If she hadn’t “followed her heart,” Ainsley Earhardt might have been tending to lots of teeth.

“I wanted to be an actress at a very early age and then decided to become an orthodontist after working in Dr. Richard Boyd’s office in high school,” Earhardt says.

The switch in college from biology to journalism started a path that has landed Earhardt a spot on the “Fox & Friends” couch. The 39-year-old South Carolina native says she’s “thrilled” to make her debut as co-host alongside Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on Fox News’s long-running morning show on Monday. She’ll replace Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who, citing a desire to spend more time with her family, exited the program in December.

We wanted to know more about the local news anchor turned Fox News correspondent and former “Fox & Friends First” co-host, so we asked her to answer these questions.

Grew up in: Columbia, S.C.

College attended: I attended Florida State University on an academic and leadership scholarship, changed my major from biology to broadcasting and transferred to the University of South Carolina for my last two years.

 After work, you’ll find me: Watching Fox News, preparing for the next morning’s show, being with my family, working out at the gym or enjoying Manhattan.

Favorite/most hated food: My favorite foods are anything Italian. I am not into spicy foods. Big Red chewing gum is even too “hot” for me.

Most embarrassing moment: My most embarrassing moment was my first kiss. I still remember the date, where it took place and how nervous it made me feel. Let’s just say it did not go well.

I’m happiest when: I am happiest when I am with my family and singing in church (although I cannot carry a tune), at a big New York City brunch with a group of friends, at a concert, a sporting event or on a beach with my toes in the sand.

If I had a theme song, it would be: Hands down … the song that most represents my life’s journey is Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” I have a love affair with the grand, fabulous, amazing Manhattan.

My celebrity crush is: My celebrity crush is Dr. McDreamy [played by Patrick Dempsey] from “Grey’s Anatomy.”

I have a fear of: Don’t laugh … I can handle snakes and rats, but if I see a roach run across the floor … expect to hear me scream and run the other way. I hate a bug with a crunchy shell. I remember watching the scene from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” when the actress was in the bug tunnel.  That is my worst nightmare. I still cringe thinking about it.  

Dream interview is: I would love to interview the former first lady Nancy Reagan and the next president of the United States.

I wish I could have talked to Audrey Hepburn and look forward to sitting down with Jesus Christ.

Something that few know about you: I like a good, cold, light beer on ice with a lime.

Favorite movie: My favorite movie is “The Family Man” with Nicolas Cage, Téa Leoni and Don Cheadle.

Biggest pet peeve: One of my biggest pet peeves is when a driver cuts in front of me and he/she doesn’t wave to thank me.

Best advice given: The best advice: “Let go and let God”; “to whom much is given, from him much will be required”; “forgive easily”; “never be afraid to fail.”