Critical Beauty

You go to college right now. What is your favorite subject and why?  I’m currently going to school for medical biology with a minor in chemistry, so I’d say I’m a tad bit biased toward the sciences (sorry English and History). I love organic chemistry, or as we nerds call it, “O-chem.” I remember when I first decided to become a premedical student I was warned time and time again of the torture that is organic chemistry. So when I sat in class that first day, I was scared half to death. Thankfully, the farther into the course I got, the easier it became. Now, I love organic so much that sometimes I find myself doing synthesis problems for fun. “Ok, let’s see, NaOH and a peroxide would move the carbon chain here because of rearrangement..” It’s kind of like my version of a crossword puzzle. Yeah, I know….. I need a life. Luckily, I left the course with an A and the title of “first ranked student.” Woo hoo! Give three adjectives that your friends would describe you.

Elvira Devinamira (#21) is crowned as Puteri Indonesia 2014 by Puteri Indonesia 2013 Whulandary Herman during Puteri Indonesia 2014 Beauty Pageant at Jakarta Convention Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia, on Jan. 29, 2014.  She will compete in Miss Universe 2014 pageant. The reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler assisted in the coronation. Elfin Pertiwi Rappa , (#7) representing South Sumatra, was crowned Miss International Indonesia 2014 (Puteri Indonesia 2014 Lingkungan) and will represent Indonesia in the Miss International 2014.Thirty eight beauty contestants entered the final. [Photo: Xinhua/Veri Sanovri] Elvira Devinamira , newly-crowned Puteri Indonesia 2014, greets audience during Puteri Indonesia 2014 Beauty Pageant at Jakarta Convention Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia, on Jan. 29, 2014.  

How did you become interested in pageants? When I was in 7th grade, there was a modeling camp in my local community; my mom wanted me to be a part of it. I did it and loved it; that led me to enter my first pageant “Miss Independence” (a local pageant with a large group of girls in my community) and I won. The rest is history. Give three adjectives that your friends would describe you. Quirky. Driven. Sweet. What do you see when you look in the mirror? I see a lucky girl who has been very blessed. How do you measure success? Honestly success is about giving whatever it is you’re passionate about 110% and ALWAYS being who YOU are, and not who you think you should be. To me, that is success-- no matter the outcome.  How do you handle criticism? I actually like criticism, as long as it’s constructive. I am very confident in who I am, but I am always looking to improve and become a better version of myself. So I’d say I can handle it pretty well. If you we

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD OLSON How did you become interested in pageants? Last July, I decided to compete in a fitness bikini competition after loosing 40 pounds 6 months’ prior. After the competition I was approached by one of my sorority sisters who was involved in the pageant organization and she originally put the idea in my head. At first I didn’t think I wanted to compete because I had such a false perception as to what pageants truly were. The more I researched and talked to former pageant winners I decided that it was a great opportunity for me. I figured I had nothing to lose but everything in the world to gain. I went into the weekend as excited and optimistic as can be, I made so many new friends, and I was lucky enough to be crowned. Give three adjectives that your friends would describe you. Genuine. Confident. Selfless. What do you see when you look in the mirror? I see a strong, independent, confident young woman. I am so proud of all of the progress that I’v

NASTASSJA BOLIVAR / PHOTO CREDIT: FADIL BERISHA/MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION Miss Nicaragua 2013 Nastassja Bolívar had her crown taken away, according to a statement from the country’s local Miss Universe franchise. The surprise move has shocked the country. The director of the franchise, Karen Celebertti , decided that Bolívar “will have no involvement in the official events” for the Miss Nicaragua Organization. Celebertti alleged that the conflict began shortly after Bolívar was elected to represent Nicaragua, and insubordination led to the beauty queen losing her title. Bolívar, 25, who resides in Miami, Florida, landed in the final 16 of the Miss Universe pageant held in Russia in November of last year (Miss Costa Rica also attained a spot in the top 16). Bolívar won first place in the category of Best National Costume among the 89 participants. The beauty queen reacted to the decision by saying that “with or without the crown” she intends to support any cultura

How did you become interested in pageants? In high school, a photographer that I worked with asked to sponsor me for a local pageant. I nervously entered, wearing the dress I wore to homecoming, and I won! Meeting new people with similar ambitions and being on stage... It is truly an addicting experience Give three adjectives that your friends would describe you. I just texted my best friend to see what she would actually say. "Inspiring, Loyal, and Passionate."  [Awwww! Cliché, but i'll take it!] What do you see when you look in the mirror? How badly I need a tan. . How do you measure success? I set personal goals with everything I do, so that's my measuring stick.  I really don't compare myself to anyone else when it comes to success. How do you handle criticism? I love constructive criticism when it comes to my work. It makes me better at what I do. Everyone has something to say about everything. You just have to be confident in y

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA LUCAS How did you become interested in pageants? My interest in pageants started from a bet. The first pageant I ever competed in, my mother bet me to participate in it. Keep in mind, I had never worn high heels nor put on makeup. Luckily, I placed First Runner-Up and the next year went on to win the prestigious title of Miss South View High School.  Give three adjectives that your friends would describe you. Rebellious. Passionate. Kind. What do you see when you look in the mirror? When I look in the mirror, I see a woman who has overcome a significant amount of stereotypes. How do you measure success? I  measure success by the legacy you leave behind and the way people speak of you when you are not around. How do you handle criticism? Criticism can be a swift ‘punch in the gut’ at times, but I try to turn it into a positive. Lately people have been helping me to see things I need to work on so that I can become an overall be