ChristianMingle held a contest, looking for the new faces of ChristianMingle. The winners were awarded $1,000 and have the chance to appear in a national campaign. We will be launching a four-part series, introducing all of our winners.

Get to know our third winner, Monique!

What do you do for a living?

Currently, I work as an Administrative Assistant an Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy Center that provides services for children on the autism spectrum. I am also a student at The University of North Texas majoring in Developmental Family Studies with a concentration in Administration and Intervention. That’s really fancy for “working with families and children.” I’m very interested in working with refugee families and children and adults who are victims of the sex slave industry.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to travel; I do that quite frequently. I also enjoy singing, writing songs and poems, playing sports such as soccer and volleyball, hiking and working out.

How would you describe your personality?

I’m attentive, a bit sarcastic and, at times, I can be stubborn. I’m told that I’m caring, empathetic, honest and bubbly – I do really love to laugh and smile.

What’s your idea of a perfect date?

I’m pretty simple, so glitz and glam aren’t really my things. I like low-key and comfortable ambiance for a date. Maybe a nice evening out that involves sitting on a patio at a café.

How did you find out about the #MeetMeOnMingle Contest?

When I signed onto ChristianMingle one night, I saw the contest being advertised. I remember seeing the first two winners and thinking, “How awesome for them!” I decided to enter, even though I never win things, and to my surprise, I was a winner! It was an amazing present for me as I found out that I won the day before my birthday!

How do you feel about being the new face of ChristianMingle?

I feel like it’s not even real! It feels really amazing and I’m just really appreciative and honored that a group of people or a person would choose me. I cannot be thankful enough.

What do you plan to do with the prize money?

So far, I have no clue! I’m really trying to be smart and strategic with how the money is spent, though I did treat myself to a new hair steamer! I also really want to get or do something special for my mother; she has done so much for me.

How did you first hear about ChristianMingle?

I first heard about ChristianMingle from my sister. One day, I was complaining about not meeting anyone, and she was like, “Well, have you tried ChristianMingle?” I remember the conversation ending by me saying I should really start an account, and her replying “Well, duh!”

When considering all the dating site options, why did you choose to join ChristianMingle?

ChristianMingle represents Christianity very, very well! And not to mention, it is very reasonably priced. I was also really impressed with the fact that before signing up, I was able to see and send smiles.

What do you think about the new ChristianMingle?

I really like the new ChristianMingle! I love the lay-out and even the way that it’s designed. It’s so user-friendly.

What are some of your favorite features of the site?

I love how I can very easily see who has viewed my profile, along with who I’ve viewed. There have been times when I couldn’t remember if I had already viewed an individual’s profile or not, so that feature has really helped me out. I also really like how the profiles that are my match are laid out and easy for me to see and scroll through!

What makes ChristianMingle special among other dating sites? What about it makes you proud to be the new face of the site?

I think one of the things that makes ChristianMingle special among other dating sites is the realness of it. ChristianMingle stands for and is in support of real-life Christians meeting and developing real relationships, whether it’s a friendship or marriage; that’s what makes me proud to be the new face of ChristianMingle.

Would you share with us the best date that you have experienced with a member of ChristianMingle?

Yes! I would say that the best date I experienced was with a super sweet and fun man. We went to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas, then we headed over to this cute, quaint town where we toured a few antique shops and art galleries; we also found a candy store that had all the throwback candy known to man. We bought a ridiculous amount of the old-time candies, sat in the car and indulged! Although a romantic relationship didn’t spring from it, a friendship did!

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s skeptical about online dating?

I’m always trying to give advice to my friends who are too scared to try it. My advice to that person would be not to limit themselves and not to knock it until you try it, because there’s really nothing to lose, but a lot to gain! I have been blessed to meet, get to know and share experiences and stories with people that I would have never been able to meet had it not been for ChristianMingle.