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the title of Miss Universe, but the 25-year-old beauty queen shares that she too had an awkward phase — just like everyone else. "I had an ugly-duckling stage," she laughs. "I had my growth spurt at the age of 8." At 12 years old, Catriona was taller than most of her teachers and peers. "I felt extremely awkward, uncoordinated. I had braces. I had terrible skin and a crazy sense of colorful fashion," she chuckles. Catriona wants to show the world that she is so much more than a beautiful face. As Miss Universe, she wants to make a difference and give back to the community. Becoming Miss Universe has changed her life. "It's a humongous blessing, but it comes with such a big responsibility." As Miss Universe, her reach is greater than she ever imagined. She wants her message to be one of education and awareness. "I was drawn to pageantry through giving back to the community, so now, that's really what I want the tone of my reign to be." Now that she has the platform, she is raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. She wants to build a better future for children, a better tomorrow. HIV/AIDS is close to home for Catriona. When she was a young adult, she had no awareness and unfortunately, learned the hard way. "I had a friend, someone who was close to me, get really sick and consequently passed away from medical complications associated with HIV/AIDS. He was only 26," she says. "I wish I wasn't pulled to the cause in that way, but that's how it was." When that happened, Catriona started volunteering with a group in the Philippines called Love Yourself. Love Yourself provides support, education, free treatment, and counseling to those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. "It's so much more than a medical problem, it's wrapped up in so much stigma." Today, Catriona is encouraging people to take that first step and get tested. "We shouldn't have to wait until it happens to someone close to us. It's really about increasing the dialog," she says. Catriona explains that there are so many regions in the Philippines where people don't really know what it is. "We are using education to really empower people to take a hold of their health." Catriona currently works with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, to find a cure and is hopeful that they will find one. She explains that there are many ways to get tested, there are even over-the-counter options. "We should shift our mindset to seeing it just like any regular health check-up. Testing positive doesn't mean your life is over." There is medication, that if taken correctly and consistently, can really make a difference, she tells me. Catriona believes in organizations, like amfAR, that are looking to make a difference. Her cause is not only to raise awareness and get people to get tested, but also to raise awareness about the importance of finding a cure. Becoming Miss Universe has given Catriona a platform to make a difference in the world, and that's exciting for her. "It enriches your perspective. I think it's amazing." She is empowered to pioneer change for a cause that is so important Photo Credit: Fadil Berisha