Miss Le Rich: The Girl Underneath the Crown

Most of you know me as Miss Le Rich but after all, to win the competition I had to bring with me Beauty*Strength*Destiny already. To achieve these things It only took me an entire life time of working at this. I want to share what this means for me, and I also want to introduce to you, the real me, the girl without the makeup and beautiful dresses and crown, behind the scenes!

I love to laugh! But I love the people that make me laugh even more

*BEAUTY*

I wasn’t born with “model looks” and I had to work at this for a VERY VERY VERY long time! Growing up I was the awkward, super tall, and super thin girl with braces. Like any awkward kid, I didn’t have a prom date, and I got made fun of for being very tall and skinny. My real “swan transformation” didn’t happen until my early 20’s when I was in college!

What I truly attribute my beauty to is my heritage. I was born in Mexico and moved to the US when I was 5 years old. I didn’t speak English and had to learn it very quickly when I started school. I love my country and I am very proud to be Mexican. I have not lost my ability to speak Spanish fluently and I absolutely love listening and dancing to Spanish music.

*STRENGTH*

I have a degree in Biochemical and Biophysical sciences with a minor in chemistry and biology from the University of Houston.
Go Coogs! This degree taught me what it meant to sacrifice many comforts such as sleep, spending time with loved ones, holidays, and many weekend nights in order to study. The tradeoff of missing many an exciting night out was worthwhile when I successfully completed my degree.

Go Coogs! Class of 2003!!!

Currently, I work as an Infectious Disease researcher. I LOVE my job and everyday I wake up happy to go to work and to learn something new. I also have gotten the opportunity to present my work at seminars in the Houston Medical Center and Puerto Rico.

*DESTINY*

Since September 2009, I have served as a mentor for high school girls in a group called Pure Fashion ( Remember last week’s blog?!). I was called upon this organization as part of the very first chapter in Houston, Texas because of my modeling experience. This organization promotes beauty through modesty, authenticity, and healthy lifestyles which are very necessary in today’s society especially in young women. I teach young ladies how to walk on the runway for a show given at the end of the year. Most of the girls involved have never walked on a runway let alone in high heels. I give them some essential rules: smile, don’t look down, and practice. I also encourage them to apply this to not only the runway but in their everyday life. I want to be their inspiration as they are mine to continue professional careers, and ambitions. Pure Fashion allows them to stay strong in the path of their goals despite the obstacles they will face.

I am a young girl with very big dreams. My goals don’t just stop at getting a degree and winning a crown. I will soon be going back to school to pursue a graduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. I love to learn and what better way to do this than to go back to school? Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on the next difficult but exciting journey of my life!