SI Swimsuit 2020 Model: Haley Kalil

If you had three wishes, what would they be?
Three wishes. Um, can I wish for more wishes?! I’d probably wish to achieve all my career goals (cough, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover, cough). I’d wish for my dogs to live forever. because I love my dang fur children so much. And heck, if I have one more wish, I’d wish for world peace. Yeah, I know, it sounds cheesy but that would be awesome.

If you could personally witness any event in history, what would it be?
I’m stuck between two. I’d love to have witnessed the building of the pyramids so I can prove to my dad once and for all it wasn’t the aliens. And I’d love to have been in the room to witness Marie Curie’s discovery of radium and polonium. To be in the room with the first woman to win a Nobel Prize would be absolutely incredible.

What is something that you have never done that you want to do?
I’ve always wanted to go BASE jumping with one of those flying squirrel suits on. I know -- very dangerous and possibly deadly. But I’ve always wanted to do it.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?
When I was in sixth grade I had the biggest crush on a boy named Patrick. I was always too shy to speak to him so one day I made a friendship bracelet and my older sister came up with the brilliant idea that I should “give it to him.” Me being the vulnerable younger sister that I was I did. He looked at me, then looked at the bracelet, then proceeded to throw it on the ground and tell me we weren’t friends. All the cool kids laughed at me. And that is why I no longer listen to my older sister. Thanks a lot Erin.

What’s the most regrettable beauty trend you’ve ever tried?
Remember those emo bangs that covered your eyes and ALL the cool kids had them. Yeah, I tried those, along with all the dark eyeliner I could get my little hands on.

If you could hear one song performed live by any musician what would it be?
“Piano Man” by Billy Joel. There’s no better classic!

What’s something people wouldn’t know about you?
I’ve seen all the Lord of the Rings movies more than 25 times. And yes, that’s the extended editions! If you added up the hours, I’ve probably spent a month of my life watching LOTR.

In a world full of influencers, who influences you most?
People I actually know. The world is full of “Instagram influencers” and their lives look awesome but I don’t know them. Are they kind to other people? Do they actually care about helping those around them? I look up to the people I know. I’ve seen them at their worst and they still inspire me to be better. Those are my influencers.

What motivates or inspires you?
The drive to always be better. No matter what you accomplish, you can always work harder and improve. It is my goal to improve every single day, especially when it comes to my career. I want to reach every single goal I can! You only have one life to live so might as well fight to achieve your goals.

Do you have a self-care ritual or a creative pursuit?
I love to build with Legos. There’s something so relaxing about putting together a huge Lego set. It’s my goal to build the Millennium Falcon. But all my friends tell me I’d be an idiot to spend $800 on a Lego set. JUST WATCH ME!!

What’s the worst horst holiday gift you ever received?
Every year someone in my family would receive “snowman poop” which was basically a Ziploc bag filled with cotton balls. Well, lucky me, I got it two years in a row. Anyone need cotton balls?! I’m your gal.

What’s your guilty pleasure snack?
Taco Bell. All day, every day.

Looking back, what advice would you give to your 14-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to take up space. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Don’t be afraid to be passionate and opinionated and intelligent. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel inferior for who you are and what you love.