Sascha and Donny listen to some of his Broadband Top 10 hit songs in his studio   © HGEN 2006

A tantalizing goddess sauntered by me with a sultry stride. Entranced by her stunningly long legs, captivating smile and beautiful curly locks that framed a chiseled visage, I expected the stereotypical self absorbed and stand offish attitude of most beautiful women in Hollywood. Instead, I was presented with a shining and endearing disposition, complete with a warm greeting and a friendly welcoming hug.

Sascha Andrew-Rose, the eloquent 2006 Miss Universe pageant contestant, hails from the tropical island of St. Lucia in the West Indies and represents herself as a young woman who will not be stuck in any conventional box. This 5’9” 20-year-old beauty is packed with confidence, a feisty personality and a humble heart of compassion and equality.

In July of this year, Sascha spent three hectic weeks in Los Angeles, as she and 85 other women from all over the world competed for the prestigious title of Miss Universe 2006. This was Sascha’s first visit to California. Between long hours of rehearsals and photo shoots, she was able to visit some of L.A.’s landmarks such as Universal Studios, Hard Rock Café, Sunset Boulevard and the Key Club. The experience of real city life was limited, however, constantly surrounded by security guards and restricted to a tour bus. Still, the experience of the City of Angels was different from back home.

Raised in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, a quiet and family-oriented neighborhood close to the beach, Sascha Andrew Rose grew up with strong principles-- humility, self value, self empowerment and community. When her father approached her two years ago to be involved in the Miss World pageant in China, Sascha lunged at the opportunity to represent and take on a role as ‘ambassador’ for her country.

“I am very, very proud. I really love my country and the people,” says Sascha. “It’s a bit stressful because a lot of people put their faith and hopes in you and they feel disappointed if you don’t do well.”

Sascha embraces that challenge and takes seriously the responsibility of promoting the island of St. Lucia to as many people as possible. In China, Sascha introduced her country to many who had never heard of St. Lucia or where it was located.

Although the island has a thriving tourist industry, “St. Lucia is one of those places that seems to be overlooked and not known because it’s so small. It’s good when you go to these pageants and you carry the country’s name and you spark interest,” says Sascha. "People ask about it and where it’s located. This is important because St. Lucia is a country that relies heavily on tourism,” she adds.

Participating in an international pageant has allowed Sascha to similarly experience different cultures and relate to people of different nationalities. In China, Sascha realized the difficulty of the comprehensive Chinese language, and even marveled at the toilet system, which she says, was “like an actual toilet bowl in the ground.”

The personable young model credits her involvement in pageants to her having become more extroverted, a lot more amiable and a lot more approachable. Being in the presence of people of many different cultures and with different personalities, she learned how to handle herself in various environments. She extrapolated that she could utilize this to other areas of her life. “You come across a lot of different people in your life and you have to handle each person differently. Pageants help you do this, because they’re all so different.”

When asked about any rivalry that she experienced while doing pageant competitions, Sascha replies that it’s not the catfight that many would assume. Being friendly is actually an attribute, says Sascha. “In truth and in fact [other contestants] are really nice and we get along great. I know it sounds like a cliché. You will find the odd person who is very competitive and only interested in winning… and kind of stands alone; but everyone else is great to get along with,” says Sascha.

In preparation for the Miss Universe pageant, Sascha exercised to accentuate her naturally toned figure, learned how to do her hair and makeup, and organized her wardrobe. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring beauty contestants, she recommends that they practice public speaking and stay apprised of public affairs.

During her short stay in Los Angeles, she observed how the backdrop of her beautiful island was beginning to look increasingly like what she saw on the streets of

Sascha and Donny hang out in his backyard  © 2006 HGEN

America. It saddened and concerned her that St. Lucia was becoming industrialized, losing its natural essence in the process. “People come to the island for something different. In the name of development and progress we are building up all these concrete structures around the place. Industrializing the culture and destroying what it means,” she says. “People are going there for the natural beauty, natural resources, not for concrete they can find in their concrete jungles from which they come,” lamented the outspoken beauty. The island has become very influenced by the American culture and she does not want to see the native culture and natural physical beauty of the land compromised further. “It’s what we’re exposed to 24/7. All our channels are American and the music we listen to is American for the most part,” says Sascha. She strongly advocates a new business plan that will still seek to attract tourists as well as maintain the country’s natural beauty. “There is a limit!” she exclaims.

 

There is no limit when it comes to Sascha’s future, however. No matter what she does, her persistent work ethic,

 dedication and determination will play a significant role in her success. As for the future, she intends on continuing her education and assessing her path in life. According to Sascha, hard work is the only way to achieve the results you want. “If you want something fine, but if you’re not ready to work for it, don’t bother because it’s a waste of your time and everybody else’s time. You just end up with mediocre results.”

Sascha says that she hopes to inspire others to take a stand in life and not just go with the flow. If she could be an example of anything, it would be one of individuality, independence and being powerful, especially for young women.

“I can be an individual and not let anybody fight me down or change my opinions about myself or my opinions about anything for that matter and just share that message with whoever will listen.”