On Thursday, 21-year-old beauty queen boarded a plane to Chengdu, China which will host the 2010 Miss International Pageant on Nov. 7.
Mercado was focused on her studies and had a goal of becoming a teacher when she was approached — several times — to join the Miss Guam Universe Pageant.
“I was very stubborn. And then I realized, the thought of having me represent Guam, the island that I love, that’s when I completely changed my mind and became motivated to join,” she said.
She wants to help Guam’s youth succeed that’s why she wanted to become a teacher.
“Nothing’s impossible. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. I want people to know that you can do what you love and still be happy and that’s my goal,” she said.
Her father, Elly Mercado, beaming with delight, confessed that, at first, he was concerned about his daughter’s decision to join the pageant because of her studies, but was no less proud of her decision.
“I trust her. I really believe in her and she’s a strong-willed person. I know she can achieve her goals no matter what and my wife and I are always here to support her,” her father said.
Although Mercado expressed hesitation when asked if her goal is to win, she said she is honored just to be representing Guam in China.
“I’m definitely going to try my best to compete and represent Guam. I’m there for the experience and to gain a global perspective of being in a foreign country and being around 80 delegates from around the world,” she said.
“Guam’s participation in the Miss International Pageant is important because our economy, for the most part, relies on tourism. So working alongside with Guam Visitors Bureau, I will go out there and promote Guam’s name and our culture. Hopefully with China’s rapidly growing economy we could attract more visitors to Guam for our local economy,” she added.
The last time Guam sent a representative to the Miss International Pageant was in 2000.
