Deena Nicole On Joining ‘Jersey Shore’: “I’ve Only Heard Positive Things”

In the middle of a Jersey Shore’s record breaking third season, newest member Deena Nicole Cortese found some time to celebrate her birthday at Shrine at Foxwoods MGM in Connecticut.

“I feel privileged. I feel like these fans are going to make me or break me and the fact that everybody loves me makes me feel so grateful. I’m grateful,” Deena revealed exclusively to OK!. “I’ve only heard positive things. Everywhere I’ve been with like fans and everything, I’ve only heard good stuff. It makes me feel better about myself. People that don’t even know me feel like they love me and know me already, it makes me feel great.”

Deena also told OK! why she thinks people relate to her so much.

“I think because I’m just real. I’m not afraid to be myself and that’s what I’ve been getting a lot of,” she explained. “Like you’re actually helping me be myself and I’m not afraid to be myself any more and that’s what I love. I’m not afraid to be myself and I don’t think anyone should be afraid to be themselves and it’s great.”

Who is she most likely to be herself with when having a good time out at the shore? “Pauly because he always watches out for me and he makes sure nothing happens to me.”

Deena’s not letting fame catch up with her either!

She confided to OK!, “Right now I’m just buckling down and going along for the ride. Getting used to the whole lifestyle.”

Source: OK!