by Emily Moss
Ever since she was seven years old, Ashley Rodriguez knew she was interested in fashion.
Now a sophomore at North, Rodriguez attends weekly modeling classes with professional makeup artists, hairstylists, and public speaking coaches and works for John Casablancas modeling agency in Boston. She won first place in the Miss Teen Belleza Latina USA pageant Saturday, Oct. 25, an annual competition in which contestants have the opportunity to represent their individual Hispanic cultures.
Rodriguez noted, “I was very thankful that I won because my hard work paid off and now I can represent the Latin community and be an example for others.”
Roughly 30 contestants who participated were judged on their abilities to express themselves and remain calm on stage, their levels of confidence, runway etiquette, and “maintaining a smile,” according to Rodriguez. The competition was held at the Silver Fox Function Hall in Boston.
Rodriguez said that she and the other contestants spent three months preparing for the pageant by participating in practices and classes every Sunday. They also attended local cultural festivals where they presented “in front of hundreds of people” to gain experience for the final event.
“Many people may think a pageant is just standing on a stage and looking pretty; however, it is a lot of work and dedication,” said Rodriguez. She added that “it’s especially difficult to maintain school, work, separate modeling classes and everything that comes with participating in the pageant.”
Rodriguez also said that she hopes to continue modeling in the future and that she would like to open her own modeling academy one day in order to “show others how to be confident and how to pursue their dreams and goals.”