Rachel Peters

"I believe that one of the biggest problems that our country faces today is divisiveness in politics, in religion and also in culture. And I believe that it is something that is the same across the world. And that is something I would want to address. I believe that when people can learn to tolerate each other's differences and respect each other's opinions, then we will just be a stronger nation and world."

"Going into any pageant—most especially Miss Universe—changes you. It makes you stronger, braver, and more ready to face whether else comes after the pageant. Going into something like that, it takes a lot of bravery. And you become more confident in who you are. You learn how you can help others around you."