Charity is my passion

For a girl who lived in a convent, thought she would become a nun, and never wore heels or make-up to have been crowned the 61st Miss World, IVIAN SARCOS, 22, has come a long way. With the help of a Spanish-English translator, she spoke to Matilda Nzioki

How would you describe yourself?

I like to work, I’m jovial; being happy is good for the soul. I’m also into helping people, I’m glad for the opportunity to do that with Miss World.

That indeed is beauty with a purpose. Tell us about your foundation Belleza con Proposito (Beauty with a purpose).

It targets people in need. Regrettably, it has been difficult for me to be hands on as much as I would like since it’s based back home in Venezuela and I’ve been living in London since being crowned (the winner lives in London during their reign). I’m, however, in touch with the people running it and once I relinquish my role as Miss World, I will focus on it. I will also take up other charity-based offers that I have gotten from churches back home. Charity is my passion.

Talk a bit about being given...

I’m the youngest of 13 children, and I was just eight when my mother Maria was accidentally electrocuted at home in my presence. Shortly after, my father died in a car crash. I was then sent to a convent in San Carlos city where I was raised by nuns at The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sorry about that. How was it like living in the convent?

It is one of the most beautiful moments of my life. The sisters helped me a lot. I got the love and education that I unfortunately could not have afforded after losing my parents.

While growing up what did you want to become?

I always played a teacher. You know with a chalk and black board, big spectacles and a cane in front of students. I’d also considered becoming a nun after the Mother Superior at the convent spoke to me about it. At times, I would have second thoughts and I decided I couldn’t get into it with doubt in my mind. I lived there for five years then left to start working.

At what point did modelling come in?

When I was working at a restaurant while a student, my best friend saw the call for auditioning in the paper and convinced me to try it out. I’m glad I did.

Having grown up in Church, how was it switching to modelling?

I had never worn high heels or make-up, or posed for a photo shoot ever in my life. This literally changed last year when I contested for Miss Venezuela. I had to start from scratch.

What is the nuns’ take on your involvement in the beauty pageant and modelling?

They are happy for me. They support me a lot. I miss them and I always visit when I can.

Your reign is almost coming to an end. How has it been holding the title as Miss World?

To date, I still don’t believe I’m crowned as the most beautiful girl in the world. It was such a great opportunity and I tried to make the most of it. I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would travel the world like I’ve done in the past couple of months. I have met so many people and it was wonderful.

What are some of the achievements you have made as Miss World?

Each moment is different. Being involved in ‘beauty with purpose’ and the satisfaction it gives me is what I’m most proud of.

How about your biggest challenge?

Not being able to speak English. I love to speak and express myself but when I travel, sometimes I’m unable to do that comfortably. I’m learning and hopefully, I’ll perfect it soon.

Do you feel the pressure of being in a position where many young girls look up to you?

The crown in itself is a dream for many women and just knowing that I’m bearing it now makes it easy to maintain a good image. When you enjoy what you do, it’s not hard.

Why are you in Kenya?

We are here for charity — to support the EABL foundation ‘Water Of Life’. We have visited some of the programme’s stations. We also came to grace Miss Kenya crowning last Saturday.

How do you find our country so far?

It’s my first time in Africa. I enjoyed the safari last Friday. The climate is perfect. Back home, some places have extreme climate conditions. The people I’ve met are by far warm.

What else are you currently doing?

I was studying Diplomacy at the Universidad Central de Venezuela but I had to put it on hold. Right now, I’m full-time involved in my reign.

How does a typical day play out for Miss World?

It changes everyday. I mostly spend my days visiting charity projects supported by Miss World’s ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ programme. It’s involving due to the travelling. I haven’t been back to Venezuela since February. I was recently in India where I met cancer patients. We just came from Ghana and in July, we go for Miss China. We will be there until August for Miss World 2012 competition.

What advice would you give Miss Kenya who was crowned on Saturday?

To be herself and enjoy being on stage  — that’s what I did and it worked. To girls who want to be beauty queens, just believe and pursue your dream.

Tell us a bit more about your family…

I have 12 siblings. I’m only in touch with four brothers and one sister. I haven’t seen the other seven. It’s hard when your siblings are from different mothers and fathers.

Did they contact you when you came into the limelight?

When I won, some tried to reach me, but I wasn’t receptive because they were not there for me when I needed them. I just want to keep it that way.

Are you dating?

No, I don’t have a boyfriend. I’m not sure any guy would want to deal with the life of a Miss World.

You travel a lot and as the designated most beautiful girl, you must get hit on a lot.

That’s obvious but since I’m a professional, I keep the guys at bay.

What next after you hand over the crown in August?

I want to complete my studies and carry on with my foundation. I would also love to sign with a big agency to pursue a career in the fashion.