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Debi Nova Explains 'Coming To America' Moment On 'When I Was 17'

Costa Rica native was overwhelmed by the sheer number of toilet-paper varieties.

Since "When I Was 17" premiered in May, we've heard celebrity stories of teenage heartbreak and hilarity, triumph and defeat, and OK, a whole lot of foolishness. [article id="1639274"]Drake shared memories[/article] of his days rocking what he called a "terrible afro," Queen Latifah recalled the day she landed her first record deal, and [article id="1639508"]Bret Michaels shared intimate details[/article] about the night he lost his virginity. This Saturday's episode brings us a tale of hope for the future -- and a bit of terror at the present.

When "Drummer Boy" singer Debi Nova was 17, she emigrated from Costa Rica to Los Angeles. What she found in La La Land was enormously enticing and more than a little overwhelming.

"There was a very specific story that marked my coming-to-America moment," she explains.

The event took place almost as soon as her plane had touched down in California and she set out to get some household supplies.

"Very first week I get here, I go into the supermarket because I need some toilet paper," she said. "I go in the toilet-paper aisle and I'm like, 'OK, unscented, aloe vera, recycled, non-recycled, double-ply, triple-ply, four rolls, eight rolls, 12 rolls, 32 rolls. What do you want?' "

Tune into Saturday's show to hear more about Nova's first year in America, including the embarrassing time she failed her driver's license test. [article id="1643701"]New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia[/article], who already stood 6-foot-6 before he'd even hit his 18th birthday, and Ciara, who found out what it was like to be cheated on at the tender age of 17, are also featured in the new episode.

"When I Was 17" -- this week featuring Debi Nova, CC Sabathia and Ciara -- airs Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV.

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