With bubbly personalities and infectious senses of humor, two Sacramento State students were selected as finalists in a local network competition.

Sac State students Melissa Greiner and Stacia George were two of the 12 finalists selected in the My 58’s “Host Hunt 2006” competition.

The competition, hosted by the new television station, My 58, selected two individuals who would be a part of the network’s My 58 street team.

Out of all the applicants, 458 were selected to audition, and from that, 12 finalists were selected to compete in various challenges. Greiner and George were among the 12.

Although Greiner and George were both eliminated within the first two weeks of the competition, they both enjoyed their experience and took away valuable lessons from the competition.

Greiner applied for the competition because she had always wanted to be on TV and work in the media. As a graduating senior majoring in media communications, Greiner previously held an internship with News 10 and thought the competition would be a “good jumpstart.”

She applied with her boyfriend, Anthony Rossi, a broadcast major at the University of the Pacific, and originally wanted him to win.

“Initially I wanted it more for him than for me,” Greiner said.

After being selected as one of the 12 finalists, Greiner was surprised when she was the second person eliminated, especially after feeling confident in a challenge called “The Pet Challenge,” which Greiner felt she did particularly well on.

“The Pet Challenge” didn’t post on the website until after Greiner had been eliminated. “I still feel satisfied that I at least got to the top 12,” Greiner said. “I feel like that’s an accomplishment.”

When Greiner graduates in December, she would like a career in media such as advertising, promotions or acting.

Greiner said participating in the competition was a fun and intense experience. It gave her practice for any audition or interview.

“You really have to think on your feet,” Greiner said.

Initially, Stacia George applied for the competition “just for fun.” She previously had an internship with Fox News and enjoyed being in front of the camera.

George was flattered and shocked when she found out she had made it to the top 12. She tried out for various dance auditions before and always got rejected near the final round. Eventually, she lost confidence in her abilities. Becoming a finalist in this competition brought back that confidence, George said.

“It gave me confidence to go for things I want,” George said.

After she graduates in December with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, George plans on continuing as a substitute teacher and wants to teach dance as well. She loves to write and would eventually like to publish writing some time in the future.

“I want to keep trying for things,” George said.

Being a finalist in the competition has taught George that you have to go after what you want no matter what. In the past, the fear of rejection was a major obstacle for her, but the competition has helped change that.

“Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you from going for things,” George said. “It’s worth it to go after things for the experience.”

Profiles of the applicants were online and people could vote for their favorite contestant. Voting was done mainly by family and friends, Greiner said.

Greiner and George both said the competition did have its flaws, mainly because the network is brand new and this was its first time doing any sort of competition.

For example, “The Pet Challenge,” which Greiner participated in, was not posted on the station until after she was eliminated. However, during the finale, it was announced to viewers the that Pet Challenge was the reason Greiner was eliminated.

Greiner or George may be coming to a TV screen near you in the future. The producers of the competition told both girls they had a talent and they would love to see them on camera again.

Each of the girls said they would gladly take the opportunity if it arose.

Amy Ball can be reached at [email protected]