Miss USA living the dream in NYC

NEW YORK (WPRI) - Rhode Island's own Olivia Culpo is living the dream as Miss USA in bustling New York City. She has a new crown, a new job and a swanky, new apartment.

"It's so different because it's a huge city so there's a lot more to take in when you're walking down the street; the sirens, the cars, the noises, the people. It's crazy, crazy different but it's good, it's great," explained Culpo.

The road to the Miss USA title wasn't as glamorous as one might think.

"Before Miss Rhode Island I slept past my alarm, I sat in chocolate in my white interview dress, this was before Miss Rhode Island USA, yes. I had a dress worth $25, too short, hole in the back, I did not feel so good. But you know I guess I didn't look so glamorous, but I felt good and that's what probably radiated," admitted Culpo.

And before the Miss USA competition, she ran into another mishap.

"I got a spray tan, it was pouring rain, so I ran outside and I obviously didn't realize that it was raining, but my tan, I had splotches all over myself. We were laughing so hard. I wasn't upset, it's just funny that you know, you never know what can happen before a big date or event but you live and you learn."

Even though the spotlight is on her now, she's more grounded than ever.

"Even after I won I had to be pinched because I thought I was dreaming. I really thought it was a dream. You're there with 50 other beautiful girls that really, I think, are just as capable of carrying the title. So to think that you're chosen out of all of those girls is hard to comprehend even now."

As part of the prize, Olivia now lives across from Central Park in Manhattan.

Amongst the busy streets of New York, Olivia still finds ways to fit in some quiet time.

"So I have a few things that I brought from Rhode Island. My really special Audrey Hepburn notebook that I write everything in and a couple other journals."

She's also a bookworm and loves showing off her USA pride.

"If you take a look at my iPhone, my background is the first amendment, so that's what you'll see! I am such a geek."

Olivia's biggest challenge, is keeping everything in perspective.

"It is first an honor, and then a job, it's a lot to take in. And it's a lot of pressure from all different angles, but you just have to keep the right perspective and know that you're so lucky and always keep in mind what really matters."