“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
Due to illness I was not able to complete challenge #1, I felt it prudent to do both options in this final challenge. My husband Stato, was only too willing to assist me in this challenge.
Stato Meredith : Hi Marienna I would like to Congratulate you on being nominated for the Miss Refined International and thank you for taking some time out from your busy schedule to answer some questions about your experiences along the way in this prestigious competition.
Marienna Cortes : Thank you Stato, always a pleasure to see you.
Stato Meredith : Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself. Your experiences in sl.
Marienna Cortes : Well Stato, I have been on SL 2 1/2 years and in that time I have been a hostess, mall manager , host manager of some highly successful jazz clubs. Presently, it has been an honor and privilege as the General Manager to have organized the Bella Vida Jazz Club 2nd Annual Pink Charity Ball this past October 2009. We had 24 hours of LIVE entertainment and raised over 240K for cancer research. To put feelings into positive action is a powerful antidote for hopelessness. It was an overwhelming experience for me to witness the good that can be accomplished through SL.
My greatest SL accomplishment is the relationship I have with my partner. Great relationships don’t just happen. It takes work, courage, understanding, compassion and a sense of humour, but the rewards are without a doubt, worth it.
My third greatest accomplishment is actively chasing my SL dreams from the bold to daring to the little meek ones.
Stato Meredith : Wowww! Marienna you have done so much in such a short space of time. What sort of experiences can you take from your time within this competition.
Marienna Cortes : The caliber of this competition has definitely been challenging and I have second guessed myself a few times. I definitely learned that hard work and dedication does pays off and while your fears may get the best of you at times, you shouldn’t give in to those self doubts. I tried my best to remain confident in who I am and show the world that I can do this.
Stato Meredith : With you being tipped for the ‘top spot’ in this fine competition what will you be doing to keep that ‘top spot’.
Marienna Cortes : I am elated to be in the”top spot” and I would have been happy with any placement. To be honest, out of so many beautiful, driven and talented women, I don’t know what the judges are looking for or how I will stand out. My plan it to remain true to myself and have fun with it.
Stato Meredith : What does the Miss Refined International mean to you.
Marienna Cortes : I am very fortunate to be participating in such a prestigious competition which not only promotes beauty and charm, but intelligence as well. Having a beautiful face and body should not be the only basis for winning a competition. To me its a competition about strong and powerful women capable of setting goals and achieving those goals.
Stato Meredith : You are a very beautiful woman what is your secret.
Marienna Cortes : Well to be perfectly honest anyone can have a beautiful avatar, but I think it’s having a positive soul that radiates through to your avatar. Believing in myself and most importantly being myself will always shine through.
Stato Meredith : Thanks so much Marienna I hope you win The Miss Refined International and also good luck with any other challenges you have.
Marienna Cortes : Its has been a pleasure Stato! Before you go however, I do have a question for you. (Giggles) How do you feel about your wife being a contestant in The Miss Refined International competition?
Stato Meredith: I believe that Marienna has grown as a person since the Miss Refined competition started. I love her to bits and I believe that she is refined personified. I love her avatar but its more than that to be Miss Refined its everything else about her. The way she works so hard the way she conducts herself and the way she helps others before thinking about herself. I believe that these are the qualities that the Miss Refined judges are looking for not only what they look like but what is behind the avatar.
Thank you Stato for those lovely words and your unwavering support.
