An 'Amazing' evening
Krystina Lucido
Arts | 9/23/07
- Page 1 of 1
Cousins and Towson alumni Mirna Hindoyan Buchinski '97 and Charla Faddoul '99 provided a behind-the-scenes look of reality TV when they discussed their time on the "Amazing Race" series Thursday night in the University Union Chesapeake Rooms.
After graduation the cousins began watching "The Amazing Race" and together and they dreamed of appearing on the show one day. Buchinski said the fact that all the contestants were from different countries made it relatable for her.
"It was like my childhood all over again on TV," she said.
Faddoul received an e-mail one day saying that "The Amazing Race" was looking for a little person to be on the show and she immediately called her cousin.
"We knew we would be a dynamic duo because we know each other's strengths and weaknesses as cousins," Buchinski said.
So while picking crabs one day the two came up with the idea for their audition tape. At 3 a.m. they filmed and edited the entire tape. The pair showed the tape to the audience Thursday.
"We wanted to show our multi-faceted personality in three minutes," Buchinski said.
They then traveled to New York for mutual and individual interviews. Then, after being sequestered in Los Angeles for 10 days and going through more interviews and multiple tests, they finally received the call.
"[The call was,] 'I have bad news. Pack your bags. You are leaving for 30 days. You're going to be on 'The Amazing Race,'" Buchinski said. "It was incredibly grueling. We live, eat, sleep, and dream 'Amazing Race' and winning a million dollars."
Faddoul said the most challenging aspect of the race was keeping in the race. She said running was a big obstacle for her because as a little person, "you are running against a regular-sized person that you know you can't beat."
"I believe we all face obstacles," Faddoul said. "You have to ask yourself how can I conquer and overcome this to get to the glory…With hard work and determination, I believe anyone can accomplish anything."
The event was sponsored by the Towson University Alumni Association.
After graduation the cousins began watching "The Amazing Race" and together and they dreamed of appearing on the show one day. Buchinski said the fact that all the contestants were from different countries made it relatable for her.
"It was like my childhood all over again on TV," she said.
Faddoul received an e-mail one day saying that "The Amazing Race" was looking for a little person to be on the show and she immediately called her cousin.
"We knew we would be a dynamic duo because we know each other's strengths and weaknesses as cousins," Buchinski said.
So while picking crabs one day the two came up with the idea for their audition tape. At 3 a.m. they filmed and edited the entire tape. The pair showed the tape to the audience Thursday.
"We wanted to show our multi-faceted personality in three minutes," Buchinski said.
They then traveled to New York for mutual and individual interviews. Then, after being sequestered in Los Angeles for 10 days and going through more interviews and multiple tests, they finally received the call.
"[The call was,] 'I have bad news. Pack your bags. You are leaving for 30 days. You're going to be on 'The Amazing Race,'" Buchinski said. "It was incredibly grueling. We live, eat, sleep, and dream 'Amazing Race' and winning a million dollars."
Faddoul said the most challenging aspect of the race was keeping in the race. She said running was a big obstacle for her because as a little person, "you are running against a regular-sized person that you know you can't beat."
"I believe we all face obstacles," Faddoul said. "You have to ask yourself how can I conquer and overcome this to get to the glory…With hard work and determination, I believe anyone can accomplish anything."
The event was sponsored by the Towson University Alumni Association.
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