people don't know about me is that I actually really love science and math. Just anything where I can get my hands wet. And I love to do robotics. I placed thirty-ninth in the world and eleventh in state for Vex Robotics. And I'm very proud of it because from pictures I look like a very "girlie girl" but I'm really, on the inside, kind of a "dork".
Rychael: Wow! That's very impressive Rachel. Congratulations on the robotics! Now, can you tell me what some of your hobbies are?
Rachel DeAngelis: Something I find really rewarding outside of the many careers that I want to do is living a healthy and active lifestyle. What a lot of people don't know is that the United States is the number one country that struggles with health issues. And so I make time every single day to take a walk with my grandma down at the beach cause I live so close to it. Or hanging out with my friends at the gym. Or even dancing. I love keeping active and living a healthy lifestyle. And teaching my family how to do so. Because my family struggles with a lot of health issues.
Rychael: It's awesome that you support your family and help encourage them to be healthy. What motivates you?
Rachel DeAngelis: Outside of living here in LA, my family is the most important thing to me. And I lost my uncle about two years ago to a sudden heart attack. And he just made me more grateful and more passionate and more motivated. Ever since then I set a goal and nothing can stop me at this point.
Rychael: That's a really positive way to look at things. Are you originally from LA?
Rachel DeAngelis: Well my family's from Europe. They're from Italy. And I'm third generation to live here in America. But over the years I've just kind of learned a couple of things that my family used to do and just I brought it over here to California.
Rychael: Okay nice! Why do you want to be a model?
Rachel DeAngelis: I mostly grew up in a small town and it's something I'm really grateful for. But living in a small town comes with cons and I'm surrounded with the same people and things. And because I'm so artistic, because I'm so different and unique, and passionate about so many different things, I was actually bullied in school. Which is part of why I'm home schooled now. I love my friends and I love hanging out with people. I don't think that need negativity in my life and it's one thing that will hold me back from what I want to do. So with bullying I've worked with a lot of different organizations and associations trickling me into the person I am today. Being a model, being in pageants has taught me a lot. To teach my peers that...Why bullying? Why now? And let's continue with positive energy here.
"I just want to make sure that everybody feels confidently beautiful starting with the heart, and in ending what you say to people, even with your emotions. What makes you YOU is most important. What makes you unique. You should express that every single day."
Rychael: Excellent. I love it! How long have you been doing pageantry?
Rachel DeAngelis: I've been doing pageants since I was twelve years old so it's almost been three years.
Rychael: That's great! Have you done any modeling?
Rachel DeAngelis: Yes. I've worked with Target and Zulily. And I modeled in LA Fashion Week for a cancer survivor and that was real inspirational. I'm signed with a few non-exclusive modeling agencies. I'd just love to continue modeling.
Rychael: Sounds like you're doing amazing things Rachel! Do you have any upcoming photoshoots or projects?
Rachel DeAngelis: Actually I'm traveling to Laguna Beach for a project that has to do with pageants and modeling. I will be advertising Jovani dresses. And also my Project Director's organization called Crown Diva. It's in the pageant field and very empowering. And we're taking pictures for the upcoming Miss Santa Monica USA Pageant. And I can't wait to see who will be my successor.
Rychael: Congratulations Rachel! How exciting for you! Well what advice can you give other aspiring models your age?
Rachel DeAngelis: With bullying it takes a lot to fight through that. And I had to understand that everybody's different, everybody looks different, everybody acts different. And I think just accepting that and being the unique person that you are and expressing that each and every day, is probably the one message I'd have to share with anybody who deals with bullying or wants to get into modeling.
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