Deborah Saint-Vil
Miss Rhode Island 2010 (top 15 @ Miss America 2011)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Spirit of Hope pageant?
There actually was no "Miss Spirit of Hope" pageant! Miss Rhode Island is an open competition. We were all asked to choose our titles that year, and we would receive them on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first year I competed, I was Miss Brown University. For my second year, I chose Miss Spirit of Hope because Rhode Island's motto is "hope." In light of dealing with tragedy that year--the disastrous earthquake in Haiti--and with the intention of making a difference with my platform, I thought "Miss Spirit of Hope" was the perfect title for me.
Tell us about your platform, "Ensuring Our Future".
With my platform, titled "Mind Power: Ensuring Our Future," I aimed to spread a message that was not only anti-bullying, but pro-recovery. I performed a lot of research on positive mental health and the importance of maintaining that health even in the face of harsh bullying. I dealt with bullying, even in high school. Rather than let the pain defeat me and my ambitions in life, I listened to my mother's advice. She told me to be a victor, rather than a victim. I believe all children (and adults, even), no matter what their experiences with bullying and abuse were like, can benefit from the positive message of maintaining a strong mind and a strong will, and seeking support to do it.
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 15 at Miss America?
"OMG, YES!!!! THANK YOU, JUDGES!!"
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Rhode Island?
There were so many special moments as Miss Rhode Island that I actually think about everyday. I'd have to say, winning the talent award was the most memorable. I wanted it so badly, and when Heather French Henry announced my name, I felt so lucky that my wish came true! I could hardly believe it! It was such a beautiful moment for me, especially because my family was watching and I wanted to make them proud.
Why did you decide to major in International Relations and Africana Studies at Brown University?
As a first generation Haitian-American, I've always had an eye on global issues. When I first read the concentration description for International Relations, I got very excited. I thought it was definitely for me. At first, I went into Brown thinking I'd be on a Pre-Med course, but my plans changed after sophomore year. In addition to this, when I explored some courses in Africana Studies, I found myself falling in love with the ideas and discussions that they offered. So, that is how I came to have a double concentration.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Rhode Island ended?
Right after the end of my reign, I prepared to embark on a year-long journey as an English teacher in South Korea. I've been in Korea 10 months now, and I'm coming to the end of my first term here. I've learned so much from this experience--truly the biggest challenge I've ever faced thus far. It's been challenging being away from the comforts of home, changing my lifestyle, struggling with miscommunication (or absolutely no communication) on a daily basis, learning to navigate a new culture, and so much more! However, I'm truly glad I did it and I think anyone would benefit from living abroad in an entirely different culture for an extended time. This has been no vacation! Now, I can see what it really means to immerse oneself into a culture, rather than experience it in a temporary and shallow way. I'm definitely not saying I'm an expert in Korean culture at this point, but I've come so much farther than I expected in learning about it!
I am now starting the MBA program at Salve University on a full-scholarship. This is thanks to the Miss RI Organization!
There actually was no "Miss Spirit of Hope" pageant! Miss Rhode Island is an open competition. We were all asked to choose our titles that year, and we would receive them on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first year I competed, I was Miss Brown University. For my second year, I chose Miss Spirit of Hope because Rhode Island's motto is "hope." In light of dealing with tragedy that year--the disastrous earthquake in Haiti--and with the intention of making a difference with my platform, I thought "Miss Spirit of Hope" was the perfect title for me.
Tell us about your platform, "Ensuring Our Future".
With my platform, titled "Mind Power: Ensuring Our Future," I aimed to spread a message that was not only anti-bullying, but pro-recovery. I performed a lot of research on positive mental health and the importance of maintaining that health even in the face of harsh bullying. I dealt with bullying, even in high school. Rather than let the pain defeat me and my ambitions in life, I listened to my mother's advice. She told me to be a victor, rather than a victim. I believe all children (and adults, even), no matter what their experiences with bullying and abuse were like, can benefit from the positive message of maintaining a strong mind and a strong will, and seeking support to do it.
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 15 at Miss America?
"OMG, YES!!!! THANK YOU, JUDGES!!"
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Rhode Island?
There were so many special moments as Miss Rhode Island that I actually think about everyday. I'd have to say, winning the talent award was the most memorable. I wanted it so badly, and when Heather French Henry announced my name, I felt so lucky that my wish came true! I could hardly believe it! It was such a beautiful moment for me, especially because my family was watching and I wanted to make them proud.
Why did you decide to major in International Relations and Africana Studies at Brown University?
As a first generation Haitian-American, I've always had an eye on global issues. When I first read the concentration description for International Relations, I got very excited. I thought it was definitely for me. At first, I went into Brown thinking I'd be on a Pre-Med course, but my plans changed after sophomore year. In addition to this, when I explored some courses in Africana Studies, I found myself falling in love with the ideas and discussions that they offered. So, that is how I came to have a double concentration.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Rhode Island ended?
Right after the end of my reign, I prepared to embark on a year-long journey as an English teacher in South Korea. I've been in Korea 10 months now, and I'm coming to the end of my first term here. I've learned so much from this experience--truly the biggest challenge I've ever faced thus far. It's been challenging being away from the comforts of home, changing my lifestyle, struggling with miscommunication (or absolutely no communication) on a daily basis, learning to navigate a new culture, and so much more! However, I'm truly glad I did it and I think anyone would benefit from living abroad in an entirely different culture for an extended time. This has been no vacation! Now, I can see what it really means to immerse oneself into a culture, rather than experience it in a temporary and shallow way. I'm definitely not saying I'm an expert in Korean culture at this point, but I've come so much farther than I expected in learning about it!
I am now starting the MBA program at Salve University on a full-scholarship. This is thanks to the Miss RI Organization!