Let’s get the obvious out of the way right from the start: 23-year-old Cristin Alexander is gorgeous with her long brown hair, doe-like eyes, caramel complexion and the exquisite physique of a runway model. But the reigning Miss Cayman Islands is also a lot more than that.
She’s a former member of the Cayman Islands’ National Women’s Volleyball Team, an outspoken advocate for Caymanian pride and a Dean’s List graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a BA in psychology.
As Alexander prepares to compete for the Miss Universe title in Brazil, we caught up with her for an intimate conversation that touched on everything from her youth in Grand Cayman and the difficulties of being over 5’11” tall to her thoughts on the beauty pageant world and what she plans to do once her reign as Miss Cayman is over.
What was it like growing up in the Cayman Islands?
My childhood was the best time of my life. My fondest memories are of the family get-togethers we had every Sunday, where I would eat rice and beans and my Nana’s beef stew until I could barely breathe; when I’d roam the Silver Sands property with my pals Paul, Alex and Charlie; and when I’d climb trees and swim in the sea. I really was a little Caymanian beach baby. Thinking back to those days never fails to bring a smile to my face.
At 5’11½”, you’re obviously quite tall. Was there a time when your height seemed more like a burden than a blessing?
Definitely! I was average height until age 12, when I suddenly shot up a few inches above everyone else. I felt like a strange, gangly creature. The symptoms of adolescence are moodiness, self-esteem issues and the unyielding pressure to fit in, so it definitely bothered me when I was given the nickname “Green Giant” in middle school. It felt like I had three heads and everyone was staring. Thank goodness I realised how silly I was being and how much I loved being tall. I made the National Women’s Volleyball Team at 15, and that really allowed me to appreciate and embrace my height. I learned then that what other people thought of me was none of my business.
You got your bachelor’s degree at the University of Western Ontario. Was there any culture shock in relocating to Canada?
I was 17 when I left to attend a boarding school in Port Hope, Ontario. I was fresh out of high school, so I was anxious yet excited about going to school and living in Canada. I knew it was going to be cold, but I didn’t quite expect what I got. The frigid winters in Canada definitely took a lot of getting used to, plus it cost a lot for all those phone calls home. I remember not wanting to let go of my flip-flop-wearing habit, even when everyone else was in boots, jackets and scarves. If it weren’t for the incredible community there (and the fact that they had hot sauce in the lunch room), I’m not sure how long I would have lasted. University was a bit different — I no longer had such a longing to come home, since I was striving to be an independent adult — but the winters were harsh, to put it lightly. When your hair freezes as you walk out the door, it definitely made me wonder, “Why are you in Canada again?”
What sparked your interest in psychology?
When I was growing up I had a really difficult time sleeping on my own. I would have very vivid nightmares, some of which seemed to reoccur, so my mother suggested that I speak to someone. After seeing a psychologist I was able to use the tools I learned with her to overcome my fears. It may seem silly to most people, but when it gets to a debilitating point it can be a real problem. When I began university I took an elective psychology course and I loved every moment of it. Every lecture intrigued me, and I knew this was what I wanted to do.
When did you first become interested in the pageant world?
I only became interested in the pageant world now that I am Miss Cayman Islands. My focus has always been to finish my university career first, and then see what opportunities presented themselves. I finished my bachelor of arts in psychology in 2010 and was looking for the next step when the Miss Cayman pageant caught my attention. My thoughts were that I could either win and take a journey of new experiences, or not win and still gain tremendously through the process of self-discovery.
Is there anything about the pageant world that the average person would be surprised to know?
All the beauty pageant tricks would be the most surprising. People watch pageants and marvel over how beautiful and seemingly flawless the women are, with perfect hair, skin, bodies, etc. Little do most people realise that there is contouring of the face and body via makeup to give an illusion of definition. There are hair and eyelash extensions, self-tanning products, veneer teeth and the list goes on. I’m sure people would be shocked to see what lengths some women will go to in their quest for perfection.
I’ve read that you have a passion for instilling a greater sense of national pride in young Caymanians. Why do you think that goal is so important?
I think it’s a lot easier nowadays to lose sight of where we come from. Our youth is exposed to the global media at the click of the mouse. It’s all exciting information, and no doubt useful, but it can also cause imitation. As globalisation continues, instilling our values should be a priority. Caymanians are proud of our culture; we value traditions, our history, our strong moral values and our commitment to family. These principles have kept us strong and united as a nation, and an emphasis has to be put on recognising the importance of teaching these standards to our children.
What message do you have for the Caymanians who might read this story?
Whether young or old, I urge you to remember that Cayman is our home for generations to come. It is easy to get discouraged when reading the news, but please remember that it only takes one person to make a difference. I have had the chance to see many different places, and I can appreciate how much our unique gem of a country has provided us as a people with. We are all neighbours in such a small country, so I ask each of you to hold yourself responsible for our future.
What are some of your favourite places you’ve travelled since winning the title?
The most interesting country I have visited as Miss Cayman was China, in October 2010 for the Miss World Pageant. I spent one month touring the country — from Beijing to Mongolia to Shanghai to Sanya — where the contestants were really immersed into Chinese culture. It may have taken some time to adapt to at first, but I can honestly say that I had the ultimate Chinese experience.
What are you most looking forward to about travelling to Brazil to compete in the Miss Universe pageant?
Brazil has always been on my list of places that I have to visit, so I was ecstatic when I got the news that the Miss Universe pageant would be held there. The part I am most looking forward to is actually touring Brazil. In these international pageants, you arrive in the host country a few weeks before the pageant night, so it gives you a chance to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the culture.
What would it mean to you, and to the people of the Cayman Islands, for you to win Miss Universe?
If I were to win Miss Universe, it would make history for the Cayman Islands. Not only would it lead me to my next big adventure, but I believe it would give my fellow Caymanians a sense of national pride. That being said, I’ll feel just as accomplished if I place in the top 16. My goal is to put in all the hard work now, so that no matter what happens, Caymanians will know I did my best to represent the islands.
What do you think it is that makes the Cayman Islands unique?
I think that Cayman is uniquely blessed with the most hospitable people. Many other Caribbean countries have the same turquoise waters, white beaches and beautiful sunsets, but one thing I have heard time and again is that our people are so welcoming and kind. We are unique because we want you to come to our country; we are proud of it and we want to share all the reasons why we are so proud with you. I think that comes across to the visitors of our islands, and that warmth is what is remembered long after people leave.
What do you hope to do with your degree once your reign as Miss Cayman Islands is over?
After my reign I will use the scholarship I was awarded as Miss Cayman to get my master’s degree and eventually my Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I have yet to decide on a university, because I believe in taking time to choose the right one depending on the accreditation of the school, the climate and the demographics of the city or town. I think mental illness is still stigmatised in the Cayman Islands, and I want to do my part to change that through education and awareness.
Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com