My Year …
This year has been more than a dream come true for me and I have experienced more than I ever thought I would. My only hope is, that with all that I have done, I have made all of my supporters and the beautiful state of Florida proud. Getting here was a challenge but it truly payed off in the end. It has been a long time’s preparation and surly a village ( Pageant Ready ;] ) to get to where I am today . No doubt I am a completely different version of Alyssa than when I fist started competing. I have learned so much about myself with this experience and I can honestly say that no matter what , I have NO REGRETS. I’m finally were I wanted to be and it is a very bitter-sweet feeling. I can’t even elaborate on how I’m feeling right now. I’m sad that my year is over but I’m exited because I feel like I have more to look forward to in the future, whatever that may be.
This past weekend (as I wrote on my previous blog) was pre taping weekend.Growing up in the Florida USA system I have been through many seminars pre-taping and pre-pageant events, and I always knew what it felt like to be the contestant looking up to that title holder, wanting so badly to have what she had. When I stepped forward to that mic on Seminar Day, all I could think was “I hope I give them the advice they are expecting to get and most importantly the advice they need to hear”. I hope the girls really took something from all that I said because It really came from the bottom of my heart . All I want is to see all of them succeed. I am so exited for this upcoming pageant and to crown my successor. I feel its time for another young lady to embark in this life changing journey. Who ever it may be I just hope she makes it a year of her own and pursues all that she wants because as I always tell the contestants, you only have one year so you have to make the best of what you’ve got.
The thing I have learned with being Miss Fl Teen USA are lessons I know for a fact I could never get anywhere else. This is a job but most importantly a privilege and something to take seriously and since the moment I was crowned Miss Treasure Coast Teen USA my life has been all about being Miss Florida Teen USA. It was about working hard to achieve my goals and get to where I envisioned my self being. I never understood what the saying “Make plans, because God will change them” meant until I had this title. (And I mean that in a positive way) It has taught me that although you can make goals and have dreams , destiny and fate will always take its course and thing will happen for mysterious reasons you just have to be willing to roll with the punches and keep going with the flow but never forgetting to steer it in the direction that your heart tell you to go.
This is my last blog as Miss Florida Teen USA .
=,(
It has truly been my honor and my pleasure representing this magnificent state. I love you all !!!
Thank you To My Sponsors:
PageantReady
(especially my dearest pageant coach and friend Jules Meyer)
Ear-q.com
Dr. Naidu
YoulookZabulous.com
Desireenercessian.com
Lime at the Shops at Pembroke Gardens
La Casa Hermosa
TeleRevista Magazine
Thank you to all who have supported and believe in me the entire year.
p.s : I hope I brought the Sunshine ! ;)
It’s a Wrap!!
What a great weekend. We wrapped up the pre-taping for the Miss Florida Teen USA 2011 pageant which will be the weekend of October 2, 2010 at Bailey hall. The weekend started with a great adventure with some interesting new friends at the Parrot Jungle Island in Miami, FL. I got to explore nature and its beauty at all new levels. I got to spend some quality fun time with the teen contestants. That evening I was off to the traditional teen dinner at the Mama Mia Dinner in Hollywood. I was fortunate to spend quality time with my entire pageant family, the teen contestants, their families, the Miss Florida USA directors, Jules Meyer, PageantReady, and Tel-Air. The food at Mama Mia’s was great because I finally got to enjoy it and sorry Brooke (my personal fitness trainer from PageantReady but I had seconds.) Mama Mia staff always knows how to treat us like royalty. This dinner has turned out to be a tradition at the Miss Florida USA Teen pageant home.
Saturday, Sept 11, I truly had the opportunity to mingle with contestants at seminar day. I was asked to be a guest speaker along with my mother, Lissette Garcia, Miss Florida USA 2011, Kim Antos & Arnold, Robin from La Casa Hermosa, & Marc Durso from Act True. I was asked to share my experiences and pass on some wisdom. I have to say that though I have waited three years to make that speech it was so hard to sum up in 10 minutes what a wonderful year of memories, experiences, new friendships and life long lessons I have and would love to share. One true piece of advice I have is that we are all winners. We choose our own destiny. As long as you give it your all and do it with grace, integrity and dedication you will always feel like a winner.
Sunday Sept 12, was Beach Day at Hollywood Beach. I got to wear bathing suits by my favorite bathing suit designer DesireeNerceissan. Took some wonderful shots and youtube clips . Later that night had a phone interview with Viva Magazine for a feature article.
I have been the champion of the infamous water chicken fight for the past three years so it was time to pass on that torch.
In two weeks I pass on the title of Miss Florida Teen USA . I have truly enjoyed this year so much from every fundraiser, photoshoot, youtube hosting, gala, preliminary pageant, and of course trip to Miss USA and Miss TEEN USA 2010. Most of all the new year is bringing me some great opportunities. I will hosting an Internet TV show, receiving the award as the Hispanic Unity Of Florida Rising Shining Star .
Thank you To My Sponsors:
PageantReady
(especially my dearest pageant coach and friend Jules Meyer)
Ear-q.com
Dr. Naidu
YoulookZabulous.com
Desireenercessian.com
Lime at the Shops at Pembroke Gardens
La Casa Hermosa
TeleRevista Magazine
Thank you to all who have supported and believe in me the entire year.
Miss Teen USA 2010 Pageant Experience
- Time to Mingle
Here we come
Top 15 walk
Farewell Parties Before Miss Teen USA 2010
This has been a great year. I have been blessed to have so many great people in my life. This year has truly been a dream come true. Since I was a tween I have watched Miss Teen USA pageants and dreamed of being on that type of stage. I have worked very hard this year with the help of my State Director, Gravitt Family, PageantReady team, Don Baker, La Casa Hermosa, Ear-Q, YouLookZabulous.com, and many others that have given me their advice and time to make sure I am the best I can be. I will represent Florida well.
I want to take this moment to thank all who have graciously attended my send off partie whethers at the Crowne Plaza, Hollywood Florida or LIME and given me gifts. Edda’s cake was absolutely delicious and the LIME fresh Mexican food was yummy. It was so much fun. Though my little sister, Tiffany Rivera stole the show with her speech. Everyone’s warmth, presence, good wishes and support are truly inspiring and overwhelming. It definitely drives me.
Secondly my Hometown restaurant LIME in the, Miramar/Pembroke Pines area sponsored a beautiful send off party last night at LIME at the Shops of Pembroke Garden Mall. Mayor Lori Mosley of Miramar, Miss Florida USA 2011 Lissette Garcia, Miss Florida USA 2010 Megan Clementi, Jules Meyer of PageantReady and many of the Miss and Teen contestants came to show their support. Most of the Broward Sheriff Office and other law enforcement friends were there as well. Thank you guys for making our streets so safe. My family, friends, school teachers and sponsors were there. The love my hometown of Miramar has shown me and Pembroke Gardens particularly LIME was amazing. Thank you to their staff and Nick the manager for making it happen. I just want you each to know that you have contributed your great wishes, support and time. LIME you really know how to throw a party!! I really do acknowledge, appreciate and am truly touched by it. Everyone the countdown is on. I am four days away from leaving to the Bahamas.
Please make sure to watch Miss Teen USA on July 24, 2010 on http://www.MissTeenUSA.com and VOTE FOR FLORIDA. Make me #1 and for the Photogenic Award. Thanks for all the love from the Sunshine State.
Thank you to my sponsors:
La Casa Hermosa
PageantReady
Jorge Zabaleta – Hair Stylist
Miramar Dermatology
Carl Britton, Jr – Trainer
Soleil Spa
Ear-Q President, Nelson Santiago, PHd
Desiree Nercessian – Bathing Suit Designer
Dr. Naidu - Orthodontics
Lime at Pembroke Gardens
Tell Them Thank You!!!
In exactly thirty days I will be invoking in a once in a lifetime experience. Florida I can assure you I have worked hard physically, mentally and am able to represent this State well. As I think of all my preparation I have had through this year (PageantReady & Ear-Q) I live by an important standard my mother has always taught me, for every blessing you get in life, you must give something back. I have been moved by the generosity and blessings of my beautiful State of Florida. Especially the ongoing support during this very important venture for the crown of Miss Teen USA 2010. My hometown has been so generous to the point that they will host a special Send Off Party for me at Lime & Kilwins, Pembroke Gardens Mall, Pembroke Pines on July 13, 2010 from 6p-10p. I hope to see you all there, to have a good time in LIME. We need to support our local businesses. The next time you see a business hosting or supporting a cause or a fundraiser please tell them thank you.
Thank you to my sponsors:
La Casa Hermosa
PageantReady
Jorge Zabaleta – Hair Stylist
Miramar Dermatology
Carl Britton, Jr – Trainer
Soleil Spa
Ear-Q President, Nelson Santiago, PHd
Dr. Naidu - Orthodontics
Lime at Pembroke Gardens
Kilwins at Pembroke Gardens
Miss USA 2010!! VEGAS BABY
It was a wonderful experience to witness first hand the emotion and energy of being present at the Miss USA preliminary and finals pageants. I have to say it gave me a great perspective of what to expect at Miss Teen USA 2010 in the Bahamas. I had the opportunity to meet 43 of the 51 contestants that will be vying for the same crown with me. I was able to attend a True Beauty Expo in which I won the raffle of a $500 gift certificate to La Casa Hermosa. My favorite gown store. Robin and her styling staff treat me so well. I had the opportunity to meet Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, Miss USA Kristen Dalton, Miss Universe Puerto Rico Mariana Paola and Miss Teen USA 2010 Stormi Henley. I really had a great time watching the True Beauty Expo Rocks and getting to walk the red carpet with my best friend and fellow Miss Maryland Teen USA 2010, Kameron Crawford. I learned this weekend after watching Rima be crowned as the Miss USA 2010 that this crown is attainable if you have determination.
mce_marker
- Got Sugar
Today !!!
I am here writing before my big event tonight, The Alyssa and Amor Y Vida Black Tie Affair, to talk about this morning and the fear I overcame. I have always had a grave fear of going on a spanish speaking television program and this morning at 5 am I was on Buenos Dias which is like Good Morning South Florida. I was nervous to say the least, but when I was sitting there being interviewed it dawned on me that this was the first to many spanish speaking programs that I will be on. There has to be a first sometime in my life, why not now? At 11 am today watch me on Acceso Total talking about tonight’s event and the cause that we are supporting. I am more than exited to be having so many supporters come out to MI-VI at Gulfstream park not only to support me but to step forward and help those orphans in Honduras. I have to also take this time and thank all of my amazing sponsors:
La Casa Hermosa
http://www.lacasahermosa.com/
Telerevista Magazine
http://www.telerevista.com/
Pageant Ready
http://www.pageantready.com/
Jorge Zabaleta
http://youlookzabulous.com
Fitness Trainer, Carl Britton, Jr
Ear-Q President, Nelson Santiago, PHd
Dr. Naidu
http://www.naiduortho.com/
THE EVENT:
March 26th 2010 at 7:30 pm
Club MI-VI
Gulfstream Park
901 South Federal Highway, Hallendale Beach, Fl
33009
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE !!
The Past Couple of Weeks ….
The past couple of weeks have been very special for me. I have met people who have left footprints in my heart forever. The best thing about being a title holder isn’t entirely the events, although those are great, but about the amazing people you are helping by going to those events. I had the honor of judging the Miss and Jr. Miss Brighton Seminole pageant in Okeechobee. It was my first time visiting the town and I was welcomed with open arms. Being a judge is so different than being a contestant. It felt weird sitting on the other side for once but it also was useful for me because I realized what judges are truly looking for in a title holder. They want someone real and outgoing that shines of confidence. It’s not an easy job , judging a pageant, but it was fun. As I met each girl I learned so much about the Seminole culture. They are very family oriented and they hold their traditions and history very close to their heart. Learning about their culture had to be my favorite part of the entire pageant. The girls even gave me an Indian name. When each child in a Seminole family is born and elder gives them an Indian name describing them. They called me Turtle or Lucv (pronounced Loja) because it is my favorite animal. =)
Yesterday, I was on Lincon Road in Miami Beach “Spreading the Word to End the Word” for Best Buddies. Our main goal as to get pledges from people saying that they would no longer use the R- word or retarded. It is a very hurtful and disrespectful word . My little sister Tiffany , my father, and I all pledged and we met some amazing new buddies Chris and Manny. You can pledge too ! Go on to www.r-word.org and pledge to not say the R word today and tell your friends and family to do it as well.
The time I have had as Miss Florida Teen USA so far has been a complete blessing. My friends, family, and sponsors have been so supportive and I am so lucky to have such and amazing team behind me and I am forever thankful. Today, I was interviewed for a Hispanic magazine. I am so exited that so many people throughout Florida and the hispanic community have been so supportive. I’m giving this my all. I am going into Teen USA full force and I know I will make Florida proud!!!
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
The Journey…
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- Lao-tzu
Last weekend was so much fun !!! My family and friends threw a mini party to celebrate my win as Miss Florida Teen USA. We watched it on Channel 7, and enjoyed snacks. It was so great to see my friends and family support me. It takes a village to be prepared for a pageant and I’m just happy the village I have supporting me is always there.
Saturday, I was the host for the premiere for The Lovely Bones and had the privilege of interviewing Saoirse Ronnan ( Oscar and Golden Globe Nominee and actress in The Atonement) and Rose McIvan (Johnny Tsunami and Eddies Million Dollar Cook off). They were so sweet and watching them on the big screen was a great experience. But besides being famous actresses, they are just like me, a regular young woman just doing what she loves and I admire each one of them for that. After the interview and the movie, I had the honor of signing autographs next to them. I signed a phone for the first time in my life!!!! 
Sunday, I visited the Jupiter Inlet lighthouse with my sister queen Megan. It was the first lighthouse I have ever been to, it was also the first I have ever climbed. You would think it’s easier going down than going up, but for me it was the complete opposite. I had to keep a brave face because I was along side my little sister and a little girl who was crying and saying how scared she was, but I got through it thank God. I also had the opportunity to do something I always dreamed of : to judge a cake contest! I am always watching the Food Channel’s: Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes but this Sunday I got to live it.
But apart from the events and parties, I had midterms that was taking up a lot of my time. I had six tests to pass. With hard work and studying I am confident I did just fine. 
I got the braces put in on Thursday. I never thought I would ever get braces in my life until Dr. Naidu (http://www.naiduortho.com/) and his amazing staff assured me no one would see them when I smiled. I trust them and I know that by the time Teen USA comes around my smile will be ready for the cameras. I am giving my all into the preparation leading up to the big day when I represent Florida at Teen USA . You only get to compete once, so I am going to give it my absolute all.
My First blog as Miss Florida Teen USA 2010
This is my first blog to share with everyone.
In the past month I have done so many events and I would really like to share my experiences with you all as Miss Florida Teen USA 2010..
As the New Year has arrived we make many resolutions to better ourselves. Just be true to yourself and make everyday count. I realize how lucky I am to be where I am today. I am here due to hard work and diligence. I thank God that I am healthy and have an amazing family that supports me in all that I do. But unfortunately not everyone is that fortunate. As a community we are all a family and we have to be there for those in need. Need is not only defined as financial but it can be defined as spiritual as well. Or the need may be for help or guidance. It’s funny really how things work out in life. This week in my social justice class our assignment was to write a Christmas card to children who had been diagnosed with cancer and in the hospital during the holiday season. Little did I know a couple days later I would be visiting those same children.
I had the privilege of visiting the Chris Evert Children’s Center in Broward General Hospital along with my sister queen Megan Clementi and Lorenzo Llamas from the E show “Living with the Lamas”. Today was a day I will never forget. I got to meet little troopers battling cancer. I had the pleasure of meeting a 17 year old young man who was just diagnosed in November but still had a smile on his face even after going through his chemo. Glyneice, a little girl who was celebrating her birthday and ran all the way to us before we left just to give us a slice of her cake. A little boy who when he fights off this cancer with the help of God, will one day be a pro-skater, and last but not least a little model named Jayleya who will one day be Miss Universe. This little girl really touched me. But I realized they all had something in common. The look of bravery and determination. They looked past the fact they were in the hospital or that they were sick but rather they enjoyed the moment while it lasted. It surely changed the way that I looked at life. Hopefully in the near future I will go back to the Children’s Center and spend sometime with me new friends.
After that we went to the Winterfest Boat Parade’s pre party with Alonzo Mourning. That was fun !!! I was able to meet so many nice people while I was there. It was held at Passions in the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. I was greeted by Winterfest Boat Parade committee. I was afforded the opportunity to take a photo on Lorenzo Lamas’ motorcycle. That was one action packed day!
The experience of the Winterfest Boat Parade “!!!!! WooHooo !!!! “ that was a blast I was honored to be Glenda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz in the Children’s Theatre Water Taxi Boat .
It was the first parade I have ever been to where the floats actually float. Although it was a rainy day when the coast was clear from all that water we were able to take off. I was really exited because I was able to share the experience with my father who seldom has the opportunity to attend events with me. Rather than being Miss Florida Teen USA on the Wizard of Oz themed boat, my inner actress came out as a I transformed into my character Glenda and played the role of the world-famous good witch who has won over the hearts of Americans. What a role it was in deed, by the time I exited I felt the sudden urge of being a Disney Princess in a parade!!! (I would make a great Pocahontas .) But like every other title holder before me I must say that was one parade I will never forget.
- You have no power here, now be gone before someone drops a house on you. – Glenda, the Good Witch of the North, Wizard of Oz
The weekend is over and it was surely a wonderful and busy one. But before the weekend ended I had one more event. I was the hostess for the Miss Fort Lauderdale USA/ Teen USA 2011 pageant. With a few power outages here and there over all it was the most fun. I had the opportunity to see a familiar face in the judging table, my good friend and sponsor. Jorge Zabaleta. He makes my hair look Zabulous!!! Check him out at http://youlookzabulous.com
I was also featured in The Miami Herald and El Sentinel that same weekend. I am so thankful to my community who has been supporting me since I first started as Miss Homestead Florida Keys Teen USA 2008. The girls all did amazing at the pageant and at the end of the day we crowned two winners who will be competing in the Miss Florida USA 2011 pageant and Miss Florida Teen USA 2011 pageant.
- God works through different people in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purpose through them all.
Thank You to All My Sponsors:
La Casa Hermosa
Pageant Ready
Jorge Zabaleta
Fitness Trainer, Carl Britton, Jr
Ear-Q President, Nelson Santiago, PHd
Dr. Naidu
