick Swayze, and Sara Jessica Parker and Rachel McAdams.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
"Sex and the City" was filmed there.
ALICIA
Audition No. 224
Occupation:Account coordinator, Advertising
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I love to dance and perform and I love football. I want to be part of a team where I can have a great experience and meet great women.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday's finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
Excited, overwhelmed, happy, nervous and scared.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
Personality — sense of humor. Physically — eyes.
What word best describes you?
Quirky.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
Being too analytical.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I love scary movies.
What inspires you?
Happiness.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
You have to work hard to be great at anything.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who's sitting at your table?
Jesus, Abe Lincoln, Jane Austen and my great grandmother.
Do you have unique superstitions?
I eat McDonald's before every dance audition.
A pet peeve?
Bad drivers! Thank God I don't have a car anymore.
What's your favorite group?
Boys to Men.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Chad Pennington.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Go home to my family.
You've received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Cheese, chicken and mashed potatoes.
What is the best movie you've seen over the past two years?
"Definitely Maybe" with Ryan Reynolds.
Who is your favorite actress?
Goldie Hawn.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mom. She raised my older sister and me alone while she was young and still in school. I appreciate her for being such a dedicated mother.
What's your favorite thing about New York City?
Garrett's Popcorn Shop. The cheese and caramel is amazing!
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Playing baseball in the streets with my older sister and my neighbors.
What advice do you have for young people?
Do the best you can with everything and don't stress about high school and not being "cool" or "popular."
