Lifestyle Articles

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Alissa Musto, 26, who recently moved to Tampa, Florida, from Boston. Her story is part of "Moving Truck Diaries," an Insider series sharing the stories of Americans who have moved states since the start of the pandemic...Read More

Singer-songwriter Alissa Musto had been touring full-time as a musician aboard luxury cruise ships. But that came to an abrupt end in March, when the coronavirus pandemic prompted cruise ships to cut short trips and cancel remaining 2020 sailings. Since then, the 25-year-old former Miss Massachusetts has begun blogging—her first post for Medium was about her experience watching the cruise ship industry come to a halt in the pandemic while on-board her ship—picking up work as an Instagram influencer and even filming lessons for a piano-playing teaching app...Read more

"Alissa, 24, worked as an entertainer on a cruise ship before travel was shut down. Since she's been off the boat, her inbox has been inundated with notes from people who remember her. "The pandemic has devastated the cruise industry, and I am not working," she tells Bustle. "But over the past two months, I have had so many former guests write to me, inquire about my whereabouts, and thank me for the memories and making their vacations so memorable." Read more.

"Up until a few weeks ago, Alissa Musto was a full-time performer aboard cruise ships. The pianist and vocalist is trying to stay positive, “Honestly, the only thing I can do now is update my resumé, website, promo packages, etc. and keep up with practicing and improving, so when the industry does resume, I can be competitive..." Read more

"Former Miss Massachusetts and 2016 college graduate Alissa Musto was training to compete at Miss Massachusetts and eventually Miss America and knows just how hard it can be to stay on track with healthy eating while in college. “One rule that I like to stick with..." Read more

"It’s also the season for performers and hospitality workers to make bank before the winter months freeze foot traffic. Singer and pianist Alissa Musto is booked every day for the next two weeks except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although she’s worked on many Christmases past. “Everyone that works as a musician or in the hotel or restaurant industry knows that you’re likely gonna have to work during those holidays,” she told Moneyish..."

"Here, 15 women open up about the best thing they've ever spent money on — from designer outfits they've been eyeing for years to spontaneous vacations they'll remember forever — and what each hard-earned purchase meant to them...” Read more

"A few days before a competition, I cut out all salt from my diet," Miss Massachusetts 2016 says—which we have to agree is a smart move. Too much of the mineral can cause water retention and bloat! She also gets a spray tan. "It makes everything look a little more toned," she explains...Read more

Alissa Musto is a vegetarian and award-winning musician, singer, and songwriter from Boston, MA. She was crowned Miss Massachusetts 2016 and placed in the top 15 at the 2017 Miss America pageant. Currently, Alissa travels around the world as a guest entertainer aboard Holland America’s luxury cruise ships...Read More

A role model is someone others respect and look to as a good example. They try to make good decisions, put others first and often imitated by those around them.  They “think before they act….not act before they think.”  They are the people we want our children to be around, whether it is a teacher, coach or family member.  Your Health Journal wanted to highlight some special individuals who are good role models and allow them to share their stories here.  Enjoy!

"Within the industry, having a master’s degree from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami definitely opens doors. It is something that people are going to recognize right away as an impressive credential, whether you are handing in a resume or walking into an audition. The pedigree of my degree has been so valuable in my career." — Alissa Musto, cruise ship entertainer...Read more