Howard Student in Cast of MTV'S "Real World"

By Traver Riggins
Black College Wire

Photo credit: MTV Howard University student Stephen Nichols, top left, said MTV's "The Real World: Denver" taught him more than he expected.

Most people would not put every moment of their lives on the table for the world to see.

Most would not give up their summer to live in a city they have never been to with six people they have never met.

Nor would most dream of juggling a career in student politics with one in the limelight.

Stephen Nichols is not most people.

Television viewers can follow the life of the Howard University Student Association's vice president, a senior classics major, on MTV's "The Real World: Denver," which debuted Nov. 22.

Nichols had never seen an episode of the show when he was persuaded by family and friends to submit an audition tape.

"The first time I saw 'The Real World' was when I was in L.A. at my final interview. I told my producer that, and they made me watch a couple episodes just so I knew what I was getting myself into," said Nichols, 22.

The journey before his final interview was full of decisions and surprises. It was March 2, HUSA election day, when Nichols got news that he was one of the show's 15 finalists.

Having already entered into a contract with MTV, under the impression that with 20,000 other people in his situation there was little chance he would actually be picked, the newly elected vice president found himself between a rock and a hard place.

Nichols told producers that his participation in the show was contingent on obligations he had already made.

"Basically put, Howard is definitely a focal point of who it is that I am," he said. HUSA is second on his priority list right after school, which became the center of his life after a failed attempt to break into the business world left him outside of school between 2004 and 2005.

"There are certain things that I did to make sure that I could sleep at night," he said of his absence from the HUSA office over the summer. He took a significant pay cut and refused the housing stipend the university offers. He was still able to perform all of his duties through e-mail and telephone, due in part to the cooperation and understanding of HUSA President Jennifer Owens, a senior legal communications major.

One of the most grueling parts of Nichols' summer was training with Outward Bound as an adventure expedition trainer for teens. The cast organized two courses in rock climbing and hiking for young people affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"The Real World," in its 18th season, taught Nichols more than he ever expected.

"I'm from Howard, and Howard students . . . learn a lot just by virtue of being a Howard student, so I didn't expect Denver or 'The Real World' to teach me anything," he said.

Nichols is a conservative black male who was raised in a Baptist household. The show's previews portray a highly opinionated student with specific views regarding homosexual Christians.

"A lot of my views have changed, and I think I've grown as a person. And if anything, I'm a little bit more accepting now," he said. "Actually, I'm a whole lot more accepting now of certain things that I wasn't when I first got in there."

Nichols said the only thing unrealistic about the show is that there are seven twentysomethings living in a mansion with no utility bills to pay.

"Never, ever have I been asked to repeat something so the cameras can catch it and never have they given me anything to say or put me in any kind of situation," he said.

What makes the show seem scripted is the editing. Most of the time, the audience is able to get only bits and pieces of situations that actually last much longer.

The producers "look at it as a documentary. We don't talk to cameramen, they don't talk to us. They don't smile. They don't joke. They don't laugh. They just film," Nichols said.

Getting used to the cameras and lack of privacy was the hardest part of adjusting. Not being able to have private conversations with his girlfriend or take a walk by himself was frustrating.

Despite people recognizing him in the airport and students stopping him on the Yard, saying, "You're that guy from 'The Real World,'" Nichols said he does not feel like a celebrity.

"Celebrities get famous for doing something cool," Nichols said. "You are definitely not a celebrity when you got famous for a home video that got put on blast," he added.

Even though the show wrapped up on Aug. 31 after 18 weeks of taping, Nichols is still making public appearances, lecturing and showing up at bars, clubs and MTV events such as the Video Music Awards.

He was scheduled to be at a Denver nightclub with Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets.

"I think it's a unique opportunity for Mr. Nichols, and if 'The Real World' provides him with the opportunity to gain international exposure, then I say he's accomplished his goal," said Franklin Chambers, Howard's vice provost for student affairs.

"We have so many students doing so many different things, that Mr. Nichols' participation on 'The Real World' will be one in a number of ventures that have afforded our students the opportunity for international exposure. I'm certain that Mr. Nichols will represent himself and the university in a positive manner," Chambers said.

Traver Riggins, a Howard University student, writes for the Hilltop.

Posted Nov. 24, 2006