Kaity Rodriguez, Miss New Jersey USA 2009, urged youngsters at New Community Harmony House to stay positive, persevere and prepare themselves for success, even when facing life’s tough challenges.  “Perseverance is when you keep on going, despite what you have been through,” she told the young residents who reside in the 102-family transitional housing facility designed for homeless families seeking to one day move into a permanent residence.

The 24-year-old beauty queen, who will represent New Jersey in the Miss Universe Pageant on April 19 in Las Vegas (NBC will broadcast the event), shared with the young people how she worked hard and competed in several other pageants, only to fall short of winning a title. But her perseverance paid off when she was finally crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2009 last October in Parsippany-Troy Hills.  “Had I given up and not persevered, would I be here before you today?” she asked of the attentive youngsters gathered in the recreation room to hear her presentation on the “Three P’s to Success.”

A loud chorus of “Nos” echoed throughout the room. Her message was definitely resonating.
“She wanted us to learn that sometimes life can be hard when you want to do stuff and there is a goal you want to reach. But practice, practice makes perfect,” said Braashirah Tookes, 10, a fifth grader at Camden Middle School.

Rodriguez, who is of African-American and Puerto-Rican descent, is only the third African-American to win the New Jersey title. She holds a master’s degree in social work from New York University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina. The Clifton resident has dedicated herself to a career in social services and is passionate about serving as a role model for youths, especially those residing in the inner city. 

“She is a shining example of what perseverance can do,” said Diane Young, administrator of New  Community Harmony House. “We want our young people at Harmony House to know that despite the obstacles, they too can grow up to be whatever they want to be.”

Rodriguez sought to vividly demonstrate this point when she had a youth volunteer come forward, crumple and then stomp on a dollar bill.  Despite the abuse, the dollar remained intact.

“Life may be difficult for you, but you still have value, despite what you have been through,” she told the young people. But Rodriguez stressed that the right preparation is also necessary, explaining that positive thinking and perseverance alone won’t lead to goal fulfillment. 
In her own case of trying to win the Miss New Jersey USA crown, that meant raising lots of money, physically working out and preparing for tough interviews, she said.

“You can believe and be positive all you want to, but if you’re not working at preparing yourself, it’s not  going to happen,” she stressed.  Rodriguez warned the youngsters about roadblocks to success, including negative peers and preoccupation with premarital sex, telling them to “stay focused on the goal.”  “Don’t let anything knock you off course,” she said.