Students try to get 'MADE' by MTV

Wednesday, Feb. 1, Cleveland State University students lined up in hopes of becoming the next star on the hit MTV series "MADE."

"I was very nervous," said Omar Kurdi, one of the participating students. "I wanted to participate because I felt like this would be a great opportunity for me to make my dream come true. I know MTV's 'MADE' helped hundreds of Americans with achieving their goals, and I felt like this could be my chance to find something or someone to help me."

There were a variety of talents showcased. Everything from singing to belly dancing; it seems CSU's diversity also extends into the students' talents.

Sophomore LeeAnn Jackson thought what her life would be like having her personal life aired on national cable.

"I'm most worried about my parents seeing what my life is like at college," Jackson said with a laugh.

She was thrilled that this opportunity came to CSU.

MTV's "MADE" shows the progress of a young person's journey in learning a new skill. The "star" of the show confesses to their friends and family what they are going to be made in to—a basketball player, singer, etc.

Each episode usually ends with the person demonstrating their talent in a major showcase in front of hundreds of people.

Not only does it take guts to air your personal life on television, but also to go into a room full of strangers and showcase a talent that you are not even sure you have.

"It was so embarrassing," Jackson said, who wants to be made into a belly dancer.

"Belly dancers are mysterious, exotic and very confident in themselve," Jackson said." I would love to have confidence like that."

The interview process was less grueling than participants expected.

"They asked several questions like, 'why do I want to be on MTV 'MADE,' 'what's the biggest challenge that I usually face in trying to make my dream come true,' 'what would be the biggest challenge for me while on MTV 'MADE'?' Kurdi said. "He also asked me several questions about my family background, and moving to the U.S. from Jordan."

"I think the biggest thing I would take away from this experience is self-confidence," Kurdi said. "We might all have some self-confidence, but to be able to share your goals with millions of people around the world, it takes a strong person to do so. I would also take away an experience that I would add to my life journal. MTV MADE would help me succeed at my goals, and teach me how to keep doing what I want to do."