WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Columbia native competing on "The Apprentice"

Columbia native competing on "The Apprentice"

(Columbia) February 27, 2006 - A Columbia native is hoping to get hired by "The Donald."

She's made a solid start. When she took on the role of project manager, her team won.

Out of million people who tried out, only 18 potential Apprentice candidates made it to the board room. One of them is 30-year-old Columbia native Alli Jablon, "I graduated at the top of my class for the University of Florida. I will run through a brick wall to get what I want."

Alli's parents, Harold and Irene, knew long before Alli was trying to knock down walls to get a job with Donald Trump that she was destined for success.

Dr. Harold Jablon says, "Even at five-years-old she wouldn't settle for any less than a blue ribbon."

Irene agrees, "She's achieved everything she's ever attempted, so this is just another notch in her belt and we're thrilled."

Thrilled, and now, they can tell the world their only daughter is on the hit reality show.

It was difficult, according to Irene, to keep the secret, "When we found out about four months ago, we weren't allowed to tell anyone. It was hard for us to keep it inside. I couldn't share it with friends or families."

But now Dr. Jablon is letting everyone know, "I went to buy the TV guide. I went around showing everybody, saying, 'Do you know the show "The Apprentice?" Well my daughter is on it.'"

Alli's road to "The Apprentice" has been paved with accomplishments. She has been a gymnast, a cheerleader, graduated college with honors, and attended Harvard business school.

Alli says she knows what it takes to win, "It's the person who works really hard and takes responsibility for their mistakes, and can defend themselves to Mr. Trump."

While Alli's parents will be watching with the rest of us to see how she does, they're hoping that in the end, she will hear the magic words, "You're hired!"

Reported by Tamara King

Updated 10:00pm by Chantelle Janelle