Tell us about yourself in 50 words or less. We want to know one or two things that you'd want someone to know about you?
I am a compassionate, resilient and strong woman. I love deeply and have learned to trust God regardless of the circumstances. I thrive on giving back and helping others. My goal in life is to be able to create a harmony between my work and assisting those in need.
What are you most grateful for in life?
I am grateful for my courage. Time and time again, I find myself breaking barriers and learning from my mistakes. I no longer see things as impossible, but as challenges I am willing to take.
Who do you find beautiful – and what makes them beautiful to you?
My grandmother was the most beautiful person. Her strength, courage, and her tough love made her something really special. I loved the contrast of her skin and silver/white-ish hair. She was always confident with everything and just loved and cared for me so much.
Was there ever a time that you felt ugly? What happened and how did you react?
After facing a divorce, I was left feeling numb and inadequate. These feelings manifested from weight gain from depression, anxiety, and the notion that my marriage had failed. After therapy, building a connection with a higher power, and believing in myself I began to make changes. These feelings cross my mind from time to time, but I have learned how to let them go.
Based on the time above, when did you realize that you were beautiful?
I realized I was beautiful my senior year of high school. I had just gotten my braces taken off, and I worked my butt off to get in better shape. I was confident and felt it inside and out. I took that feeling with me to college. In college I started accepting all of me--especially the color of my skin.
What makes you beautiful?
My heart and my smile. I'm not perfect, but I know my heart is pure. My smile is the one thing I love seeing in the mirror. I also know when I smile often, things are good. I've been smiling a lot lately.
How has your idea of beauty changed over the years?
I have learned to look for something beautiful in every person I encounter. I have learned that physical beauty does not define you as a person, but that it only enhances the beauty that exists within.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't sweat the small stuff and just be confident with what God gave you. I used to beat myself up because I felt like I wasn't skinny and blonde. God blessed me with curves, brunette hair, caramel skin and hips for days. It wasn't til much later in my adult life that I started to really embrace and love the skin I'm in.
