SFAS 2012: Cassandra Albergaria

Fast facts about Search for a Star Top 5 finalist Cassandra Albergeria.

Favorite charitable cause and why?
I am involved with many charitable institutions so it's very difficult for me to choose just one! Charitable organizations that help children have a special place in my heart. I enjoy helping kids and I think that the positive impact on a child's life makes a huge difference in our entire community and on our future. Help the Children is an organization that sends Shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in need around the world, which is a concept I love. I'm also excited to give to Foster Forward this holiday season, an organization I just heard about. I will be "adopting" a group home and recruiting others to help give gifts to the teen's in that home.

Favorite RI day trip and what to do there?
I love visiting Hazard Rocks in Narragansett. It's beautiful all times of the year. It's free and the views of the ocean from the rocks are absolutely breathtaking. Its a great place to have a picnic, take photos, or just explore. I've even played board games there, but that was a challenge with the wind!

Favorite RI restaurant and dish?
My favorite RI Restaurant to go to is Phil's Diner in Wakefield, RI for breakfast! Their home fries and omelets are incredible and everything is very affordable. I order my home fries "burnt- not well done- burnt" and get the egg white omelet with spinach and peppers. The best thing about Phil's is the atmosphere- everyone that works there and dines there is so friendly and there is always a positive buzz in the air!

If you push shuffle on your iPod what would be the first song to play?
I just hit shuffle and Maroon 5 - If I Never See Your Face Again - came on. I love anything I can dance to!

What is your childhood/family nickname and how did you earn it?
I've had a few. Cassie is my nickname, and one year at summer camp the name "Sassy Cassie" stuck. I don't think I was sassy! My family also called me "Rocky" because when I was born there was a cut above my eye and I had to wear a Band-Aid like Rocky Balboa.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
My father paid to send me to Ghana, West Africa when I was in college for a study abroad trip. Despite the cost and his nerves at me going to such a foreign country alone he still generously funded and supported the trip. I learned so much about the world and about myself. The greatest lesson was that despite the vast cultural and geographical differences we have all people around the world share the same needs, and a smile goes a long way no matter where you are!