You will compete at the Miss Pre Teen International Pageant. How will you prepare the contest?
I am preparing for Miss Pre Teen International by working daily on my platform “Project InstaKind” and meeting biweekly with my mentor Amanda Moreno. I am learning to improve my public speaking and interviewing skills.
What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants?
I love performing and doing community service work. My family also thought that pageants would help me learn solid interview and public speaking skills.
Many misses have said that their dream since a child was to participate in a pageant as prestigious as Miss World (or Miss Universe). It this your case? And if so, why?
I have always wanted to compete in the Miss America Pageant. I have been a little sister in the Miss Idaho Little Sisters Program and I hope to compete in Miss Idaho Outstanding Teen and Miss Idaho when I am old enough. I know that being Miss America one day would be the ultimate opportunity to do meaningful community service.
What do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?
Pageantry has really inspired me to become actively engaged in community service.
Photos by Mike Reid - makeup and hair credit by Amanda Woods
Social media seems to play a major role in pageantry nowadays. Do you think this is advantageous to you? Why or why not?
I do think it is advantageous to me. I am using social media to promote my platform. I founded Project InstaKind. I recognize peers by posting positive messages about them on social media when I see them being kind, courageous, driven, hard working, humble, and thoughtful. My peers were so inspired to do the same and help spread my message of kindness that several have joined my Ambassador Program and are doing the work of Project InstaKind too! I think I have started an avalanche of kindness amongst my peers. I have more than 4,000 instagram followers who are actively engaged in my positive social messaging!
Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?
Not really. My experience with pageantry has been positive. I have met many great female mentors and friends. I have worked with great directors and staff. I have definitely enjoyed doing pageants and the people it has allowed to enter my circle.
We’ve all seen the stereotypical portrayals of pageant contestants, a la Miss Congeniality, spreading peace, love and beauty throughout the world. How do you think you'll make a difference?
I make a difference every day with my platform Project InstaKind. My work touches people personally and inspires and celebrates others. I’m proud of the way I’m choosing to make a difference.
What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?
I would say go for it. Make your dream a plan. And remember, being a queen is not about the crown, it’s about the opportunity it gives you to further your community service mission.