Contrary to what some might believe, it takes far more than beauty to make it as a pageant contestant. The women participating in the Miss Universe [1] contest have had to cultivate confidence, strength, and dedication. This series of images of the contestants is striking because it forces the viewer to focus on each contestant's face rather than scrutinizing her figure in a bathing suit. What's more, we get a glimpse into the thoughts behind the pretty faces as each contestant explains what success means to her. Keep scrolling for some words of inspiration from all across the universe.