Today she stopped by our studio to talk about her experience in the pageant and what this means for her and for the country.

Rebecca Rath, Miss Belize 2016
"I've looked back and I know that I love Belize very much and I am so proud to have represented Belize through sports and tourism, so this is just another way that I wanted to represent Belize. It's very different but it's another way I want to represent."

Courtney Weatherburne, 7News
"Tell us about the representation in terms of sports as well about your involvement in the community since this is not the first time we've seen you here."

Rebecca Rath, Miss Belize 2016
"I played volleyball most of my life from I was 13 up to about 18. I was on the national junior volleyball team and then I played beach volleyball for Belize as well so I've travelled quite a bit from sports. I am involved in the BTIA and the Belize Hotel Association where I also travel and do trade shows to advertise for Belize."

Courtney Weatherburne, 7News
"Tell me about the experience being a part of the pageant, was it different? Was it overwhelming? Or was it just a great experience?"

Rebecca Rath, Miss Belize 2016
"It was a very different than what I'm used to, I'm not used to getting all dolled up every day, but Ms. Opal has really stressed out to me to make sure I always look presentable so I have been working on that. I got to know all these girls from all over the country and we all have such different personalities, it's amazing we all got along and were able to support each other. It was a lot of preparations up to pageant night working every day, making sure everything was perfect and I am so happy it turned out the way it did. A lot of people think that a pageant is all about outer beauty but you're choosing a representative for your country. You need to make sure that that person is well rounded, confident and believes in the things that they are advocating for and so it's much more than what people think, not just looking pretty, wearing heels and smiling for all those pictures, you want to be able to be an example for everyone. you want to make a difference in your community, make your mark and let everyone know that, look I'm a good representative, I can prove myself, I can do well, I can present Belize and I will do whatever it takes to represent the country and will make it happen. It's been a journey and I am absolutely ready."

Rath also won Top Model, Beach Body and People's Choice. Miss Universe will be held in January 2017 in the Philippines. Rath is a graduate of Belize Ecumenical High School and Juniour College and the University of Houston. She's also an accomplished volleyball player.