- How has your life changed since winning Miss Universe?
- My life changed completely since I won the title. Just over a year ago I was a student at Ryerson University in Toronto, living a regular life, never even dreaming of being Miss Universe. Now I have traveled around the world to over 15 countries, met with amazing people (royalty, presidents, social and religious leaders, as well as many celebrities), lived in New York city attending red carpet events and fabulous parties, and learned extensively about HIV/AIDS pandemic around the world and had the oportunity to speak publicly on the issue spreading awareness to young people everywhere I went.
- Your charities are close to your heart, what would you say your biggest accomplishment has been since winning Miss Universe?
- The biggest accomplishment of mine as Miss Universe has been learning a tremendous amount about HIV/AIDS pandemic first hand. I went to many countries and met with people and children living with HIV/AIDS, I took public HIV tests to encourage others to do the same, and I gave the message of protecting yourself and reducing the stigma associated with the disease through media every chance I got.
- Any advice to this year's next Miss Universe?
- The best advice that I can give to the next Miss Universe is to use this year as the best opportunity for the future. Meet as many people as you can and get contacts for possible jobs and future career; try everything once to decide what you like to do and what you are good at to find your passion; experience as much as you can to grow as a person and learn because this is the year that will have the most interesting and exciting trips and events that will change your life forever.
- What has been the most fascinating place you have visited since becoming Miss Universe?
- There have been so many great places I visited this year. Swaziland (a small country inside South Africa) has been a particularly intersting place. It is a really small nation, and a last standing monarchy in Africa, but is really rich in natural beauty and culture.
- What are your plans for the future?
- I've always wanted to be a business owner. That is still my goal and I will work to fulfill it within the next 5 years. For the near future, my plan is to live and work in Thailand, where I will be a brand ambassador for Singha Corporation. I will also work with other companies and hopefully have my own line of beauty products or clothing.
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