URI student crowned Miss Rhode Island Latina
Robert Preliasco
Issue date: 9/18/07 Section: Campus
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University of Rhode Island sophomore Sasha Zacarias accomplished that feat when she was crowned Miss Rhode Island Latina in a pageant on Sept. 1. She will represent the state in the national Miss Latina competition in Mexico next August.
A professional belly dancer and full-time student, 18-year-old Zacarias had no modeling experience when she responded to a radio commercial asking for contestants in the Miss Rhode Island Latina Pageant. What she did have was a trim figure from dancing, determination and a desire to find a challenge.
"I just wanted to give it my all and see where it took me," she said.
Zacarias added, "I have no limits. Whatever opportunity comes, comes, and if I think it's an opportunity to better myself, why not do it?"
Along with the other contestants, Zacarias trained for two months before the pageant, receiving lessons and advice in dancing, wardrobe, make-up, choreography and the Spanish language.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Zacarias was already a fluent speaker, but she said she appreciated the practice and lessons about speaking in a formal setting.
"Throughout the course of it I was excited because I saw how I was changing," she said. "I saw how I learned a lot."
At the end of the seven-hour pageant, Zacarias learned one more thing about the world of modeling.
"I always asked myself when I saw Miss Universe or other pageants, 'Why do the girls cry [when they win?]' Now I know why. In those two seconds when they say your name, all your emotions just come to you," she said.
Zacarias will wear her crown and sash for one year before bestowing them on the new Miss Rhode Island Latina. In the meantime, she will attend many events in the state before traveling to Mexico for the Miss Latina United States Pageant.
She said she is looking forward to visiting Mexico and meeting the contestants from other states.