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What is the craziest thing you have ever done (the more detail, the better)?
Most recently, I took a road trip and stopped for one night in Ashland, Oregon. In the center of the town, they have two water fountains - one of regular drinking water and one of Lithia water. Lithia water is a mineral water with iron, calcium, and lithium salts. It is high in electrolytes, and is excellent for your health. However, it smells and tastes like rotten eggs. I did try it, but now I know why there is a regular fountain next to it!
If you could have lunch with any one (1) person, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would have lunch with Charles Bolden, Jr. He is the present chief administrator for NASA.
Why?
I have been in love with space exploration for as long as I can remember. I would love to discuss his opinions and thoughts about certain past missions within the NASA space program, as well as what the future holds in store for discovery.
What do you like most about the pageant experience?
The pageant experience is unlike any other I have ever had. The opportunities presented have exceeded my expectations and the girls I have met usually have much more in common with me than I could have imagined. Great, lasting friendships have blossomed, and the pageant journey itself is one life-changing and monumental experience.
What do you like least about pageants?
I'm not sure exactly what I like least about pageants, but one thing that is relevant to pageants that I am not a huge fan of is wearing heels! I am all about comfort on my feet since we stand on them all day long, (you'll find more flats in my closet than heels!), and when we are onstage or rehearsing all day we are always wearing heels.
In today's society, women play prominent roles in business, politics, education, sports, entertainment and the arts. What is a contribution you hope to make?
In today’s society, I can definitely see myself contributing to the entertainment and arts sector. I consider myself someone with artistic means and aspirations. I can't help but smile when I think of how women over the past century have made so many contributions to society, and I am excited to see how I can be a part of the next generation of influential women!
How would you describe pageants today to your friends and family?
I describe pageants as not all swimsuits and evening gowns, but as a chance for a woman to showcase herself and represent her hometown. Each and every pageant is different from the other and each and every one is always a life-changing and positive experience
Do you have any nicknames?
My sister once bestowed upon me the nickname of "Lyssagna." I find that nickname quite ironic because lasagna is the one pasta dish I do not care for. But my sister thought it was funny to call me that one day while we were doing laundry, and ever since then it just stuck.
Do you collect anything?
I seem to collect history books. The history section is the first place I look in at the bookstore, and 9 times out of 10 I will purchase a book from that section to add to my bookcase!
How would your friends describe you?
My friends always describe me as sweet, thoughtful, and caring, but they also say how straightforward and direct I am. I am a brutally honest person, and they would probably describe me as the person to go to when you want an honest opinion.
Tell us an embarrassing story about yourself.
One time while speaking with someone, they told me they were trying to buy tickets to see "The Tallest Man on Earth." I went on speaking to them, asking about height and where I heard the tallest man on Earth was from, and they seemed really confused. Finally, they told me they meant the band "The Tallest Man on Earth" and not an actual person. I was slightly mortified.
Where have you traveled? Is there somewhere you really want to go that you haven't been?
Outside the United States, I have traveled to Canada and the Bahamas. I am a born traveler, so I cannot pinpoint an exact location that I really want to go to because I want to go to so many places! Europe and Japan are definitely at the top of my list.
Do you cook and/or bake anything? If so, what are your special dishes?
I am Italian and grew up with a mother who loved to cook all the time, so that definitely was passed down onto me. I love to cook and bake, and I am always up for trying new recipes and experimenting. A special dish I make is a pasta dish with a homemade light tomato sauce mixed with some special seasonings, cheeses, and meats.
If you were handed 10 million dollars, what would you splurge on?
I don't think I would splurge at all, as much as I would love to. After taxes, taking care of my family, and donating to the causes most dear to me, I believe I would probably save the rest as much as I can. I have learned the hard way from a young age about budgeting, and I would hope to set a good example by doing so.
If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Amy Adams because I've been told by numerous people that we look alike.
What is unique about you (something no other contestant can say about themselves)?
I think I am unique, (aside from being redhead!), because I have been living on my own since I was a teenager and I know intimately the responsibility of working in the beauty and fashion industry.
What would be your "dream job"?
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The worst job I ever had was when I was a lounge hostess. The only reason why I would consider it the worst job is because there was a lot of sitting around involved, and I like to be on the go.
What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you or that has happened to you?
Not many people know that I am actually partially allergic to the sun. When I was younger, no one understood why I would develop red bumps along the outside of my skin, especially in the summer. As it turns out, I have an allergy to direct contact with the sun! It's a good thing I love hats!
What are your strongest talents?
I believe my strongest talents are in cooking. No matter how difficult the recipe and lack of tools I have, I always seem to find a way and create a delicious masterpiece. I believe I inherited this talent from my mother.
Name one personal accomplishment (not pageant-related) that makes you especially proud?
The one accomplishment I am most proud of is having lived on my own since I was 17. I never expected I would be so independent and responsible at such a young age, and sure I had a lot of ups and downs along the way, but I learned a lot about myself and really grew up.
How has life changed for young people in the last five years?
I think technology has had a huge impact on life in this generation over the past few years. The technological advances that were not around before have proven to be quite beneficial in educational studies, in communication, and entertainment. However, it has also proven how much dependent young people are to it all.
Describe how you envision yourself in five years?
To be honest, I have no idea how to envision myself 5 years from now. Five years ago, if you asked me how I envisioned myself five years from then, I definitely would not have guessed all that has happened to me now. I kind of like being surprised.
What do you think is the most difficult challenge women face today?
I think women have certainly come a long way over the past several decades in terms of making an impact in the work force; however, I think the most difficult challenge they face today is choosing between work and family.
What is your favorite movie?
In December, I saw the film Black Swan and to this day it has got to be one of my all time favorite films. Granted, it is a thriller, but the acting in the film is phenomenal, and being a former dancer I found the beauty in all the choreography.
What is your favorite song?
This is probably one of the toughest questions I am asked. I don't really find myself listening to modern day music like you hear on the radio. I am the type of girl who finds peace and joy in listening to film scores. I guess I enjoy listening to instruments a lot more, and I feel like they can really tell a story without words.
What is your favorite sport to watch and play?
This is a tough question for me because there are three sports I watch all the time equally - baseball, football, and hockey. However, out of those three I have only played baseball.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi! I love it so much I have even had it for breakfast. I have recently been experimenting with sushi and trying new items. So far I have never been disappointed in sushi.
What do you want the judges to know about you?
I want the judges to know that I am a real down to earth girl who is extremely driven, feels incredibly blessed, absolutely loves to make people smile, and that I'm pretty straightforward. What you see is what you get!
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