A search for prom accessories led premedical freshman Jessica Rice to a spot in a new Web reality series.
As Rice was checking on Seventeen magazine's Web site for fashion ideas - an advertisement came up for a program called "Freshman 15."
The program gives 15 girls from across the country the opportunity to document their first year in college with blogs and videos on MySpace.com.
It was launched last week by Seventeen magazine and MySpace.com.
Rice clicked the advertisement, answered a few short-answer questions and sent in a sample blog, a picture of herself and some personal information.
After more than 1,000 applications were sent in to the site, Rice was chosen as one of the 15 participants.
"I didn't end up with new accessories that day," said Rice, a Dearborn native.
Elizabeth Dye, special projects director at Seventeen magazine, said they looked for outgoing and diverse girls who wanted to share their stories.
"We don't want them to be embarrassed if they're failing out of a class," she said.
Along with blogging and making videos, Rice said she will interview people, give ideas to Seventeen magazine and upload pictures onto her MySpace Web site.
"I wanted to do it because I love to talk to people," she said. "I figured if I could help out people before they go to college or even people in college, I would be doing something good."
The girls also will contribute to the college section of Seventeen magazine each month, Dye said, which includes advice from how to prepare for a final to how to get along with a roommate.
"It's really the girls' chance to just share and be super honest about their experiences," she said.
"Everything is real - nothing is sugarcoated. It's all just what's happening in their life at college in that moment."
Rice said her college experience has been nothing to complain about.
"I love the chill vibe, the gorgeous scenery and, most importantly, the soft serve ice cream machine," she said of the amenities in Brody Complex.
As for Rice's roommate - Kristin Avedisian - the experience of having a roommate whose life is being broadcast over the Internet has been a little odd.
"I had to film her working at the Brody cafeteria once in the middle of the dinner rush, and I bet I looked really creepy holding up a video camera while she served food," the communication freshman said.
Nonetheless, Avedisian said she is excited to be a part of the process.
"It's a different college experience because after we do something funny or interesting you find yourself thinking 'We should have caught that on camera,'" she said. "Jessica is extremely ambitious but entirely entertaining."