Truth: Competing in a beauty pageant is super difficult, but these girls made it look easy. Just by joining the competition, these women are already winners in our book.

Here’s what we learned from the top 13 contestants of the Miss Universe competition. Twelve of these lovely ladies were chosen by the Miss Universe judges while one was chosen by fans who voted online.

1. Miss Kenya Esthere Were

“As long as you keep hope alive, you’ll always make it.”

Miss Kenya was orphaned at an early age, but her stepmother pushed her to pursue her dreams. She was the first ever woman to compete from Kenya. She was happy to have the support of her siblings.

2. Miss Indonesia Kezia Warouw

“I feel I am so blessed because I think this is git from God.”

She is a bit taller than usual, which some men might find unattractive, but she said she considers her height a gift from God. 

3. Miss USA Deshauna Barber

“I am honored and humbled to know that I represent strong and powerful women.”

Miss USA  is in the United States Army Reserves. She is happy to be a model of diversity. 

4. Miss Mexico Kristal Silva

“Like nothing happened.​”

She said that she tripped in a pageant three years ago, but she said that the best way to deal with it was to act like nothing happened.

5. Miss Peru Valeria Piazza

“You know, Miss Universe was my biggest motivation”

She was involved in a car accident last year Oct. She continued training for the pageant and is now in the best moment of her life. 

6.  Miss Panama Keity Drennan

“By working hard, you can have everything you want.”

She was raised by a single mom, who taught her to work for the things she wants to achieve. 

7. Miss Colombia Andrea Tova

“Hug!”

Steve Harvey was scared to face Miss Colombia because of the fiasco with last year’s Miss Universe announcement. The friendly Miss Colombia gave hima hug. 

8.Miss Philippines Maxine Medina

“She just told me to be myself and to be confident.”

Her aunt was a winner of a beauty pageant in the nineties. 

9.  Miss Canada Siera Bearchell

“Running a marathon (42.2 km takes determmination, persevernce, and a lot of stamina.”

She’s a seasoned athlete and an accomplished marathon runner. She said that what she learned in sports can help her win the competition.

10. Miss Universe Brazil Raissa Santana

“I am proud to be an example to other girls like me”

She’s first woman of black origin to represent the country in over 30 years. She’s proud to represent her roots!

11. Miss France Iris Mittenaere

“I should invite you for dinner.”

She’s a great cook and she even invited Steve Harvey for dinner, but he refused because he said his wife will get angry.

12. Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissie

“That project has taught me not to take my eyes for granted.”

She’s working on a project that will help find alternative cures to blindness. She said that no one should take the sense of sight for granted. 

13. Miss Thailand Chalita Suansane

“That’s a very good question, Steve…”

Steve asked her about the 17 bags she brought in from her homecountry for the competition.