Giddy girls and guys alike peeked into the STA Travel office Thursday to catch a glimpse of MTV’s celebrity Randy from “The Real World San Diego.”
Randy’s work with STA brought him to the University. He spoke about his vast travels throughout Europe and Latin America and also answered questions from the audience regarding his travels and his experience on the “The Real World.”
Students who attended the presentation put on by STA Travel were informed about the do’s and don’ts of international travel. Randy shared some of his abroad experiences with the audience and encouraged students to start traveling as soon as they can.
In addition to talking about his travels with MTV, Randy also spoke about his experience on the “The Real World” and his newfound fame.
The 24-year-old Boston native said fame is something that simply comes with the territory.
“I have a positive attitude about it, it’s the least I can do,” Randy said. “I don’t mind it at all.”
Randy admitted it is surreal at times, but said he is becoming adjusted to the recent extra attention.
One might assume that Randy gets hounded primarily by girls, but according to Randy that’s not exactly the case.
“Guys approach me just as much as girls, if not more,” Randy said.
He explained that a lot of guys feel like they can relate to him and identify with what he has been through.
“Randy was much nicer than I thought he would be. He was so down to earth and really friendly,” said Katie Sheffield, a secondary education sophomore.
Randy said his “The Real World” experience was nothing like what he expected, but was a great time.
“‘The Real World’ was a very positive experience,” Randy said. “It was hard at times, but a great experience.”
Randy lived and worked in San Diego for four months with the show and had his every move documented. Randy said the show wrapped in December of 2003.
He said initially the cameras were a lot to get used to, but after a few days it was as if the cameras weren’t even there.
Randy admitted at times he would forget that everything he did was on tape.
“A lot of times I don’t even remember exactly what happened. Sometimes I’d wake up and think, oh man, what did I do,” Randy said.
Randy said he gets no forewarning of what will be aired on the show and watches the episodes as they air.
“We call each other after every episode,” he said. “We laugh and sometimes apologize.”
When asked if there was anything he was dreading seeing on television, Randy said he didn’t regret anything he did while on camera.
He said he is very proud of the show and acknowledged that having cameras recording constantly catches some crazy moments.
“If the camera is on you for four months, they’re bound to catch things you’d rather them not,” Randy admitted.
Randy also pointed out that with so few hours actually making it on television, it is hard to truly represent exactly what happened.
He said he thinks that MTV did a good job at portraying cast members accurately and showing what went on within the walls of the infamous “Real World” house.
Randy said he established lasting relationships with all of his housemates, but that it is hard to stay in contact with everyone.
Randy was recently reunited with some of this fellow cast members when filming MTV’s spring break show in Cancun, Mexico.
“We were a really tight group, we all just had a blast,” he said. “I love those kids to death.”
While Randy learned to love all of his roommates, he said he remains closest with Brad.
“What you see is what you get with Brad, he’s just an easy going guy,” he said. “Brad was my wing-man.”
In regards to future plans with MTV, Randy said he went into the show not expecting anything and he will maintain that attitude.
“Fame will only last so long, I’m just enjoying it,” Randy said. “I’m getting paid to just hang out and do what I love.”
Randy said he currently has no major travel plans, but that he’d love to go to Brazil.
“I’m planning the trip in my head, I’m obsessed.”
While Randy couldn’t divulge any juicy details of what’s to come on “The Real World,” he said that fans can look forward to another hilarious season.