Inspired by the top ten finish of Xiomara Blandino last year - Nicaragua's highest placement - Nicaraguans are rooting for their 2008 delegate. Thelma Rodriguez, Miss Nicaragua Universe 2008, is working hard to make her small Central American country proud having been subjected to rigorous beauty training and physical regimen. Comparing herself to a volcano (which is quite fitting for someone who came from a country that sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire), Thelma shares to Missosology.Org her views and opinions.
Please tell us about yourself, where you grew up and your hobbies.
I was born in Chinandega, located in the western side of Nicaragua. My city is surrounded by warm weather, the waters of the vast Pacific Ocean and an impressive scenery. My city is small but great in traditions. I grew up with my parents who were always striving to give us the best to my three siblings and me. Despite all the difficulties, united we succeeded.
Among my hobbies are surfing the Internet. There I search for information about my country and enjoy discovering curious details from around the world. I listen to music, love dancing and I love climbing volcanoes, one my biggest fascinations. Since I was a small child, I admired my country’s volcanoes, thinking how difficult it looked to reach the top. I took the challenge of climbing to the top of one volcano in my early teens, and when I achieved it, I learnt an important lesson, that there is no impossible, as long as you really want to achieve it.
What are your current preparations for Miss Universe 2008?
My preparation has been rigid because I have to meet a tight agenda. My activities include interviews with the media, speech and body expression lessons, dance, catwalk, makeup, meeting with designers, and of course, attending the gym. My duties as Miss Nicaragua, which really is not an obligation but something dear to me, is to work with less privileged children and the elderly. Perhaps it is not as apparent as part of my preparation for Miss Universe, but in reality it is because this has made me grow more as a person and assess what it means to have my crown and my sash. That is why every class, every interview, my work with the most disadvantaged, I am basically preparing to be an exemplary Miss Universe.
What characteristic that you think is unique to you?
I do not know if it is something unique, but I greatly admire the strength of volcanoes and love learning about them. The volcanoes, when they're inactive, would seem peaceful, hosting a large number of vegetation and fauna, while inside they contain great energy. That's me, peaceful, able to make friends and show through my smile and gaze what it means to be a Nicaraguan, while inside, I possess great energy and ready to use it to the fullest when the need arises. All that energy - unlike the volcano – will be used for constructive things.
Do you think that beauty pageants disrespect women?
Each person is entitled to their own opinion. My view is different. On the contrary, my personal experience has been a great opportunity to grow as a person, meeting all kinds of people and cultures and more importantly, to have the honor to represent my country internationally. Also, being Miss Nicaragua is not only an honor but a perfect opportunity to give something back to my country like helping the most deprived. This title does help me to work for good causes.
Could you tell us how you were selected as Miss Nicaragua?
The Miss Nicaragua 2008 pageant began with a general casting of about 70 young women from different parts of the country. I was then selected, along with 14 other girls, to participate in the national competition. Since that day, from about a month and a half we had a busy agenda getting ready with all type of courses, interviews with the press, and rehearsing for the final event. When I heard that I won Miss Nicaragua, I immediately started crying, while at the same time smiling. Right there I thanked God for this triumph. Now I'm ready for this new universal challenge.
What beauty tips would you like to share?
I love learning from everyone and everything - I'm like a little sponge. I do not have an specific beauty tip, simply my advice is to read, listen and try out all kind of recommendations. Apply it in your life those that will help you look and feel better, not only physically but as a human being.
How would you describe Nicaragua to your fellow contestants?
I will describe my country with the following sentences: Nicaragua is small in size but large in natural resources and culture. My country is rich in scenic views and climates. I personally invite you to explore my beautiful homeland and learn more about its most beautiful corners, about our people and about its delicious cuisine.
What is the motto that you live by?
I lead my life as follows: No matter how difficult the journey, as long as you are determined, you will reach it.
What qualities do you think will enable you to shine at Miss Universe 2008?
I know I have all the qualities to become Miss Universe and I am ready to take on this challenge and honor and I hope the jury feels the same. (Smiles).
Lastly, what is your message to the visitors of Missosology.Org?
I hope that they enjoy, as I have, browsing your website and I invite you to know about Nicaragua, that although not a common international tourist destination, it is one of the most beautiful, tranquil and peaceful places in Latin America. A secret that I want the whole world to know. Gracias por esta oportunidad y nos vemos pronto en Vietnam. Thanks for this opportunity and we will see each other soon in Vietnam. !
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Special thanks to Karen Celerbetti, National Director of Miss Nicaragua Organization and www.missnicaragua.com. Missosology.Org wishes Thelma all the best at Miss Universe 2008.
