DSPORT: Welcome to First Date. Please tell us a little about your background.
MICHELLE: I was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Since my father works in broadcasting, we moved around quite a bit. We ended up settling in Louisville, Kentucky. That's why Louisville is my chosen hometown.

DSPORT: What is your ethnic background?
MICHELLE: Actually it's rather diverse. For the sake of simplicity, I usually tell people I'm half Vietnamese and half German. The truth be told, there's quite a bit more going on. If you throw in some Irish and add a little Chinese, you'll be closer to the real story.

DSPORT: Well whatever the mix, it would appear someone had the proportions right. Do you have any siblings?
MICHELLE: There is my sister, Melanie, who is younger than me by two years and my brother, Michael, who is younger by five years.

DSPORT: How did you get into modeling?
MICHELLE:: I first started modeling in 1999 for a local agency. The first jobs were photoshoots for catalogues and advertisement. Since then, my work has appeared both nationally and internationally.

DSPORT: How far do you think you'll take your modeling career?
MICHELLE: As far as possible. Recently, my reign as Miss Kentucky 2007 in the Miss USA Pageant came to an end. Since passing on the crown, touring with Hot Import Nights at various shows has been part of the schedule. Toss in the Hawaiian Tropic events and the Asian Poker Tour and you have a good idea of my schedule. For 2009, Formula D events will probably be added to the mix. The plan is to continue modeling as long as it's fun. As for life after modeling, I'll be graduating in the spring with a degree in computer information systems.

DSPORT: You've been pretty successful with your modeling career. What is your secret?
MICHELLE: Honestly, there's no secret. My advice is don't let anything get you down. To be successful it helps to be a very easy-going person. I tend to brush things off and keep a positive attitude in all situations.

DSPORT: How about your friends? Would they say you're easy going?
MICHELLE: Yes, but they would probably also say that I'm busy. Work makes it difficult for us to get together. Most of my friends are busy too, so our "girl's night outs" are few and far between.

DSPORT: What do you do for excitement when you're not working?
MICHELLE: I travel whenever possible. Learning about other cultures is fascinating. I also love to eat. There's nothing more exciting than trying new foods.

DSPORT: Do you have to live at the gym in order to eat what you like?
MICHELLE: Fortunately, no. My schedule keeps me moving around so much that I get all the exercise in the world. After work, it's all about curling up on the couch and cross-stitching while watching Forensic Files. It may sound boring but that's my idea of a perfect evening.

DSPORT: Tales of mystery and intrigue. Are the Forensic Files the only thing you watch?
MICHELLE: No, movies too. Zoolander, Office Space and Napoleon Dynamite are just a few of my favorites.

DSPORT: Excellent movies. What was your first car?
MICHELLE: An Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. A wheel fell off of it the first time I tried driving it on the expressway. That was not my favorite car.

DSPORT: What are you rollin' in now?
MICHELLE: A 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S 6-speed. It's pretty stock, other than the Hello Kitty seat covers and purple brake calipers.

DSPORT: Sounds like some pretty serious tuning has been done to your vehicle. Are you a fan of modified cars?
MICHELLE: Definitely. I think that's part of the reason that I enjoy modeling. The car scene is always filled with passionate people doing what they love.

DSPORT: When you are ready to turbocharge the Celica, give us a call. In the meantime, where can our readers see more of you?
MICHELLE: Check out my Myspace and Facebook pages. I should also be at the SEMA show this year. See you then.

For more on this month's Model of the Month grab a copy of DSport on newstands and tuning shops nationwide.