In today’s society, it seems like the norm is fast becoming, “make money first, and go to school second,” and who can blame people for having that way of thinking? If you look at some of the most richest and most powerful people in the world, the majority of them took a college sabbatical and never thought twice about their actions.

Taking that roll of the dice will either pay off with you attaining your goals, or put you in a deeper hole—there’s no middle ground. But in this fast-paced world filled with individuals who’s only purpose in life is to attain the automatic fortune that they’ve read or heard about so often; you can still count on some people pulling all-night’ers in the library, and registering for classes in the fall—and one of them is resident Ohio beauty, CiCi Santarelli.

If you’re wondering why her last name sounds like it’s from Italian origin, it’s because she’s the product of an Italian mother and an African-American father. This “model student” (literally) already possesses her Cosmetology License, and attends Kent State University majoring in Fashion Merchandising.

Featured in countless campaigns, one would think that it would be virtually impossible to for her to grace photo lenses with her 5’6” 125lb frame, and measurements that equal out to be 36-26-37. But the 19-year-old still manages to pile up portfolios, and bat those patented brown eyes in study halls all around campus. Al l in a day’s work when it comes to someone who has their goals in order.

So where are you originally from?

Steubenville, Ohio…

Where?!

[Laughs] Steubenville, Ohio. You ever heard of it?

[Laughs] Nah can’t say that I have.

[Laughs] Don’t laugh at my city! There are actually a few famous people from there—like 4th Disciple from Wu-Tang Clan.

Okay, I dig it. So how was it like there growing up?

Um, it’s kind of small. It’s like everyone knows each other, and there aren’t a lot of opportunities.

What made you want to get into modeling?

Well Aundrea Jackson from Real Muzak Vixens found my MySpace page, and saw my pictures. Then she sent me a message saying that she saw my pictures and that she was interested. And then I spoke to my cousin, because she used to be a vixen so I started off as a promotional model, like just passing out flyers, and handing out CDs, and stuff like that. So after that I went one day, and I liked it, so I just started doing that.

You’re also in school for Fashion Merchandising right?

My major is Fashion Merchandising, and my minor is Public Relations.

Were those two of the things that really interested you before you got into modeling?

Yeah, especially Fashion Merchandising.

So what kind of student are you? Are you a nerd or a party girl?

Um, I do both. I do my work, and then I still go out. But I’m up for class the next day, so I know how to balance them.

Does it ever get difficult balancing school and modeling?

Oh it’s definitely hard, but you need to have everything on track and have your priorities together.

You have a distinctly different look than other urban models. Would you say that’s helped or hurt you so far?

I think it’s definitely helped me. Because there is no one out there that looks like me. People look at me they don’t know if I’m Latino, mixed with Japanese, or whatever. So I think it definitely helps me.   

I also read something where you said your worst goal is being an overachiever.

Um, yeah…

How so?

Well because everything has to be perfect, that’s just how I am. It’s just natural.

What’s been the toughest part of this business for you so far?

Nothing so far, I’m not too sure.

So it’s been smooth sailing for you so far?

Yeah… 

That’s cool. So is there anything you hope to achieve through modeling?

Well yeah, in the next five years I want to start my own company, and stuff like that.

Have you had any uncomfortable experiences so far in your modeling career?

No. Never. If I’m out in public, my manager is with me. And if not, then security is with me—so never.

A lot of people on the outside think modeling is always glamour and glitz. How is it really like?

It’s really a lot of hard work. It’s really about getting to know the business, and a lot of networking. It’s definitely a lot harder than it seems.

What’s one thing people don't know about CiCi?

Um, probably just that I’m single—I’m definitely single. Other than that, there’s probably nothing else, because I don’t really put myself out there.

And are you single by choice?

Yes, definitely by choice. I have too many important things I have to do, so I don’t have time for a relationship.

If you were looking for a relationship, what type of guy would peak your interest?

I like intellectual guys, and guys with a cool demeanor. Those are the type of guys who are definitely attractive.

For more Cici Santarelli pics, check out Sixshot's Photo Gallery or visit http://www.myspace.com/PrincessCiciBabii