Darlene McElveen, 50(01 of12)
Open Image ModalWhat's the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were growing up?I wish I knew the importance of establishing yourself in a personally fulfilling career before getting married.At this stage of life, what's the one rule you feel you can break with impunity?The rule to be friends with everyone -- friends come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?(02 of12)
Open Image ModalStay in the present time, don't focus on the past which you can not change and don't worry about the future which has not happened yetWhat is the riskiest thing you've done in your life since you've turned 45?At age 48, I moved back to my home state of South Carolina after living and raising my kids in downtown Chicago for 28 years. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What is your biggest regret and greatest accomplishment?(03 of12)
Open Image ModalMy biggest regret is I got married too young at age 21. My children are by far my greatest accomplishment. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
Michele Torres, 53(04 of12)
Open Image ModalAt this stage of life, what's the one rule you feel you can break with impunity?"Obey all rules!" From Deputy Barney Fife's infamous "Here At The Rock" speech.What is the riskiest thing you've done in your life since you've turned 45?I joined a Motown show band called "Dance Out Loud" as their lead singer and subsequent roadie -- toting equipment in and out of venues at 2 a.m. is not for the faint of heart. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?(05 of12)
Open Image ModalGo into every meeting or discussion with a slip of paper in your pocket that says "Maybe they're right". Refer to it often. Oh...and learn to type.What's the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were growing up?I understand now, that I come from an extraordinary family. I sensed it as a child, I KNOW it as an adult and I am humbled by them. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What is your biggest regret and greatest accomplishment?(06 of12)
Open Image ModalBiggest regret: The summer cocktail of baby oil and iodine...applied daily.Biggest accomplishment: The satisfaction of knowing I gave it everything I had, no matter how painful the loss or how joyous the victory. I was 100 percent there. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
Peggy Gregory, 52(07 of12)
Open Image ModalWhat's the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were growing up?Listen and be still. As I have gotten older, I realize it is very important to listen before you act and let the Lord take care of things.At this stage of life, what's the one rule you feel you can break with impunity?I enjoy fine dining and eating at five-star restaurants, so I do it and I enjoy it -- without guilt. I am 52 years old and exercise by power walking and taking Zumba classes to control my weight. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What is the riskiest thing you've done in your life since you've turned 45?(08 of12)
Open Image ModalHotel crashing was the riskiest thing I've done in my life since I've turned 52. I laid out by the hotel's pool and utilized the spa services as if I was a hotel guest. I got a massage and a facial. In my defense, a friend who was visiting from out of town was staying at the hotel. However, the friend was in meetings all day and not around when I used any of the services. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?(09 of12)
Open Image ModalWhen I read this question to my sister, we both said at the same time -- "Keep your mouth shut." Needless to say, it's self explanatory and it has kept me and my siblings out of a lot of trouble with others all our lives. Thanks Daddy!What is your biggest regret and greatest accomplishment?My biggest regret in life I always experience is when I don't follow my first instinct. When I follow my heart things always flow and go as they are suppose to -- positively.My greatest accomplishment is entering this model search contest. I have always put others needs and concerns before my own. So me seizing this opportunity is huge. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
Sharon Elliot, 47(10 of12)
Open Image ModalAt this stage of life, what's the one rule you feel you can break with impunity?Rules, what are the rules? I don't really look at my life as having hard and fast rules at any stage. If I have to choose something it would be the self imposed rule that I have to please everyone all the time. At this stage of my life I realize it's not possible and that I need to focus on myself and my family. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What is the riskiest thing you've done in your life since you've turned 45?(11 of12)
Open Image ModalScuba diving in the Keys when there was a jellyfish infestation. Actually I didn't know about the jellyfish until we were already in the water. Once we were under it wasn't too bad, however my son grew tired and kept surfacing so I ended up surfacing as well and swimming him back to the boat, pushing my way through the jellyfish. We were both stung from head to toe and sick for days. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)
What's the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were growing up?(12 of12)
Open Image ModalEverything's going to turn out fine. (credit:Wilhelmina Models)