My heart was melting watching Monique cry in episode 3. She really is
such a fun person. She has a zest for life, and is a born entertainer.
I really believe she will have an impact somehow in this industry,
especially with her personality. It's hard because, as the time goes
on, we have to keep eliminating a person thru covert and overt
challenges until we find our "True Beauty". All of these contestants
have their own unique beauty, and sometimes, Cheryl, Nole, and I
really have a tough time deliberating on who has to go home. But we
are reminded that they are in a competition and the bar is raised.
Yes, there are certain situations when you may be sitting on your
couch watching the show and saying, "Oh, I wouldn't have passed that
either", but then I hope you see the people who did pass, and how it
had a positive effect on everyone involved.
Standing there in front of Monique and CJ was hard. CJ seems to
understand the concept of True Beauty. He even mentioned those words
at the beginning of episode 3 without us referencing them. We kept
calling the show "America's Most Beautiful Person" or "Great American
Beauty". Monique seems to have a truly genuine side to her. She said a
few things on the show that weren't nice, but I could tell she felt
bad after she said them. And how many times have WE ALL gotten caught
up in our surroundings. It's human nature to roll with the crowd, or
say things and do things you normally wouldn't, just to fit in. I know
I have. I have also learned my lessons. When I competed for Miss Teen
USA 1998, I said, "I want to be me, Vanessa Minnillo, a 17 year old
girl who loved sports, making people laugh, and math". At first, I
thought I was completely out of my league at the pageant, and I was so
confused as to how to act: What would they want me to wear? How would
they want me to answer the questions? Am I standing right in my dress
or bikini? Then I realized that we are all different, and unique,
that's what makes us all really Beautiful. I finally decided to do
everything my way, so that at the end of the day, I had no regrets,
and no one to blame. Regardless of the outcome, I would always know,
"Well... at least I was ME!" and "I" could live with that! So, next
time you feel the urge or peer pressure to fit in, remember to hold
true to who you are, and what you believe in. Again, I have had
moments of my own doubt, even after the pageant, where I went along
with the crowd, and I was humbled by the experiences. I see, even more
clearly now, that my heart is the best guide. So follow yours, and
your gut instinct. At least then, you can learn for yourself, and be
proud that you did... Your Way!
Have a Beautiful Day.
Love, Vanessa
