• What three words best describe you & why?
Ambitious, Endearing and Optimistic. These three words emphases my energy, personality and drive to persevere no matter how many times life's challenges come my way.

• What was your childhood dream?
I wanted to be an attorney like my dad. I saw his profession as being very helpful to people especially to those who could not afford it. As a child, I saw him jumping in his old car and driving all the way down to the south of the country knowing fully well that car will probably only take him and he would have to figure out how to come back home, taking himself a taxi which cost him even more than what he made for that job. That also happens to be one of my funniest moments when I think of my dad! 

• What factors attracted you to join a beauty contest? 
I decided to take part in a beauty pageant for two main reasons. I would always watch pageants as a young girl and picture myself up there and wonder what it would be like, how the girls felt and what thoughts were going through their minds. I was very curious and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided it was time for me to finally experience it for myself. Also, I saw it as a challenge since it was a new and unique way for me to grow and expand my boundaries. I always love talking to people and this was my big chance to really see what I can do. I joined the contest because I wanted to win. I have seen how other winners go on to expand on their platforms and become advocates to champion their causes, to reach out to people in need. This would make me very happy while making the necessary connections to further my personal goals- career wise.

• What is your impression on beauty contests prior to participating in one?
I see well-organized and reputable beauty pageants such as Miss Universe as means for young women like myself to take advantage of many avenues, exposures, connections to further ourselves in terms of life choices and goals. I do not see it as an exploitation of young ladies since the benefits are mutual. What could be wrong with that? Which other time in a girl's life can she have so much attention and be able to influence so many people in this world, help those in need and be a positive role model not only for her country but to the rest of the world? It is awesome! (smiles....)
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• Can you put in picture the judging process that you went through as a contestant of Miss Belize pageant? 
The Miss Belize Organization did not hold a traditional pageant this year due to many constraints. Instead, young ladies all over Belize had to apply and certain criteria and requirements were necessary, including writing an essay as to why we wanted to be the next Miss Belize and what qualities do we possess to fulfill this task. Photos were also sent in. After weeks of waiting, a decision was made and I was chosen to succeed Miss Leilah Pandy who did an awesome job as Miss Belize 2004. I have been excited since that day to do my very best for myself and for my Country.

  • What do you think are your qualities that helped you win the Miss Belize Universe 2005 title?
My sincerity, my confidence, my accomplishments and my desire to be Miss Belize. Going off to the University alone and experiencing my own individuality and independence were plus factors. My desire to take on new challenges, being outgoing and articulate are another plus points.

• Is winning a beauty pageant important? What are your responsibilities as Miss Belize Universe titleholder?
Anything that you work hard to achieve is important! One huge responsibility as Miss Belize is to be a great Ambassador for my country at home and abroad. The beauty and goodness of it is becoming a great role model. As Miss Belize, I was also able to raise awareness for my platforms which include Pediatric Aids and my all-time favorite organization- Habitat for Humanity. I get to work in my community, meet my people, share time with them and bring a smile to their faces even in the midst of a very difficult day for some.

• What is your most prized material possession?
I have many but I would have to choose my High School Diploma, simply because it represents a wonderful time in my life with teachers, friends and my community. It also reminds myself of many great achievements.

• You are still very young and learning... but what do you think is the best lesson life has ever taught you?
...that life is hard and only the strong survive, so one should rise above the circumstances and move on. 

• What is your opinion on activists' point of view that exposure of too much skin in the swimsuit competition disrespects women?
I respect their opinion but I also hold strong to my own, which is that it is only a small part of a whole woman and the way you carry yourself speaks volumes regardless of what you wear in a swimsuit competition. I can think of many ways in which women are disrespected everyday and this is not one of them. There are 85 beautiful and intelligent young ladies participating in this year's Miss Universe Pageant and if we felt that this was the case, I am certain we would not be subjecting ourselves to such fate. 

• If you were the Prime Minister of your country and right before you is a bill passed by Congress allowing Human Cloning as a legal procedure in the country, would you sign the bill or refuse the whole thing?
As the Prime Minister of my country, I would have to refuse the whole bill. Life is what it is. We all are unique and each life should have the same right to his or her own legacy. 

• What are your passions in life?
My passion in life is to enjoy each day, quietly preparing myself to be a very successful contributing adult to my community and the world at large. I love spending time with my family and friends. I equally enjoy, reading, traveling, modeling and quite recently, horseback riding.

• Can you tell something that is so interesting about you?
I would have to say my height. It is the initial physical attribute that gets me into conversations with people from all walks of like as they seem to always ask or want to ask, “Are you a Model”?

• How did you prepare for the Miss Universe pageant?
Every aspect of pageantry as we know it today have been addressed, starting with projection, health, fitness, catwalk and even more catwalk. I tried learning more about the new culture- Thailand, my home for three weeks. I have always been a tourist in my country so that part was easy. I have also been familiarizing myself with expectations of being a Miss Universe and the Organization that champions such a wonderful woman. So far it has been a great learning experience and I hope for it to continue. I live my life setting goals for myself, so to have others expecting much from me is like a fuel which I use to challenge myself to do best. It is also a source of encouragement. I have the support of my wonderful family and very dedicated people behind me. I thank them all for their love, efforts and support. 

• How will you describe your country to the rest of the world?
Belize is a lush, hidden paradise. Belize is culturally diverse and accepting of everyone. Our greatest asset still remains our people. Amidst any unfortunate circumstances that we go through, our people are still very warm. Belize is about 9 miles to the south of the nearest Mexican border. Our beautiful neighbor Guatemala and the sea-blue Caribbean Sea surround us. We are known for some of the best diving waters & our beautiful barrier reef. If you are a naturalist, the caves, wildlife sanctuaries, rain forest, bird watching, water sports may be your thing. If you are there to pamper yourself, we have many resorts to do just that, Beautiful Ramón's Reef and Maruba Resort comes to mind. All in all, if you like basking in the tropical sun being served on the beach, then Belize is the place for you. I invite all of you to see Belize.  

• Give us an idea of your "ideal man."
Someone who is ambitious, supportive and enthusiastic about life and definitely someone with a sense of humor!

• How would you define "love"?
Love for me is a feeling that warms the human heart, and brings a glowing smile to the face of one's life. It is not proud nor does it keep scores.

• Do you have a motto or personal quote that you live by?
I have two: My personal Motto is "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

The quote I grew up with from my parents is “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” 

• Aside from winning your local beauty pageant, what is the most fulfilling thing you've done?
I'd say going off to school for the first time alone for such a long time and maintaining my Dean's list standing for the duration of my studies while helping others and serving as my school's chief editor of the campus newspaper.

• Tell us about your fashion sense and style.
When it comes to fashion and style, my sense of taste exceeds my bank account. I am very careful with what I can afford. However, if money was not a problem, give me the simple elegance of designers like Carolina Herrera, Armani, a healthy dash of Roberto Cavalli. Every now and then, it allows me to be brazen but I still maintain the elegant, playful me. The clean flowing lines of Michael Kors is beautiful, but most of all, I am a girl who knows how to get the most from my money with styles that suit me and my taste. I am a bargain hunter so I am a TJMAXX, Ross or Marshalls kind of girl when it comes right down to it. (smiles....)

• Why do you want do be crowned Miss Universe and how would you define the title in your own terms?
Three reasons: first, because of my personal beliefs in the way I value life. I would like to have the opportunity to serve people in need especially the kids and being Miss Universe opens doors to be able to help people that may otherwise not be available to someone as young as I am. 

Recently, one of the few orphanages in Belize was destroyed by fire. I can only imagine help I could be to these kids, not only as Miss Belize but also as Miss Universe. To champion the many causes of the Miss Universe Organization as I have seen the past winners have done is more about what Miss Universe is and along with the glamorous side of what people always see.

Second, for my country, to be able to give them something that they have desired for so many years would be a thrill beyond words. 

Finally, for myself, it would be the greatest accomplishment for my life. I would maximize all its benefits for years to come.

I define a Miss Universe as a person who is all-inclusive, someone who is the representative of all people and someone who is willing to serve. Above all, she is a young woman with good values and has the willingness to be a spokesperson for the Miss Universe Organization long after the year of reign is up. 

• What should pageant experts, your fellowmen, fans and beauty watchers expect from Miss Belize at Miss Universe 2005?
Wow! I hope that they see a girl who is there not just trying to impress them but nonetheless they are impressed. I hope they see my confidence and desire to want to do this and I hope that at the end of the day, they would have seen an Andrea that did her best and is as deserving to be there as all the delegates who are all worthy of the crown as well.

• Finally, leave a message to your fans, supporters and the readers of Missosology.
First, I would like to thank Missosology for this interview and thanks for thinking of me so highly to deserve a top 15 placement on your “HOT PICS” for the past weeks. Thanks to all the fans who believe in me, to my Belizean people, you are with me in everything I do, and to the people in Thailand, I thank you for receiving me. To the other delegates, it’s my pleasure meeting you all and in the spirit of sisterhood, may this competition be a fun and peaceful one with everyone coming out with the most rewarding experiences.




Thank you Andrea. Do your best in your
Miss Universe quest! Good Luck!


Special thanks to 
Margaret Johnson, Pageants Belize Ltd.

 

 

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