Arena Zeynalian was crowned Miss Armenia 2018 on 8th July 2018 by her predecessor Miss Armenia 2017 Lily Sargsyan. From Tehran, the 24-year-old Arena surpassed 19 other participants at the finale. Arena also received the title of Miss Solidarity, Miss Hayuhi, and Miss Congeniality Armenia 2018. Arena loves sport, especially fitness.

Arena holds a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. All set to represent Armenia at Miss World 2018, Arena finds time to talk about her dreams, ambitions and advocacies in an exclusive interview with Angelopedia.

Q. How does it feel to be crowned Miss World Armenia 2018 and now a delegate of Miss World 2018?

The requirements needed to be a Miss World contestant back almost 70 years ago are far more different today. Of course it’s an honor to have been elected and represent my nation because I’m the face of my country and of the youth today. Nowadays women are not only beautiful from the outside but more importantly they should be sophisticated in their inner world.

I see the beauty in a person’s manner, statues and attitude as these features I consider true beauty.

As for delegating my duties and representing such a vital position will allow me to set an example for the rest of the younger women of my nation and the rest of the world, saying that you can be both smart , elegant and a person who is worthy.

Q. What is the best lesson you’ve learnt in your journey as the delegate of Miss Armenia 2018?

One of the most crucial aspects that I had the opportunity to learn was that I always misjudged myself and my capabilities. I realized myself worth that I can do anything but still stay humble. I want to set an example to all those beautiful girls who do not see the strength that they have inside them. “Girls let go of your insecurities and be proud of who you are “

Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?

We all have people that we look up to whether they are from a family or outside of it. Undoubtedly I have one too , actually a few:)

One is of course my mother. Having lost her soul mate she had to per survivor for our sake. Another is famous women who despite her personal tragedies she continued to think about other people and help them when they needed it. This is the beloved princess Diana.

Of course they are many others that are worthy to mention however these two women are my moguls.

Q. How would you like to represent yourself at the international stage of Miss World 2018?

Wow, this is an interesting question:)

Though a difficult one indeed I don’t want to sound too cliche and repetitive but my aim will be to set an example to all those girls out there that anything is possible of you set your mind to it. Who would have thought that a girl like me, born and raised in a very conservative nation and being of a different race and religion and despite all the obstacles that I have faced could be in the position that holds so much honor and respect.

I’m truly blessed even if I don’t win the pageant I feel that I have already won.

Q. Who is your ideal, if any and what values of theirs do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?

Having already mentioned my idols, Princess Diana and my mother Elizabeth, it is a privilege to talk more about them and the reason why I adore these women. First of all my mother she has always been the type of woman that I hope to be myself one day, her generosity, willpower and love for life is what has made me be here today. There were times I wanted to give up specially after my father’s passing , my mother’s persistence kept me on track. As for the unforgettable princess Diana I see her as a person of not just extreme external beauty but an inner beauty that will never die her desire to help others, her kindness and generosity as well as being a woman who challenged everything and everyone was what made her so unforgettable.

Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?

To be a person that will not be seen by others will give the opportunity to do thing that no one can. Like disable all the nuclear weapons in this world.

On the personal side and I’m sorry if I’m a little bit selfish, to visit all the secret places in the world. For example sneaking the Vatican archives and read all the art books.

Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

I’ve been lucky to have had the opportunity to travel with my family and seeing the different cultures of this world. Their heritage, music, food and general history was amazing to see, although I was a little girl I still feel and remember the experience.

I had visited Russia specially Moscow and Saint Petersburg, standing in the middle of the Red Square feeling the power and eating my Prashki :) or visiting Thailand seeing the outrageously beautifully decorated temples and eating at their restaurants will never be forgotten by me.

Q. What or who empowers you to be yourself and work hard every day?

Being a representative of the Armenian race I feel very proud and honored because my people have gone through so much. They struggle for freedom, truth, justice and democracy is truly inspiring. We are small nation of people ,I don’t want to exaggerate but I each one of us are so talented one of these people is my father who was always there for me in person and he is still with me in spirit and pushing me to be the best that I can be.

Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

Everybody has a weakness so why shouldn’t I have one?!! I have to confess that I’m not much of an eater :)) but a few months ago I went to an Asian restaurant and I was served smoked duck it was the most delicious thing I have ever eaten, I couldn’t get enough of that duck and 4 weeks in a row I have been eating:))) I later found out it’s name is called “Peikijg Duck.”

And of course I have a weakness for dark Chocolate :))

Q. We’re sure that this competition is another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you ultimately want to achieve?

Frankly Speaking, this particular situation that I’m I of course it’s a great honor when I compare it with the other events in my life.

I want to use these statues as a stepping stone to a type of public figure who will represent the voice of the young people, whether in my country or the rest of the world. I want to be the voice that will help bring out the issues that my generation is facing today and for the security of our future. It’s vital that people who are in the same situation as me use this position not just for themselves but for the others.

Q. If you are granted 3 wishes right now, what would you ask for?

There are many wishes that I would like to make so the three wishes are not enough:))

However my first and most important wish has already come true and I’m holding this title. It is a dream of many girls to be in the position that we are all have and hopefully this dream will become one of the most important aspects of my life.

My second wish will sound a little silly.

It is to see or even meet the Backstreet Boys.

They were my idols when I was young and I grew up with their songs.

My final wish may sound a little selfish but I would like a wish that I can wish continue wishing at least once a year. If not then I wish peace for whole world.

Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans of Angelopedia?

My message is girls never give up on your dreams, you are beautiful, talented, smart and don’t let anyone say otherwise.

I am proud of you and love you no matter who you are and where you are.