Actress/author Susie Castillo
talks about dreams & drive
Ex-Miss USA encourages Timony kids to never give up
By Melissa Fili
MethuenLife Writer
When flawless Susie Castillo walked the halls of Timony Grammar School during a Christmas visit home, she reminisced about “the big slam” of the lockers, time spent in the library and the fun she had with friends back when she was a student there. It was as if she’d never left.
But judging from the rock-star welcome she received, it was evident that Timony’s current eighth-graders know she has moved on — and moved up — in life. While many were wowed to see the current TV actress and former Miss USA up close, others were just as excited to meet the author of a book they’ve truly taken to heart: Castillo’s “Confidence is Queen: The Four Keys to Ultimate Beauty Through Positive Thinking.”
“Before I read this book, I was down on myself,” admits eighth-grader Magdalene Kwakye. “Now, I’m a new person. I believe in myself! ... And I just found out that she went to school here. I can’t believe it!”
And that’s exactly what Castillo’s message to the Timony was: I was just like you, living in Methuen, going to school (she’s also a 1997 Methuen High grad) and having big dreams. With hard work, your dreams can come true.
“I grew up on what back then was the worst street in Methuen — Tenney Street. I was raised by a single mom and we didn’t have any money. ... But acting was always something I wanted to do, and I saw the Miss USA Pageant as a way to get me from Point A to Point B.
“Money doesn’t matter. What matters is your drive and what’s in your heart,” said Castillo, 30.
She told the students about toting her modeling portfolio to Methuen’s pizza shops and small businesses, explaining that she knew she could win these pageants but she needed donations in order to compete. Her sales pitch netted about $1,200, then her research began. She studied past Miss USA pageants, noting the contestants’ stage presence and interview skills. She watched how the winners conducted themselves during pageants, making a mental note that most winners were wearing white when their name was announced.
And in 2003, when that moment arrived and the Miss USA title came down to Castillo and one other contestant, the Methuen beauty in the white dress waited for her name to be called.
She proudly told the Timony crowd that she was only the third Latina to win the crown, and the second Massachusetts representative to be named Miss USA.
“I wasn’t nervous at all,” the married L.A. resident told students. “I worked hard and I deserved to be there. I just knew I would win.”
It’s that same confidence which has greatly expanded Castillo’s resume. Her television roles include three years as an MTV VJ on “TRL” and 11 episodes of last season’s “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”; on film, she was featured in Disney’s “Underdog.” She’s now a radio host on “Randy Jackson’s Hit List” and is currently taking three acting classes while developing a TV comedy show.
But she says that writing her book has been amazingly fulfilling, as she gets to share the experiences — good and bad — that led her to where she is today, both professionally and spiritually. Poverty, a “toxic” relationship with her father, finding sports and role models at Methuen High, and a full-force commitment to an organic and environmentally-conscious lifestyle have all helped mold who Susie Castillo is today.
Timony Upper School teacher Sheila Hornby encouraged the eighth-graders to read Castillo’s book, which has sections on spirituality (which Castillo describes as “loving the person you see in the mirror each morning”), relationships, health and body image, and making your dreams a reality. Hornby says the book’s positive message took off.
“We had small discussion groups, then the kids would continue talking about (the book) in individual groups. We did pilates in the hallway and made Susie’s healthy recipes,” says Hornby. “Kids drew the book cover to scale and turned it into a poster, and we made an Attitude of Gratitude board. We REALLY dissected this book!”
“I’ve gone healthier” because of the book, says eighth-grader Kelsey Curtis. “She gives really good advice.”
Castillo’s Timony visit included meeting with about 30 kids who were “really into” the book. Dressed in jeans, a blue turtleneck sweater and knee-high brown boots, Castillo went around the room and shook hands with each person, saying, “Hi! I’m Susie.” She answered all their questions (her best memory from the Timony was the pride she felt upon completing a wooden table in wood shop, she starts each day with a glass of Green Lemonade which includes kale, and her biggest role model is her mom ... although she’s also impressed with Jennifer Lopez’s work ethic), posed for pictures, signed autographs and asked the students what they liked about her book.
“She’s just so kind and gracious. It’s wonderful for the kids to see this,” said Hornby. “I’m star-struck!”
Castillo seemed equally impressed with the Timony. She giggled while taking photos of a “Welcome back, Susie!” cake and posters that the kids made based on the ideology of her book.
“They’re amazing! This is so cool!” a wide-eyed Castillo said, while strolling a hallway decorated in her honor.
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