Can you teach me the wave?

The wave? You know, I just have fun with it and I wave. However, I hear you're supposed to keep your fingers together and wave at the wrist. And I'm like, come on now. Who really waves like that? I'm going to bring some realness to this wave and I'm just going to let my little chicken arms flap. Whatever.

Did you always dream about becoming Miss USA?

Well, it definitely took a lot of hard work and preparation. I can recall being a child and sitting in the living room with my mom and my grandmother watching Miss USA every year. And um, so yeah, I do feel like I'm kind of fulfilling one of my childhood dreams. It's very surreal. It's it's nice to also be back in Los Angeles where it all began for me just a few week, a couple weeks ago.

So what do you think of Hollywood?

I love it. I love Hollywood.

What does it take to prepare for Miss Universe?

Well, I've been working out quite a bit because I'm competing against 80 some odd beautiful women from all over the world. And I've been working with my stylist amongst other people at the Miss Universe organization to prepare my wardrobe and prepare my presentation and my poise at the competition because it really is like a month-long event. Just gearing up for it mentally, physically, emotionally. It's going to be a long ride, but I'm ready to represent the USA. Hey, this is Rachel Smith, Miss USA, and you are watching Young Hollywood. It's not just about age, it's about attitude.