Meet Yale’s latest reality television contestant: Timeica Bethel ’11.

The rising Jonathan Edwards senior is one of at least 3,700 contestants who have submitted audition videos for Oprah’s new reality series, “Your Own Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star.” Set to air next January on the Oprah Winfrey Network, the series offers contestants the chance to host their own talk show.

“Throughout my life I realized how important it is to believe in yourself, to be focused and to be inspired, and that is exactly what I want to do with my talk show,” Bethel said in her audition video, recalling a childhood spent in housing projects in Chicago. She said she hopes to use her talk show to address issues such as obesity, teen pregnancy and youth violence.

Each applicant produces a three-minute online audition video in one of five categories: traditional talk show, interior design or fashion, cooking, health and well-being, or wildcard. Hopefuls can also audition in person at two locations in Orange County, Calif., and Atlanta, Ga. The audition videos with the most votes and the nod of approval from the casting directors will proceed to the next round.