Looking back on the beginning of Miss World, I’m still amazed at how unforgettable those first few days in India were! Following my safe arrival, I embarked on the inaugural week of competition.
Day One: Arrival at Trident Hotel
The first morning waking up at the Trident Hotel in Hyderabad, I was surprisingly calm and collected. I have distinct memories of past competitions where I woke up the first day with my heart pounding from nerves. But from day one at Miss World, I felt very content and excited. It’s pageant tradition that you are assigned a roommate for the duration of your stay, and mine was none other than the incredible Emma Morrison, Miss Canada. We walked into our room to find the sweetest surprise waiting for us—personalized throw pillows embroidered with our names and countries. It instantly made us feel special. Our very first breakfast with contestants from around the world set the tone for what would be a fast-paced first week. Emma brought me some sweet maple cookies, a Canadian pantry staple as we un-packed our hoard of luggages and made ourselves at home.
Day Two: Miss World Rehearsals Began
The next morning, we headed to rehearsals for the opening ceremony at a convention center about 15–20 minutes away. This was our first taste of the atmosphere of Telangana, India and our first time venturing outside of the hotel. On the bus ride over, I had the chance to sit next to the lovely Valeria Cannavo, Miss Venezuela. That moment was so special to me, since my mom is from Venezuela, and sharing pieces of my family’s history with her created a bond that felt both personal and meaningful. We took some selfies together for the hungry and eager pageant fans online, who dubbed us “USAZUELA,” as we seemingly formed a new country alliance! Of course, we had to video chat with my mom. When I called her and hinted that I had a “special guest” with me, she instantly cried and shared a moment in Spanish with Valeria. It was surreal getting to sit next to Miss Venezuela herself, something that my own mom grew up watching on TV as a little girl.
Day Three: Orientation with Julia Morley, Miss World CEO
All 108 fellow delegates and I gathered in a grand ballroom for our first orientation with Julia Morley, the CEO of Miss World. Hearing her speak was surreal and sweet, like visiting with your grandma (well, she is a grandma, at 85 years old!) During a Q&A, I mustered up the courage to ask her what she believed our biggest takeaway from Miss World would be, and she told us: “By the end of it, you’re going to wish it wasn’t over—that you could stay here for another month.” Those words stuck with me throughout the competition and gave me a sense of peace. It was her way of saying, no matter what the outcome that we would come to love this experience and cherished memories. Later in the afternoon, we rehearsed for the international costume segment, and I strutted in my cowgirl outfit proudly representing the USA with some Western flair.
Day Four: The Opening Ceremony
The “Dances of the World” opening ceremony was truly a highlight. It was broadcast live across the globe, and performing in it was something I’ll never forget as it was our first “big” phase of the competition. Backstage, the atmosphere was pure chaos: giant costumes squeezing through tiny spaces, witnessing every exotic bird, giant hoop skirt, and rhinestoned prop you can imagine scattering the floor. The Indian heat was making everyone sweat their makeup off, and girls fanning one another to keep from fainting. At one point I removed my cowboy hat at one point to fan some of the girls. Once I saw how sweaty and gross my hairline was under the hat, I swiftly put it back on! Despite the madness, it was a beautiful celebration of culture and unity, and made me feel like an Olymian carrying a torch while waving my country’s flag. Lets not forget closing the ceremony by singing the ubiquitous “Light The Passion, Share The Dream” Miss World song in our giant Kumbaya moment.
Day Five: First Press Day
After the whirlwind of the opening ceremony, the following day was a bit calmer day filled with press interviews. Local media outlets in India set up camp at the hotel, and each contestant rotated through to share about her experience so far and her hopes for the competition. Speaking to so many journalists reminded me of the global platform Miss World provides, and how grateful I was that so many came to our hotel to speak with us and gather our experiences in India. One key buzzword the Miss World Organization told us to repeat was: Telangana, Zarur Aana! The official slogan of Telangana Tourism which means “Telangana, come visit!” or some variation thereof. That was the first of many hundred times shouting Telangana Zarur Aana!
Looking back, week one was everything I dreamed of and more: rehearsals, cultural exchange, laughter, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I felt so grateful then, and still feel grateful now, to have had the honor of representing the United States on such a global stage.
