It’s funny because prior to competing at Miss USA, I wasn’t nearly as aware of the artificial limits society places upon women — the idea that you need to be a certain age to do something, or that you should pursue a certain life course. The backlash I felt as a female trying to pursue a dream in her late 20’s was honestly shocking. But it’s okay to have career goals you want to achieve before focusing on a family, and you’re never too old to say that. We need to disrupt the idea that women are “too old” to do anything. Ever.

Yes. I received the most touching letter the other day from a young girl who struggles with the same insecurities I’ve been open about: body image, accepting who you are. For me, that means accepting I’m a little weird and awkward. The letter said one of this girl’s favorite things about me was that in my final question at Miss Universe, I said, “I want to be the mex Miss Universe” instead of the “next Miss Universe.” Here was this moment I’d beaten myself up about so many times, but it had shown a young woman it’s okay to be imperfect. That made me feel like a success.

The impact I try to make on men I encounter is that I don’t need someone to rescue me. I want the men in my life to be equals — in work, in relationships, in whatever. Let’s come together. Let’s be partners. Let’s use the different advantages we have for a common good. Don’t put me down; don’t demean me. And don’t act like I need your help. We can help each other — and that’s definitely a disruption I want to make.