Smith to be featured in MTV reality series
By JAMIE DEXTER
The Leaf-Chronicle
Just one year ago, Rachel Smith was just like any other college student.
"I was a college student at Belmont University getting my journalism degree and trying to figure out what my thesis was going to be on and get that out of the way so I could graduate in December," Smith said while standing in front of the Montgomery County Court Complex.
Since then, Smith was crowned Miss Tennessee USA at last year's pageant, then later crowned Miss USA — the second from Clarksville to achieve that honor — and finished fourth runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant.
Saturday, Smith will be handing off the crown to the new Miss Tennessee USA winner.
Things have changed drastically for her since then — she went from "cruising through Clarksville in my Beetle" to arriving for a public appearance in a white stretch limo, escorted by several units from the Clarksville Police Department.
"It's a complete 180," Smith said, showcasing her signature smile that would put even the most nervous greeters at ease.
Since being crowned Miss USA, Smith said she's been up to a whole lot more than could be shared in a few minutes' time — from putting her journalism talents at work interviewing celebrities at a philanthropic summit in Spain to introducing Wyclef John during a concert at Radio City Music Hall.
"I've been in this gig now for 6 months maybe, and so far I've traveled to Kenya for a volunteer project through a non-profit organization in New York called Project Sunshine," Smith said. "I've emceed an event at the White House for Black Music Month ... at a philanthropic event in Spain I got to walk the red carpet at the gala and turn around and interview A-list celebrities there including Eva Longoria, Goldie Hawn, Paris Hilton — It was insane."
She's also featured in a MTV reality television show, "Pageant Place," where cameras capture her life along with the lives of Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss Teen USA Katie Blair.
Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner and Miss Teen USA Hilary Cruz are also featured on the show — airing Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
"It's been interesting," Smith said. "I've been able to do some incredible things during the time of the reality show — some things I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do otherwise."
Smith said the girls don't have a say in the editing process, so she said it will be interesting watching along with the audiences at home.
"They follow us on appearances and catch the drama, or lack thereof, that goes on behind the scenes on the way to events," Smith said.
Despite being a very busy woman, Smith said there are a lot of things she misses about her hometown.
"My family, of course," Smith said. "I miss going down to the Riverwalk with my dog, Zoe ... and just seeing everyone. You couldn't go to Wal-Mart without seeing someone you knew, ya know?"
Smith said that even rang true when she returned to see her family for her homecoming, and she went grocery shopping with her mom.
"I was in my pajamas, just casual grunge clothes, and people were like, 'Oh, there's Rachel Smith,' and taking pictures with camera phones," Smith said, laughing.
Before Smith made her way to meet the other Miss Tennessee USA contestants, she added the fact that Clarksville will always be her home.
"I can't thank you enough for your continued faith and support," Smith said about Clarksville.
"I will always give back to Clarksville ... And if you see me, say 'Hey, what's up,' because I'm always interested in knowing what's going on back home."
Source: The Leaf Chronicle
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