HCUPR: What year are you in, how old are you, and what is your major?
Melanie: I am in my fourth year studying Public Relations in the School of Communications.
HCUPR: You were part of teen singing group, Teen Divas. How did this project begin? How did you guys meet? How did you get your big break?
Melanie: I was walking in a park with my mom and a woman came up to me and asked me if I sang, I said yes! That same day I went with my mom the the woman’s house in order to audition for the group. I sang “No me enseñaste” from Thalia and was chosen for the group. We signed the contract the next week and went into recording our first album and music video.
HCUPR: How was the dynamic between you?
Melanie: We were friends and did our homework together during travels and studio recording.
HCUPR: Did you get to tour? Where?
Melanie: We toured in the Dominican Republic for two months, Venezuela for 3 weeks, and Panamá. We visited television programs, newspaper interviews and we participated in many children activities, like expos and concerts at hospitals.
HCUPR: Any stories about your career that you remember and could share with us?
Melanie: We won an Ixa award for best children group in Puerto Rico. We also had Barbie dolls that resembled us, mine had freckles.
HCUPR: Why did Teen Divas end?
Melanie: The contract ended and I guess we were all getting older and the concept of the group began to fade.
HCUPR: Have you tried to get back into the entertainment business? Why or how?
Melanie: I really enjoyed working in Teen Divas, but after it ended I was very sad and decided to dedicate myself to my studies, family and friends.
HCUPR: Now in college, you are in the cheerleading team. Tell me a little bit about your experience there. How long have you been cheering in and out of the university?
Melanie: I’ve been a cheerleader for 3 years know and we train 3 days a week, all year long. Before college I never did cheerleading, but since I was a gymnast for 4 years, I could still tumble. I tried out for the team and got chosen to do gymnastics that first semester. After that I really wanted to be flyer so I lost 10 pounds and trained really hard. In the past two Justas I participated as a flyer and gymnast.
HCUPR: How was the experience in Las Justas. What do you feel once you step on the mat?
Melanie: The feeling is amazing you feel an adrenalin rush that is both nerve wracking and great. I get nervous every year, but I know that there is no shaking in cheerleading.
HCUPR: Taking into consideration your collegiate education, your experience with Teen Divas, and cheerleading, would you ever get back into the entertainment industry?
Melanie: Definitely, I love performing and maybe after my graduation I will like to participate in something related to the entertainment business.
HCUPR: What does the future hold for you?
Melanie: I know that it will hold great things because Teen Divas, dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics have given me the discipline and endurance to go on and try my best at everything I do.