Miss Puerto Rico World 2007
Jennifer Guevara Campos

Describe the village or place where you grew up?

 

I grew up in the City of San Juan, Capital of Puerto Rico. San Juan thrives in diversity: history, folklore, business and fun. As an international tourist destination, San Juan is visited by a wide variety of cultures that interact in a positive way creating a distinctive dynamic atmosphere. It is a contemporary city that merges colonial era architecture with modern buildings.

 

How would you describe yourself to the world?

 

I consider myself a fighter. I'm compromised with my dreams. And even though I still have many goals, I'm very proud and satisfied of my achievements, because I have acquired them through strong effort and devotion.

What are the good things that you like about your country, Puerto Rico?

My country has many good things, but the best thing it has are its people. Puerto Ricans have a very unique personality, which makes them stand out wherever they are in the world. They're known for their hospitality and dedication, making visitors feel at home whenever they come to the Island. Family values are also a very important part of our culture, which is also known for its tight-knit warmhearted families.

 

 

Did you always dream to become Miss Puerto Rico or did you have some ambitions as a child?

 

I think every girl in my country dreams of becoming Miss World Puerto Rico at some point in their life, particularly because beauty pageants have worked their way into our culture.

 

This was not my particular case though, because my thing was sports. As fate would have it, I ended up competing in the local pageant, and faced it the same way I would face a volleyball tournament: hard work, discipline and preparation. However, my real dream was becoming a teacher. I believe that teaching is a key component of society. It communicates values, discipline and culture. Becoming Miss World Puerto Rico has helped me achieve this dream. As a role model for the younger generation I can influence them to listen to their parents (they're our first and most important teachers), and also influence them to stay in school and do their best. Children are our future and being Miss World Puerto Rico gives me the opportunity to help and counsel all the kids who admire me for who I am.

 

Furthermore, I wish to grant my country the pride and joy of obtaining its second Miss World crown, and send a message to our youth that through discipline and hard work no goal is unreachable. As for long-term goals, I wish to complete my Bachelor's degree in Education, and eventually become a child psychologist. I would also like to establish a foundation for deaf children, whom I have worked with since high school and have taught me that you can reach your goals, no matter how big your obstacles are.

Describe the selection process during your national pageant.

The national pageant competition in Puerto Rico was very hard for me at first, because I had no knowledge in modeling or pageantry. I am a volleyball player, and was chosen in an open casting at a clothing store. I visualized myself as winning a gold medal in college league sport events, and so, wearing makeup and walking on high heels was all new to me. The Miss World Academy, however, taught us how to prepare ourselves for the modeling and pageant world. So the process was well worth it.

In the national competition, I won to represent Mexico in Miss World 2007.

Once the girls were selected as competitors, several fast track competitions are held whose winners would secure a spot into the semifinals.  These included: swimsuit, sports, talent, photogenic, Beauty With a Purpose, and make-up.  To my pleasant surprise, I ranked as finalist in many of these events, and won the sports competition.  Ten more candidates, 2 per region (North, South, East, West, and Center of Puerto Rico) would join those six.   One was selected through interview with the judges and the other one was chosen through telephone voting.  It's the first time in the history of the local pageant that contestants are chosen by region and through fast track competitions. 

On the final night, the 16 semifinalists were announced.  The swimsuit and evening gown competition was held, as well as an informal interview. Afterwards, a top 6 was selected, answered a final a final question, and then the winner was announced.

How would you define beauty?

I don't think that beauty has a single definition, as it can be found everywhere. There is beauty in every genuine act that's born from the heart, and through that you can make sure that beauty really does have a purpose every day.

It is a part of our beings and you can feel it on a physical, spiritual and emotional level. There is beauty in friendship and family. There is beauty in the smile of a loved ones. There is beauty in love.

At any given moment what would your handbag contain?

Ha ha! This is a funny question. Seriously, my bag is my life when I go out of my house. I leave very early in the morning and have to make sure that it carries everything I'm going to need. It holds my important documents, my mobile phone (one of the prizes for winning the Miss World Puerto Rico pageant and my new toy), wallet, mints, a picture of my mom (because she's my angel), moisturizing cream, insect repellent spray and basic makeup items for retouch(setting powder, mascara and 2 or 3 different color lip-gloss).

How would you see yourself someday - a family oriented wife or a career woman?

 

I see myself as a career woman who will provide a good life to her family. I love children, and even though my mother passed away when I was very young, I was raised on strong family values. So even though I do want to have a family, I am presently focused on my individual goals, so that I can later enjoy my success with my family and loved ones.

Name a beauty queen that you had always admired and wish to emulate.

 

I have always admired Mrs. Wilnelia Merced; she has a very similar background to my own. We come from very humble families and worked really hard to get to where we are. Also, she is the only woman from Puerto Rico to win the Miss World pageant, and that is an honor for me and for every girl in our country. Her devotion to help others through her foundation, and her life is an inspiration to me. I aspire to reach that same level of fulfillment in my life.

Puerto Rico is a beauty pageant superpower. Do you feel in any way pressured to win the Miss World crown?

 

In this moment I have two main goals. One of them is making my family proud and proving that you can achieve anything with hard work and discipline. The second and most important one, is that Puerto Rico can see one of theirs crowned as Miss World for a second time. My country has only had one Miss World, Wilnelia Merced in 1975. I think it's time to bring back home this important title. I wish to experience the same emotions that she had and bring great joy to my country.

 

However, I do not perceive this as pressure because I feel happy, calm, and satisfied with all of the preparation that I have received ever since I was selected to represent my country.

 

Lastly, what is your message to Missosology.Org's website visitors?

 

I'd like to thank everyone for your great support on this important journey. Follow your dreams and press on. The biggest achievements in history started out as a daring dream. Hard work and discipline will make what seemed as impossible, a reality. The experiences lived and teachings I've learned throughout this period of my life are so overwhelming that there are no words to express them, only a huge smile that comes from happiness, satisfaction and the emotions in my heart. Never give up. Lots of love, Your new friend, Jennifer.