Gaston: I've done a lot of South American commercials. I did all the international commercials for Hooters. All the commercials that I've done have been South American while I've been living in Miami.

PNB: What suggestions would you have for a 5'4" or a 5'5" girl who would like to get into modeling?

Gaston: I would tell them to "go for it." I did. When I came here to Jacksonville the first year for the Venus International Model Search, I was so intimidated because everyone was tall. I was the most petite one there. I figured that I didn't have much of a chance. Then I finished as the first runner-up. And then, I met people in the TV business who are as short as I am. I had thought they were a lot taller, but they are actually not. I could never do fashion. You just have to go to the type of modeling that you are suited for.

PNB: What other career goals do you have besides modeling?

Gaston: I love the modeling, but I am working towards an acting career. Right now, the modeling pays the bills, and it's great. I love the traveling. The TV end is what I really want to do. Actually, my biggest goal is to be a mom. I just can't wait to be a mom. Someday.

PNB: How did you get a part in "The Waterboy?"

Gaston: One of my agents in Miami called me. I was in Hawaii at the time. They had me read on video because I was out of town. I decided to come back anyway. My mom filmed me and my sister interacted with me. I had a practice tape and a real tape. Well, I accidentally sent the practice tape. (Laughter) Don't ask me how that happened, but I did. I got home to put in the practice tape to look over it, and it was the real tape. So I called my agent. I was freaking out "Can I stop it? Can I stop it?" But it went. And Adam Sandler loved it. He picked on me a lot. He was laughing at me for being such a ditz, sending the wrong tape. But I think that was actually what got me the job, because it was me. It was me goofing off. It was me being silly with my family and doing the acting, too.

PNB: Tell me about your educational background.

Gaston: I graduated from Riverview High School in Sarasota. I was planning to go to college, but all of this hit me. I consider my schooling the acting classes that I take. I haven't gone to college, but this is the schooling that I need for my career.

PNB: Did you participate in the drama department of your high school?

Gaston: No. I was a cheerleader. I was in all the clubs, Student Council, Key Club, everything. Any club you can imagine, I was in it. But I never did the drama. I wasn't that interested in acting. I never thought it could be a reality.

PNB: You're not a veteran actress yet, but you have had a little bit of experience. Does acting come naturally? How do you think a woman becomes successful as an actress?

Gaston: I honestly believe it is a natural talent. Everyone can use coaching, but it's something that comes naturally. Some people could try and try and try, and still be camera-shy or just not be able to get the emotion. It is hard. It is.

PNB: Who has been your biggest inspiration in terms of your career?

Gaston: I'd have to say my mom, because I'm living the dreams that she had. She was approached by Playboy when she was young, but she didn't do it because then it wasn't the right thing to do. I didn't end up doing it because I didn't think it was the right thing to do, either. I did a cover, but I didn't do nudes inside. I'm living her dreams and for myself, but it makes me feel so good just to see her get so excited and to see her live through my dreams on the things she missed out on. My mom is such a strong woman. She can face anything.

PNB: Since you've graduated from high school, where have you lived?

Gaston: I've stayed in Sarasota, and last year I had an apartment in Miami also. I went back and forth, but I stayed more in Sarasota than I did in Miami, because I missed home. This year, I think I'm going to go full-force to Miami and not keep my apartment in Sarasota.

PNB: Have you dated any celebrities so far?

Gaston: No. (Laughter) I will not. I just don't think that I could date a celebrity. I like normal guys who do well for themselves and have ambition. I don't care to date celebrities. It's hard to come by real people in this business. I steer clear of them [celebrities]. I've met a lot of them, and I've had quite a few ask me out, but I'm not interested.

PNB: How about your fitness habits?

Gaston: I'm not a good exerciser at all. I kickbox. I have a kickboxing class that I go to. They are actually trying to get me to do taekwondo, too. I have to do things that I really enjoy, and I don't really enjoy going into a gym and pumping weights with a bunch of meatheads trying to hit on me. So it's nice to go to the kickboxing class. It's fun. It's energizing. It's a good time.

PNB: Are there any models or actresses whom you admire?

Gaston: I think Gwyneth Paltrow is pretty amazing. I look up to her. Her acting ability is amazing. She can go from being the sweet girl to the mean girl. She has such a wide range of talent. I'm impressed with her.

PNB: Overall, how would you describe your experience with the Venus Swimwear Model Search and its staff?

Gaston: It's been amazing. The first year was great. I was a little nervous. The second year I came back, and everyone still treated me like I was their daughter. Then, I found out about the kids who were named after me. It made me feel really good. It's comforting. It's just like home. It's a big family. And the girls, surprisingly enough, are nice. It's not a catty thing. It was a great experience, and I hate to give up my title. I'm going to cry tonight.