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Praising America as a land of opportunity, the new Miss USA, Rima Fakih of Dearborn, told the Free Press on Wednesday that her historic victory shows that anyone can make it in the U.S. -- regardless of their background. And she hopes it will inspire Michiganders to rebuild the struggling state.
Touching upon the fact that she is the first publicly identified Arab American to win Miss USA, Fakih, 24, said she hopes the win can help remove the anxious cloud over Arab Americans in recent years.
"The fear that people had implanted since 9/11, maybe what I did can show people that, you know what, who cares what ethnicity you are," Fakih said from an SUV driving her through Manhattan, where she'll reside during her yearlong reign.
Fakih said she broke down in tears when she heard that Arab Americans in Dearborn were cheering at parties and on the streets after her victory Sunday in Las Vegas.
"That right there made me cry when I heard ... that they were all so proud of me," Fakih said. "Everyone should be proud of who they are and where they come from because America is a big melting pot of diverse ethnicities. It's great to be part of this wonderful country."
Born in Lebanon, Fakih grew up in New York and moved to Dearborn, which has the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the U.S. Since her victory, some people have complained about Miss USA being Arab American.
But, Fakih said, "Dearborn and my community is part of me."
Fakih also hoped her triumph can help "give Michigan hope that it is on the way up." She is the first Miss Michigan to win the title since 1993.
"When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up. And I want Michigan to know that my title should be a significant symbol that Michigan is going to go right back to where it was."
Fakih said she was inspired by her parents and older brother to go for her dreams.
"There is nothing ... worse than saying, 'I never tried,' " Fakih said. "Nothing is impossible."
Fakih addressed the controversy over pole dancing photos released by WKQI-FM (95.5), saying the radio station's contest was a private, women-only event.
"I was very disappointed just because it was portrayed out of context," Fakih said. "Those pictures were taken by a friend and should not have been submitted in such a manner. Of course, when you're successful, everyone wants a piece of your success."
Since her victory, Fakih said she has been told: "When you're in the limelight, you got to expect sometimes (people will) put you in the negative."
Regarding the pageant itself, Fakih said that the personal interviews before the show with the judges and pageant owner Donald Trump went well. And so, she didn't think a little stumble over her gown would affect her too much.
"I felt so confident in that interview, that I didn't think that little slip would cost me the title," she said.
Fakih said she is now on a media tour and has an upcoming photo shoot. She plans to travel across the U.S. and to Africa and China. The president of Lebanon said this week he wants to meet with her, which she hopes to do.
Fakih said she would also like to meet President Barack Obama. Since her victory, some have compared Fakih to Obama in that they are both seen as historic firsts.
But first, it may take awhile for her to get back to all the messages left on her phone. She said it crashed after receiving so many calls and texts.
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