It was a dream come true for 23-year-old Miss Massachusetts Susie Castillo, who was crowned Miss USA last week, before a world-wide television audience in the 52nd annual beauty pageant.
‘It feels awesome!’ Castillo said. ‘It’s something I’ve dreamed of and worked really hard to accomplish.’
The contest was all about attitude for Castillo, who credited her positive mindset prior to, and during the contest, to helping her win.
‘I think one of the best pieces of advice that I got was that you have to believe you can [win the contest],’ she said, ‘and that you have to sparkle with confidence when you step out on stage.’
Castillo was surprisingly confident, she said.
‘I thought I would be nervous, but I was more nervous at the Massachusetts state competition than I was [then],’ she said. ‘[At the national contest], I was excited about the crowd’s energy there was adrenaline in that coliseum.’
The win was life-changing for Castillo, who hails from Lawrence, a former textile mill town in northeastern Massachusetts. After winning the Miss USA contest, Castillo immediately left her managerial job in Massachusetts and was moved by the Miss Universe Organization to one of Donald Trump’s apartments in New York City’s Upper West Side. Castillo said she welcomed the change, taking advantage of new experiences.
‘[This experience] is a huge stepping stone and the opportunities are endless,’ she said. ‘My days consist of media tours … [Monday] I was on Regis and Kelly, and opened the show because Kelly is on maternity leave. It’s just amazing.’
In addition to television and public appearances, Castillo is also gearing up for the 2003 Miss Universe pageant, which will be broadcast world-wide from Panama in June.
‘It’s going to be a great experience,’ she said. ‘I’m fluent in Spanish so I’ll be able to communicate with the other girls [from Central American countries]. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I will do the best in representing our country.’
Upon her return from the Miss Universe pageant, Castillo also will promote a number of charitable organizations, including the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and the National Breast Cancer Coalition. She said she hopes to raise more than the previous Miss USA’s $34 million for these funds.
When her career as Miss USA ends in March of next year, Castillo said she plans to keep moving with her life in the public spotlight.
‘I see myself continuing to pursue my dreams,’ Castillo said. ‘Hopefully my dream to become part of the entertainment industry will keep going. I’m a goal-oriented person and it keeps me [looking forward].’