Jarah Mariano was photographed by Raphael Mazzucco in Canouan Island, The Grenadines. Swimsuit by Beauty and the Beach.

Interview with Jarah Mariano

What was your reaction to getting into the Swimsuit Issue?

I was super stoked and thought someone must think I'm attractive enough or right for this job, which is still a surprise for me. I was really appreciative to be in it and the second time around I was still really happy because I thought I must have done something right to get called back again. So my first reaction was, 'Hey, they like me,' and my second reaction was, 'Hey, they really like me.'

In all honesty, is modeling really that hard?

No and yes, but honestly nothing you enjoy is ever really that. So to me it's challenging in some ways with crazy traveling and crazy work hours, but you enjoy it, so you love it and it's not hard. You do make certain sacrifices but all the benefits you reap are cool and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Modeling is sort of like acting. You do sort of play a role whether you have to go and be really energetic or you have to be really sexy and some days it's hard to bring it because you're not really feeling it that day.

At what point in your career do you know you've made it?

I've been so fortunate to do this for so long, to work with some of the top clients and photographers and travel the world, pay for my college and buy my own house. I have my health, friends and family and to be able to model through it all, I think I've made it. I think I've been pretty successful. When I bought my house last March, it was a significant moment. It was cool because to have a home that was mine that I bought was an accomplishment for me.

Happiness is...

Happiness is love. Simply love in every sense of the word; love of all kinds in different levels from different people whether it's your significant other your family, your friends or even your pet. The one that I like the most is from strangers. True kindness from strangers, whether it's a wave or a smile -- all of those things make me so happy.

If you could change one thing in the past year, what would it be?

I don't think I'd take anything back. Every small thing relates to another and puts you where you are today. It's kind of nice when you don't have control of it. I stand behind everything that's happened and life's about maturing and you learn from your experiences. I don't take anything back.

What makes you feel sexy?

Recently, when I was on vacation, I felt really sexy just being on the beach. It's something about being in warm weather and under the sun and near the ocean. I feel sexy at the beach and natural. It's everything about it. I don't feel any stress or tension and you tend to feel better by the beach and when you're there, you're in a bikini and you just feel sexy. I feel good when a guy compliments me. That's always nice.

Who is your dream guy?

I have my guy, but it's simply having someone that loves you for real and takes care of you and it's also important that they take care of themselves because someone can't be anything for you unless they take care of themselves. My dream guy is someone who just loves me and takes care of me.

Do real guys have a shot?

Only real guys have a shot. I think it's important to be real no matter what your profession is. Some think because you're a model you're privileged or you get more opportunities, which can be the case but you're also just a person and we're people, too. I think everyone wants something real and there's no time for fakeness. Real guys are refreshing. It's cool to have regular, normal guys come up to you and give you compliments and flatter you. It can be anyone; it doesn't have to be a celebrity. Real guys rule.

How much attention do you pay to nutrition and exercise, or is it all natural?

I don't go too crazy with it but I know it's a part of my job to take care of myself. So when my jeans are fitting a little tighter or I feel a little bloated I'll cut down on the fries or something. I try to stay as active as I can. I don't necessarily hit the gym but I like to keep on the move and eat in moderation. When the body ages, one day I'll definitely hit the gym, but for now I just try and keep active and do things in moderation.

If you had to play matchmaker for a day, what celebrities would you pair up?

I love Ellen DeGeneres. I think she has good energy. Joel McHale, he's so hilarious, so I would pair them up because that would be awesome.

What meal do you miss from home?

When I go home, my parents are amazing cooks and it's nice to have a home-cooked meal. One specific thing I do try and do whenever I go home is get my In-N-Out fix.

Every girl has her dating checklist. What are your top three deal breakers when dating?

I can't stand someone who has bad hygiene, someone who is arrogant and full of themselves or someone who is really high maintenance, because I'm a pretty simple person and mellow and I don't like drama; also someone who is selfish or jealous.

What is your most memorable first?

Buying my first home was pretty cool. I remember my first modeling shoot. I thought it was going to be this nice picture of me and it ended up being the back of my head. It was a magazine shoot ages ago and I was so excited and it ended up being the back of my head. I'll also never forget the first time I had champagne with my parents. It was the most vintage Dom Perignon bottle and they were cracking up because that set the standard for me and every time I drink champagne I think of them and that moment.

People have said I look like...

To be honest, people tell me I look like Pocahontas when I have my hair in braids.

The world's hottest athlete is...

I think all the athletes are hot. Michael Phelps was big this year but I think it's super attractive that any athlete, male or female, is in shape and they have the drive to accomplish what they have. I think that's totally admirable and hot.