Ruthie Alcaide from “The Real World: Hawaii” will speak at NIU’s Carl Sandburg Auditorium tonight at 6:30. She talked with the Northern Star beforehand about her campus tours, her MTV experience and her aspirations of writing a book in Spain.

Northern Star: Do you think you could tell me a little bit about how and when you started going around to campuses addressing drug and alcohol abuse and what you hope to accomplish by touring campuses?

Ruthie Alcaide: I don’t always talk on alcoholism and substance abuse. I also talk about diversity, racism and sexuality. But I just happened to be scheduled for alcohol for tomorrow. I started back in 1999 when I did “The Real World: Hawaii,” and they actually, it’s kind of funny, they actually asked us if we wanted to do training for public speaking because it was something that was fairly new on the market for “Real World” cast members. They were interested, schools were interested, in booking us and so I had some training in college but we went on this training thing at Long Beach University and ended up speaking there. From then on we went on some [speaking tours]. Different agents decided to book us and it was one of those things that I never expected to do through the “Real World.” I’ve always wanted to travel and I’ve always wanted to do public speaking and it was pretty nerve-wracking in the beginning because performing is one thing, but public speaking is a totally different ball game. But I was able to pull a lot of my experiences from the show and my own life, also in college, and I was like wow, you know, I can actually make a difference.

NS: So did you go on tour with members from the Hawaii cast?

RA: Well most of the speaking gigs I do by myself, but a lot of them we get booked [together] depending on what agent books us. I get booked with different cast members from all the different shows from “Real World” and “Road Rules.” It all depends on what the school requests, and who’s pretty popular, and they kind of like decide and vote on who they want to come and visit. In a way it’s kind of better because it’s like a mainstream attraction but at the same time we have a really important message to spread.

NS: So are you on a tour right now?

RA: Oh yeah. It’s basically fall and spring non-stop. I’m off in the summer, but fall and spring I’m travelling all over. I have four different agents that book me all over the country.

NS: Do you think that since you’re an MTV personality, college-aged kids are more apt to really listen to what you have to say and take your advice into account more than say, a parent or authority figure?

RA: Yeah, that’s the funny thing. A lot of the advisers and people that book us say that it’s a much better response. We don’t expect to affect every single person that’s sitting there, but the people that really need to hear it will be there, and also, of course the other people that are there, it’s kind of like a bait and catch, you know? They know that we’re from “The Real World,” and that we come there for a lecture. So it’s one of those things where they’re more apt to listen to us than some old professor spitting out statistics and stuff like that. We have an opportunity to spread a really good message. And we’ve also, a lot of us have been to college, you know, we know what it’s like, and it’s not something that you come up there and you preach. It’s more of an awareness thing.

NS: Do you think that being on “The Real World” helped you become sober?

RA: A lot of people think that I’m an alcoholic, and that now I’m sober. That was a huge misconception from the show, and a lot of people labeled me that, even though when I went to the clinic and into rehab, they said I wasn’t an alcoholic. But at the same time the media had spread that in every single magazine that I opened up. That’s what they called me. It was one of those things I had to not let get to me because in the beginning it was kind of like wow, you know, how the media tends to do, I mean, you know, you’re a writer. I was a journalism major, I know how it is. A lot of spin on things that was like a sensationalistic thing that was spread and now it’s a stigma attached to my name. But it did, as far as you know, I’m not sober, as far as like, you know, I don’t drink alcohol because I’m an alcoholic, because I’m not an alcoholic, but at the same time it really did put a huge reality check on my life because a lot of people in college, like myself, were binge drinking and didn’t even know it. And it was almost accepted socially so a lot of us were doing it and didn’t even realize what we’re doing. And that’s one of the things I talk about at colleges. I never knew words like “knowing your limits,” or “responsibility,” you know, stuff like that. After going through the show, I was like, “Oh my god, you know, everyone is calling me an alcoholic, am I?” So I ended up going to rehab and going through counseling and I found out that a lot of college students walk a thin line between being an alcoholic and being a binge drinker. And that’s one of the things that a lot of students need to be educated about, is that the way that we drink in college is almost as if everybody’s an alcoholic. You know, the definitions are almost similar.

NS: So do you think the show kind of portrayed you in the wrong light?

RA: Well, I mean it’s based on truth but it’s more sensationalized, and the labels are a definite thing with a lot of us. We’re all categorized. And whatever is the most sensationalistic thing, that’s how they’re going to label you. Unfortunately that was my label, but at the same time it was sort of a blessing in disguise because I get to travel to colleges and talk about awareness of the problems because it’s not a novelty. I mean pretty much every single college that I’ve been to has had a lot of problems with alcohol, and not just that, but diversity, racism, sexuality and stuff like that. And based on my own experiences, I get to go and talk about it and start a conversation on campus and also talk about alternatives. Because a lot of kids, their excuse is they’re bored and that’s why they drink all the time and there’s nothing better to do. And there’s so much other things to do on campus besides party all the time. I like to talk about alternatives and having a good time, you know?

NS: Do you have any tips on how college-aged people can learn their limits?

RA: Yeah, I mean, the thing is, a lot of students when they get introduced to alcohol, some of them haven’t drank, and if they did, they were in high school, you know, their parents didn’t know about it, you know what I mean? And so when they come to college, it’s more like pounding drinks instead of having a few drinks and having a good time. And so, I like to say you know, like a lot of people should drink one drink, one drink at a time, or you don’t even have to drink at all. And drink water because you get so dehydrated. I always make this joke, I’m like, you might want to try, if you do go out and drink, try counting your drinks, and if you can’t remember how many you’ve had, then you might as well stop. I also talk about how there’s a lot of problems with alcohol’s effects. A lot of kids are having sex mainly because they’re drinking, not really because they want to be having sex. It’s one of those ultimate, you know, you’re uninhibited when you’re drinking. There’s a lot of people that go through a lot of regret and do things that they wouldn’t normally do and sex is one of them. And there’s a lot of consequences behind that. So I just like to make kids aware of the consequences of their choices. And I don’t tell students what to do, I just tell them what I’ve been through and the things that I’ve learned, and to, you know, make responsible choices because you want to enjoy your college years. You’re first priority is that you want to survive. Not just your classes, but your life, you know what I mean?

NS: I think that peer pressure has a lot to do with why kids drink so much. Do you have any advice to give on that subject?

RA: Yeah. Be your own person. A lot of kids, they want to be socially accepted, and sometimes they join fraternities or like, because their friends are drinking or smoking or whatever, that that’s what they want to do. The thing is, in college, you have a chance to find yourself, so don’t be a follower. Be a leader. And first and foremost, be a leader of your own life. Get to know yourself. College is the time to get secure with yourself. The more secure you are with yourself, the less likely you are to be a follower and do what everybody else is doing. I always talk about getting involved. I got involved so much when I was in college that really helped with the boredom factor. I was in like 20 different clubs and organizations. I was also a writer for the school paper. I had two internships and also one internship in New York City. It’s kind of like, keep yourself busy. And the more busy you are, you can never be bored. I had a great time in college and I always think it’s funny when people make excuses, they’re like, I go to school full-time, I don’t have time, I have a great job, yet they have time go to party all the time. There’s no excuse. If I could have two jobs in college, part-time, an internship, plus be a part of so many different organizations, there’s no excuse.

NS: What have you been up to since “The Real World” and “The Real World/Road Rules” challenges?

RA: ‘The Challenges,’ oh that’s so much fun. I’ve been traveling a lot. I’ve actually been able to travel around the world and I also work on music. Actually, I’m planning on hopefully writing a book. I actually don’t use my journalism degree right now, but I’ve been thinking about it.

NS: Oh really? What’s the book going to be about?

RA: I’d like to do some freelance writing. I want to write a book about my life because a lot of people judge you and they think that they know who you are because you were on a TV show, which is only, like, 1 percent of your life. If they really knew a lot of the story behind it, I think it would be such an interesting story. Because since the day I was born, that’s when the adventure began, you know what I mean? People would be really shocked to know what I’ve been through. And I think it would probably help a lot of kids inspire them because I’ve been through so much growing up. And I think a positive attitude is the most important thing because you can’t blame your past on failure. You have to think positive and try to be successful no matter what. It all starts with attitude.

NS: I had read that you did a little bit of freestyle rapping. Can you tell me a little bit about that?

RA: I’ve actually been writing poetry since I was about 12 years old. And when I was 18 years old, I remember I joined a talent contest and I realized, man, I can’t sing. But I wrote a lot of spoken word and I’m like, rap is like poetry, and so I did it. I ended up winning third place. And from when I was a freshman on, I went to Rutgers University from University of Hawaii, and when I was at Rutgers, I rapped at as many events as I could. From parties to concerts to school events to everywhere I could. It was one of those things where I had so much fun with it. Now I’m actually recording in the studio and trying to make my own album. And I also work with a group called “One thirteen.” We’re making a group album together because there’s an R & B singer who is a really good friend of mine and another guy who’s a rapper. So, I mean, it’s good to have a hobby.

NS: Well that sounds fun.

RA: Yeah, it is.

NS: What did you enjoy doing more, “The Real World” or the challenges?

RA: Honestly, ‘The Challenges.’ “The Real World” is so stressful. We didn’t even have days off. On ‘The Challenges,’ there’s so many people on ‘The Challenge’ they don’t follow you 24/7, but there’s still cameras everywhere. But you have a true Saturday off where there’s no cameras, which you never ever get that on “The Real World”. And secondly, on ‘The Real World’, you have to pay for your meals and all that stuff, but when you’re on the Challenge you have your own chef and your own maids. You’re treated really good, it’s like you are at a resort. It’s really laid back. I mean, there’s like two percent drama and 98 percent boredom, but obviously the show shows the 2 percent drama. For the most part, we’re busy tanning and having a good time. It’s mostly based on the missions, so it’s not like a lot of your personal life put out there. When you’re on a challenge, as opposed to “The Real World,” where your personal life is the main focus.

NS: Well it sounds like it would be pretty stressful.

RA: Yeah, so the challenges are much, much, much less dramatic.

NS: Do you get recognized in public a lot?

RA: Yeah, actually I do, and a lot of people are like, “My god, you’re so much shorter.” Everyone thinks I’m so much bigger than I really am. I’m not just short. I’m tiny. People are like “You’re Ruthie?” And I’m like “Oh my god,” then I’m like “Yeah,” and they’re like “You kick ass.” And I’m like “Yeah, I know.”

NS: What questions do you get asked the most by fans?

RA: Ah, what questions do I get asked the most? It depends, because with every show that comes by, you’ll get asked about that show. Like recently it’s ‘The Gauntlet 2,’ so obviously a lot of people are going to ask about ‘The Gauntlet.’ Like, “You know, I was so sad when you went home.” You know, I’m not used to going home early. So it’s like I know what questions are going to come, and it’s always the same questions for every show no matter what. No matter what state I’m in, no matter what city or little town, they ask the same questions.

NS: Is it kind of weird getting treated like a celebrity?

RA: It’s totally weird.

NS: Are you getting used to it by now?

RA: Um yeah, but at the same time, it’s also weird because fans of musicians like Puff Daddy, and people like that are like fans of ours. Well that’s what is probably more of a trip to me, because they watch ‘”he Real World,” and they point you out in the club and they’re just like “Hey!” And they’re like “I loved your show!” And you’re like “Cool, thanks!” Sometimes I’ll meet different actors and they’re just like, “Ruthie!” And I’m like, “Hey!” They’re like, “I love your show!” And I’m like, “I love your show too!” And they’re acting, and I’m just being myself, you know?

NS: So do you watch ‘The Real World’ now?

RA: Oh yeah. I actually didn’t watch it for a few years after my show, but then I got into it again. … Because I never watched it before I was on it, but after I was on it, I watched one of them and I stopped watching it for a long time and then I watched it again. It’s almost like we can all predict what’s going to happen because you know how editing works. It’s almost like cookie cutter people, the same season with just different names.

NS: Yeah I know, it’s gotten kind of repetitive.

RA: It’s so repetitive. You know with the alcohol thing after my show, and I got all this slack for drinking alcohol and abusing it. Every show has abused it more than me. But nobody’s really gotten the stigma. There was no interventions because everybody was drinking like that. It’s like, wow, I watch some of these shows and I hang out with some of the people on ‘The Challenges,’ and I’m the one with the label? But it’s one of those things, in a way. It’s like I said, it’s kind of a blessing in disguise. Because I mean that’s one of the reasons I get booked at a lot in schools, and also, from where I’m from, Hawaii and everything, and going to school in the mainland, I talk a lot about racism and diversity, which is one of my favorite topics to talk about. And also, at some schools, which aren’t so conservative, I also talk about sexuality, which is a very important thing and one of the main reasons I did the show because I didn’t want to be labeled as being gay, bi-sexual or straight. I just wanted to be Ruthie. And that whole sexuality thing is one of the main reasons I did the show, because it’s kind of like a resolution to kind of make it more mainstream and a little more accepted. A lot of people watch the show. And ‘The Real World’ was one of the fist shows to ever show a gay person on TV. It was way before they started making ‘Will and Grace’ and everything, shows like that. So yeah, it’s kind of one of those things that underlying, we do make a difference, you know?

NS: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

RA: Probably on the beach writing my third novel in Spain or something. Hanging out on the beach with my laptop. That’s what I would like to be doing, and hopefully one day I’ll be an established writer.

NS: Well traditionally when we interview someone we do a Lightning Round which consists of a few questions that are sort of meant to throw whoever we are interviewing off-guard a little bit. Would you mind answering a few more questions for the Lighting Round?

RA: Yeah go ahead.

NS: Name three out of the four Beatles.

RA: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr.

NS: Who do you think would win in a fight between Chuck Norris and David Hasselhoff?

RA: Chuck Norris, for sure.

NS: Who starred in the 1996 version of ‘Romeo and Juliet?’

RA: Uh, Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

NS: What is your favorite Guns N’ Roses song?

RA: Uh, let’s see. ‘Paradise City.’

NS: What field of work is the astronomer Copernicus known for?

RA: Oh, I have no idea.

NS: Astronomy.

RA: I was going to say astronomer. I was like, Uh, is this a trick question?

NS: Yea, it was.

RA: It was, I feel so stupid now. Hey I got one wrong out of five, so I don’t feel bad.