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It's Time To Talk About It - 2018 Miss New Jersey USA Candidate Alexa Nicole Advocates For Suicide Prevention

Depression and suicidal thoughts are two of the most frightening things a person can face in their lifetime. Unfortunately, acting on those suicidal thoughts is a far too common scenario for many across the world.  Over 40,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States; it is the 10th leading cause of death  overall. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.

Alexa Nicole, who'll be competing for the title of Miss New Jersey USA later this year, closely works in suicide prevention and saving lives through mental health advocacy - "I recently became an advocate for Suicide Awareness and started my own Non-profit organization called the Healing Voices Movement. Every 41 seconds, someone dies from suicide. Why is this okay? Why are we so afraid to talk about this? With all these thoughts in my mind I was ready to use my movement to influence others" - she explained.

She is currently a college student attending Ocean County College. She is majoring in Broadcasting and Communications. While in 2012, she auditioned for The Voice and in 2015, she was on American idol - "they both brought to my attention how I was made to be apart of the entertainment and/or music industry" she said.

In 2016, she entered the Miss New Jersey USA pageant and placed in the top 18. If she wins the crown this year she will have the opportunity to represent her state at Miss USA 2018.  I had the opportunity to interview her a few days before the pageant. Discover her inspiring story below!


You will compete at the Miss New Jersey USA Pageant, how do you feel ? 

Competing this year in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant is an absolute honor. Not only do I feel blessed to be apart of this but, I'm interviewing for my dream job! What's there not to be excited about?

How will you prepare the contest ?

Preparing for a pageant is not just about your physical appearance. Granted, I've been working out like crazy, planning outfits and going over hundreds of questions, because that's what pageant girls do. Truthfully though, it goes way beyond that. Preparing your mind, body and soul are the most important aspects of getting ready for this pageant. You must be mentally ready for this journey. When you are centered and become at peace within yourself that's when the light shines through! Reading, working out and saying 10 affirmations a day are little ways I like to clear my mind and focus. 

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What do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?

Going into this pageant, I feel a sense of confidence that has been built over the past few years. I’ve gained self knowledge and self acceptance through the course of pageantry. We must realize that, pageantry allows a woman to gain the opportunity to become a greater version of herself. 

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 could remember as a child my mom introducing me to the pageant world.. I won Miss Earth at the tender age of 3! It's safe for me to say this has been my dream since a child. 

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Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?

To be honest, I don't really believe in disappointments, but rather life lessons. Everyday we face many challenges, but it’s up to you to push through it! If something's goes wrong you just try again. You may get discouraged but it only makes you stronger, smarter and more driven! 

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 ?

This is the most important part of pageantry. Making a difference should be the reason you want to enter this pageant in the first place.. I am so passionate about life. I believe you should put all your heart and enthusiasm into anything in life. This is what I want to share with others. Being an advocate for suicide awareness, I feel it it is so important to be able to make an impact on someone else's life. What more in life could we ask for then a moment of clarity when someone says "Because of you, I didn't give up." I know that with my passion for Healing Voices Movement I can create a safe and positive zone for those who need mental reassurance. 

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What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?

Don't stop. Being a queen is about loving yourself first. Through self acceptance, self love and self sufficiency you will realize that YOU hold the power to make all of your dreams come true! 

Who is your ideal beauty queen and how has she helped you to evolve as a beauty queen?

Currently my ideal beauty queen would have to be my very own state winner! Chhavi Verg (Miss New Jersey USA 2017/Miss USA 2017 first runner-up) is everything a beauty queen and a woman should be. Intelligent, centered and empowering. Chhavi has helped me evolve as a beauty queen because she proves that winning this state title is more than just a crown, sash and being beautiful. Being a queen is having a beautiful mind, a beautiful heart and a beautiful soul and I believe she exerts all of those qualities. 

chavi

chhavi verg

Thanks to the beautiful Alexa for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss New Jersey USA pageant.