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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY FADIL BERISHA |
GIVE THREE ADJECTIVES THAT YOUR FRIENDS WOULD DESCRIBE YOU.
My friends would probably say I was funny, trustworthy and nurturing. I am supportive, compassionate, and affectionate and truly enjoy making people laugh. Friendships are incredibly important to me, so whenever possible I make it a point to let my friends know how special they are to me.
HAVE YOU SEEN "50 SHADES OF GREY?" IF YOU HAVE, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF IT? IF YOU HAVEN'T, WOULD YOU SEE IT?
I just saw it this weekend! I found the movie to be intriguing yet disturbing at times. I think there is a very fine line between desire and abuse, and at certain times during the movie the characters were dangerously close to crossing that line.
IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL IN THE NEXT LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
I would be a dolphin! Dolphins are incredibly smart, social and playful animals. They have very good vision and excellent hearing. They are able to swim for thousands of miles, and live in such beautiful locations. In addition, I am part of the Cove Initiative and have helped raise awareness for dolphin preservation, so they have a special place in my heart.
NAME THREE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD NEVER DO.
I ALWAYS say “Never say Never,” but there are a few things that I am pretty sure are safe: I will never work in a factory farm. I will never visit Sea World, again. And I will never get a face tattoo!
CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT DESIGNER SHOES? WHY OR WHY NOT
Nowadays, there are many great options for shoes at very reasonable prices. I do not think I would be devastated if I did not own designer shoes. That's not to say that I don’t love a new pair of designer shoes, but it's not a necessity.
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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWIN SHAW |
SHOULD ABORTION BE BANNED IN THE CASES OF WOMEN WHO HAVE REPEATED ABORTIONS, BUT CONTINUE NOT TO USE BIRTH CONTROL?
I do believe that any critical issue involving a woman and her body should not be decided by another entity or governing body.
DO YOU THINK THAT "SEXUALITY EDUCATION" SHOULD BE PART OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
I do think that sexual education should be taught in American schools. I think that education is a way of bringing awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and the consequences of unplanned pregnancies. We must inform students of human sexuality so that they go into that very serious part of their life, well informed and prepared to handle anything and everything.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
In the next five years, after hopefully winning Miss USA and Miss Universe :) -I would love to continue my work in the political world in Washington D.C. My ultimate dream would be to produce and host my own news show that reported the news in a way that anyone could understand. Often I find that news outlets, especially political news outlets, speak to viewers as if they were strategists or experts-which the average person is not.
I want to create a show that tells the audience what is happening in the world, why it is important and how it all began. If the news was delivered like a story, rather than a lecture, I think a lot more people would be interested. This has the potential to create a well-informed electorate, increase voter turnout, and stimulate public involvement in our government-both locally and nationally.
IF YOU WON MISS USA AND ONE OF THE CANDIDATES TOLD YOU THAT YOU DIDN'T DESERVE THE CROWN, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER?
I would not tell her anything, but rather show her. I am a very non-confrontational personality, and I would not let her opinion affect me negatively. I know that if I won the title of Miss USA, it would be because I deserved it. I would be a great Miss USA and nothing she could say to me would make me feel less deserving. I think I would feel compassion for her, because I understand that it would be difficult not to win. I would invite her to spend time with me throughout my reign so she could get to know me. I would gladly change her mind.
IS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE IMPORTANT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I think physical appearance is important, but not as significant as we have made it in society today. Physical appearance is one way to show your individuality. It can also be a way to express yourself. You can treat your body, clothes, makeup and hair like a canvas; portraying whom you think you represent on the inside. Appearance is important but I do not think it is healthy to idolize the pursuit of the “perfect” physique or face, because there is no such thing.
DO YOU THINK THAT OUR CULTURE IS TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH BEAUTY? HOW COULD WE CHANGE THAT?
I do think that our society can be overly preoccupied with beauty; however, it is important to be able to experience feeling beautiful. I love to have my makeup and hair done and enjoy shopping for things that make me feel great. I look forward to getting dolled up but I do not take it too seriously. Beauty can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. We must have other interests in life, and not be so consumed in something so temporary and superficial.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM MAN (OR IF YOU'RE GAY, DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WOMAN).
My dream man is someone who is incredibly funny, kind, ambitious, athletic and smart. I want someone to grow with me and next to me, not someone who has to lead me or be led. I love intelligence and humor. These are incredibly attractive qualities for me. If you can make me laugh and you can have an educated conversation with me, you've won my heart. I am also a driven woman, so I like a man with ambition, who sets big dreams and achieves them. Lastly, I am an athletic person, and I love to be active. My dream man would be someone who would love to go on a run with me or a hike, then come home and watch movies together on the couch and relax. I love a good balance!
IF YOU COULD GO ON A BLIND DATE WITH ANY MAN (OR WOMAN), WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
If I could go on a blind date with anyone, I would pick Chris Hemsworth as my celebrity blind date. That is if he was single. He is tall, masculine, has a great sense of humor and is so family oriented. I feel like THOR and I would be a great match. And we do have matching hair!
IF YOU HAD TO BE ANOTHER WOMAN FOR ONE WEEK, WHICH WOMAN WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE AND WHY?
I would have to pick two: The Queen of Jordan, Rainia al-Abdullah and actress Sandra Bullock. I would choose the Queen of Jordan because she is a smart, brilliant, captivating woman and one of the most selfless leaders in the world. Her passion in life is working with disadvantaged children, as is mine. I would love to spend a day in her shoes, and be able to experience what it's like being a queen, a business leader, a women's rights activist and an advocate for public health and education.
My second choice is Sandra Bullock. She is America's sweetheart and someone I truly adore and admire. My friends always tell me that when I am a mom, I will be just like Sandra Bullock in the Blind Side. Haha! Sandra is beautiful, talented, witty, and compassionate. She is a celebrity, yet still comes off as the girl next door. She is a loving mother to her adopted son and has a passion for helping others. Her humanitarian efforts are innumerable, yet she is humble and stays true to herself. I love that she never boasts about her community work and donations. She is a fantastic role model. Both of these women are inspirational, and I try to look at them for motivation in my daily life.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD COSMETIC SURGERY OR ANY OTHER ALTERATION TO YOUR APPEARANCE?
Although I've never had any cosmetic surgery, I do support people altering their physical attributes in order to find personal happiness and fulfillment. If you are unsatisfied with your physical appearance and it is affecting your confidence level, then I feel you should have the freedom to change your look. It is your body, and your life, so do what makes you content.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT PAGEANTS LIKE MISS VENEZUELA PROMOTING COSMETIC SURGERY SO MUCH? IS THAT A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE EXAMPLE FOR YOUNG WOMEN?
At this time in my life, I choose not to have plastic surgery. As a titleholder and woman, I want to set a positive example for young women all around the world to allow them the choice to embrace their own unique beauty. I take that responsibility very seriously. We should learn to accept our flaws and imperfections and realize everyone is uniquely beautiful. What truly matters is your character and the person you are on the inside. I want my fans to love me for me, flaws and all.
DO YOU THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CERTAIN AGE WHEN PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO RETIRE?
I do not think there should be an age when you are forced to retire. That is because I do not think aging is a universal cycle for every person. My grandfather was a practicing orthopedic surgeon until he passed away the age of 80 years old. He never retired and I am so thankful that he was allowed to do what he loved to do every single day of his life. As long as they are competent to do their job, I do not think there should be age restrictions placed on when someone should retire.
IF SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY WAS TERMINALLY ILL AND IN AGONY AND ASKED YOUR TO HELP THEM DIE, HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE IT?
I would not “handle it,” I would let nature take its course. Then again, I have never been in a position where a loved one was in agonizing, excruciating pain and was asking for my help to end their suffering. It is a very difficult situation, but I do believe that God should be the only one to end a life. I would be by my loved one's side, every step of the way, but I would not extend my involvement to expedite the process.
SOME STATES STILL PRACTICE THE DEATH PENALTY AS PUNISHMENT FOR HORRENDOUS CRIMES. DO YOU THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I do think the death penalty should be abolished. I do not think anyone should have the right to terminate or end someone else's life. The death penalty seems like an easy escape for many of these criminals. I do not think that it is as appropriate a punishment as life in prison, and can often make these criminals martyrs for their causes. Life in prison can often be considered a fate worse than death. Therefore, I do not support the use of the death penalty as a form of punishment.
COMPARED TO THE 1950s-1970s, WOMEN TODAY HAVE MORE OPTIONS IN TERMS OF THEIR PERSONAL CHOICES AND PERSONAL LIVES. DESPITE THESE OPTIONS, WHY DO YOU STILL WANT TO BE MISS USA?
I do not think you have to choose one or the other; I want to do it all! I have a thriving professional career, and I am competing to be Miss USA. In a sense, Miss USA is an icon for young professional women everywhere. I think that the ideal woman to represent our country as Miss USA and Miss Universe is one that is constantly breaking stereotypes, and expected roles. Miss USA should be the example for everyone to look up to in every facet of life. She is a model, a career woman, a humanitarian. She is funny, sexy, smart and kind. That is what the ideal Miss USA should embody. That is why the Miss Universe Organization gives these multi-talented, educated, compassionate women the opportunity to show the world that they are the full package! I choose this path because I think Miss USA is the ultimate great example for women everywhere, and I want to be a part of that example.
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Thank you, Lizzy, for granting us this interview
and we wish you the best of luck in Miss USA 2015!
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