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• How would you define "beauty?"
Beauty is the capability of combining a nice look that is simple and natural and a relevant brain capacity. It also stands for charisma and strong personality.

• What were your reasons for joining the Miss Lebanon pageant?
First, I joined the pageant because it's so obvious- the title is a dream of every girl in every country. I joined the pageant because it would be a great way to represent my country in the best image I can, as I have big hopes and ambitions, and I want to show how special Lebanon is to the whole world. The title could also make my career easier. I would have strong public relations and I can work in any field I choose. Also, meeting girls from all over Lebanon was something very cool. I made a bunch of friends and I became famous!

• How were you elected as Miss Lebanon? Describe the judging process.
We were 30 girls. The contest lasted for 5 weeks. Each week, 5 girls would leave the contest. In each prime week, we would compete in swimming suit, evening gown and the question & answer portion. We were also judged on our personality. The judges held 75% of the points while the public voting was equivalent to 25%.

• What do you think are your qualities that helped you earn the judges' approval & the crown?
I think that besides my looks, the judges liked my brain and my culture. I think I had poise and self-confidence, enough to convince them that I would be a great miss. I was good at dancing so I manifested my personality on stage, and the judges were conscious that all the other contestants loved me and appreciated me.

• Tell us about your preparations for the Miss Universe contest.
I'm trying to work out, but it's really tough because I'm still attending my classes in university. I'll graduate in a month. I'm improving my languages to seek a better communication with the other contestants. I'm completing my wardrobe, which is a tough job as well.

• Can you tell something that is so interesting or unique about you?
Many people consider that the number 13 is bad luck and that Friday d' 13th is a day of bad luck. Well, I was born on Friday 13th. And so far, I've been so lucky and blessed in my life. I'm also very noisy! Whenever I'm in a restaurant with my friends, I'm used to shouting and yelling and I often forget that I'm Miss Lebanon and that I should be more quiet and more mature.

• Any beauty queen/s that you really admire? Why?
Georgina Rizk, Miss Lebanon that has been elected Miss Universe in the 70s. She made Lebanon so proud of her and I'll really do my best to be like her and make my country proud of me. She had the poise and elegance of great women like Grace Kelly, Lady D. or Jacqueline Kennedy.

• Describe your fashion sense and style.
I prefer simple and casual look everyday. I usually like wearing jeans and a sweater and flat shoes. For more formal occasions, I also prefer to remain simple although elegant and chic. 

• How will you describe your country to your co-candidates at Miss Universe? 
My country is very unique. Its nature is very beautiful. The mountain and the seas are just 30 minutes away from each other. We have a big politico-religious variety, more than 17 different religious confessions are happily and peacefully co-existing and interacting.

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
Wearing a swimsuit is a decision that all contestants are aware of. It's their personal decision and a condition they accepted when they joined the competition. Nobody has forced them to do so. They are using their beauty for a humanitarian cause, not only for a commercial cause. A woman can be disrespectful even if she's wearing all her clothes. It's your personal attitude that counts, not the matter of clothing.

• Supposed there is a Genie who happens to be mad at you for a wrong deed committed and his punishment is to turn you into an animal for a year. You can't plead to alter his decision but you get to decide what type of animal you would become, what creature would you choose and why?
I would choose to be a polar bear as I would be hibernating for most of the year and the time would pass rapidly. (smiles…)

• If it were your last day on earth, what would you eat & why?
I would eat all the popcorn on earth in every flavor possible as I'm very addicted to it. I would also choose a meal that is very famous in Lebanon. It is made of vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat... Ummmmm... It's very tasty! My favorite!

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
My grandfather once told me, "If you're not the best at what you're doing then you'd better do something else." I think that says it all.

• Aside from winning your title, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Meeting great friends in the university that have always been standing by me and supporting me and as you see, I am surrounded by them while doing this interview. Now they're making fun of me because I'm talking about them.

• Do you think winning a beauty pageant is really important? Tell us about your responsibilities as Miss Lebanon titleholder.
Of course it's something amazing, but it's not all about winning. The crown shouldn't be the only target. We should focus on the work we want to achieve and the missions we want to realize. In the first place, the main target should be humanitarian and social improvement of our country, and considering the entire international society as well. 

• Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms?
Miss Universe could be the ultimate dream of any girl on earth. I want to win the title to achieve the projects that can help my country improve and develop. I want to help people in the issues that matter to them and to me. The title is like a big door that opens up for big opportunities. It's a great way to thank my country for being there for me and to serve it back as it has served me during my entire life. 

• What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Lebanon at Miss Universe 2006 pageant?
They can expect me to be spontaneous and natural, friendly and fun, honest and hard-working. I promise to do my best as I represent my country in an honorable way and show who Lebanese people really are and what they can do. 

• Finally, leave a message for your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology.
To everyone, thanks for supporting me and giving me the chance to show you my capacities. I promise that I'll show the best image of a Lebanese girl. I'm so excited to meet the other contestants and organizers. Good Luck to everyone!