CORRECTS CROWNING DATE TO JAN
25 - FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2014 file photo, Miss Universe, Gabriela
Isler, of Venezuela, speaks during a news conference in Doral, Fla.
Isler's reign is in its final days, with the next woman to wear the
crown to be selected Jan. 25 in Miami. The classic tiara _ the one that
slipped off her head on the night she was crowned _ soon will be gently
placed atop someone else and after touring the world almost nonstop,
Isler is ready to see what the next chapter brings. (AP Photo/Wilfredo
Lee, File)
MIAMI (AP) — When
Gabriela Isler wakes up on Jan. 25, it will mark the 441st and final
time that she will begin a day while wearing the title of Miss Universe.
Then, as she put it, she becomes "just Gabby" again.
Isler's
reign is in its final days, with the next woman to wear the crown to be
selected Jan. 25 in Miami. The classic tiara — the one that slipped off
her head on the night she was crowned — soon will be gently placed atop
someone else and after touring the world almost nonstop, Isler is ready
to see what the next chapter brings.
"Before
all this, I was just a simple girl, no makeup, no hair, no heels, just a
normal girl finishing my education," Isler said in an interview with
The Associated Press. "This just changed my life. This made me feel
confidently beautiful. ... Now I'm happy with myself every day. I
learned to be happy. I grew up in every way, as a daughter, as a sister,
as a girlfriend, as a friend. It transformed my life."
The
5-foot-10 Venezuelan carries her country's flag with intense pride,
even as her nation continues to battle over economy and politics. Being
an example for women in her country was a top priority during her time
as Miss Universe, and once it ends Isler plans to step up her efforts by
combating a massive problem with teen pregnancy in her homeland.
"During
my reign, I discovered myself," Isler said. "I want to continue doing a
lot of things related to humanitarian efforts, so one of my new
chapters will be maybe becoming a spokesperson for different
organizations, but my first one is my baby — starting my own foundation
in Venezuela that can help create awareness and bring education and
family values to young girls and young women."
Choking levels of
inflation and shortages of basic goods are part of the norm in
Venezuela, where beauty pageants are big business and a source of
national pride.
"With all that's happening in Venezuela, to have a
chance to be a good-news person for my country I feel so satisifed,"
Isler said. "I did as much as I can — not just to represent the Miss
Universe organization but also my country."
There
is symmetry to her reign ending South Florida, which has a massive
Latin population and is the place that Isler says will be her second
home.
The Miss Universe pageant itself will be at Florida
International University in Miami, but many of the preliminary events
leading up to the big night will be in the nearby suburb of Doral,
Florida — which has an enormous Venezuelan population.
"I was
dreaming to give my crown in Venezuela," Isler said. "But to have this
opportunity to end this reign and close a chapter in my life around the
Venezuelan community, this Latin environment, this Latin energy, I
couldn't ask for a better place."
When
asked if one day stood out among all others during her reign, Isler
didn't hesitate. She quickly chose Sept. 3, the day she went to the
Vatican, heard Pope Francis speak about the role of women in the church
and received a blessing from the pontiff.
"I
was not able to sleep the day before because I was so excited," Isler
said. "I couldn't believe it was real. I was like, 'Really, I'm going to
meet the Pope?' I went to the Vatican and I couldn't stop crying and I
could cry again. It was a dream. ... I was in tears. I didn't know I was
awake. ... That day I realized, this was real."
Isler
expects to shed tears on pageant night, not because her time as Miss
Universe will be over but out of both fear and excitement for whatever
will happen next.
"I can't
wait to wake up and just enjoy the day," Isler said. "Have a breakfast
in bed and just have the opportunity to have the first official day
where I can make my own decisions and start my dreams."
She won't sit idle for long.
Her first meeting is already scheduled — for Jan. 26.
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