Hamline grad relives 'Survivor'

Ashley Trainer celebrated her graduation from Hamline University by running herself ragged, starving herself and confronting bugs more harrowing than the sternest professor. The 22-year-old Maple Grove woman was eliminated last Thursday from CBS' "Survivor: Samoa," but she spoke highly of the experience:

Q Why in the world would anyone want to do "Survivor"?

A I feel like it's the ultimate test for who you are as a person, and I wanted to prove to myself how strong I was. I'm really competitive. I mean, I was a competitive cheerleader in high school.

Q How else are you competitive? Do you play Scrabble?

A Uh, no. No Scrabble.

Q You filmed this a few months ago, but couldn't tell anybody. Was it hard keeping it a secret?

A It was really, really hard. I made up this extravagant lie that I was volunteering in Africa, helping the children and building houses. When I came back, people would ask me questions about it, like, "Did you learn any of the language?" I would say, "Yeahhhh" and then completely change the topic.

Q When you watched the series, were there any moments where you had to cover your eyes with your hand?

A The part when I was eating sea slugs. I couldn't watch that.

Q What do you think was your downfall?

A Honestly, I was the youngest person out there. I'm a woman, I'm blond. I think people were underestimating me, but Russell realized that I was playing the game and that I was getting a girl alliance going. I think that's why he voted against me.

Q Minnesotans traditionally don't do well on "Survivor." How come?

A I don't think we're mean enough. There's a reason we're known for Minnesota Nice. I obviously know what it takes to win, but I'm not going to play like Russell and talk horrible behind people's backs.

Q What reality show would you like to do next?

A I would love to be on "The Amazing Race." I would want Natalie from "Survivor" as my partner.

Q Do you want to have a career in show business?

A No, I want to be a businesswoman. I'm looking for a "big-girl" job, maybe something in communications or PR. Obviously, if the opportunity came about, I'd do it, but I'm not going out looking for it.