The Associated Press: Miss Universe glad to put modeling career on hold

By SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS – 3 hours ago

NEW YORK (AP) — Dayana Mendoza put a promising modeling career on hold to go for — and win — the Miss Universe crown.

"Being a model is just great. You show a brand, a beautiful dress," said the 22-year-old Venezuelan. "But being Miss Venezuela and Miss Universe, you have the opportunity to go all over the world and have contact with the people and show yourself, and that's what I really wanted."

After years of strutting along catwalks and learning to speak three languages, Mendoza's savvy in front of cameras and an audience paid off at last week's pageant.

"I had been working as a model since I was 15, traveling in various countries around the world, but I felt I needed more," Mendoza said.

She spoke with The Associated Press this week in New York, where for the next year she'll share an apartment with Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, and be the public face of a global campaign against HIV and AIDS.

The Associated Press: Miss Universe glad to put modeling career on hold

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