PHOTOGRAPHY BY FADIL BERISHA |
How did you get involved in pageants?
I used to watch Miss USA and Miss Universe on television with my mother as a little girl. It was my favorite thing ever to try and call out the winner each each year. (I was always either correct, or close!) I had always wanted to compete for Miss Florida USA but unforeseen circumstances prevented me from doing so. Last year I said, "This is it, I am signing up," and I am so glad that I did!
Take the first four letters of your first name (B, R, I, T) and the first four letters of your last name (O, L, D, E). Choose adjectives that start with these letters, and these adjectives must describe who you are or your personality.
B= Bubbly
R= Relatable
I= Imaginative
T= Talented
O= Organized
L= Loyal
D= Determined
E= Enthusiastic
What do you value most in a relationship with a friend?
I value support and loyalty the most in a friendship. I am always there to support my friends and at the same time, would never turn my back on them. I would hope to expect the same in return.
If you were to take a self-improvement course, what about yourself would you want to improve?
There is always room for improvement in any aspect of yourself. We are all constantly changing. But on a less serious note, I would love to be able to improve and begin to remember the names of everyone I meet.
There is always room for improvement in any aspect of yourself. We are all constantly changing. But on a less serious note, I would love to be able to improve and begin to remember the names of everyone I meet.
Who is the woman you admire most and why?
I admire Oprah Winfrey and her amazing story. There are not many people who know how she really got started, so here is your chance to look it up! *wink*
Do you believe in destiny? Why or why not?
I believe that everything happens for a reason. Life has a beautiful way of working itself out.
How can we encourage the news media to report more stories about the good things that young people are doing?
I believe this has actually already begun with the help of YouTube. I recently just saw a YouTube video about a little boy who was freezing in the snow with no jacket at the bus-stop. The goal was to see what strangers would do. All of the strangers gave their jackets, gloves, coats, hats, and anything else they could find, to help the young boy.
These YouTube videos become so popular the news media stations must pick them. I have seen several other videos that were positive as well, including a police officer who bought a homeless man a pair of shoes. I think YouTube has been a great start to this and could really make waves for more positive media in the future.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN MACALA |
Are you concerned about the growing influx of illegal immigrants over American borders? What policies would you like to see implemented to deal with the problem?
Really, we have only two choices. We can either tighten up the borders, or loosen illegal immigration. In my honest opinion, I believe we should find a medium between the two. We need to be more selective with whom we allow in our country, as well as finding a way to remove those who are here that aren't working or going to school. Those who are found in schools or working, should be pardoned.
If you could trade places with a character on TV, who would it be and why?
I would love to trade places with Charlie from "Revolution." Aside from "Revolution" being my guilty pleasure, I find her character to be dynamic and hard-working. Plus, I would love to work with the rest of the cast.
How do you feel about euthanasia?
While I understand how some may find it unjust, I do believe in the right to a living-will. If a person has listed that this is what they would want in the event something unforeseen may happen, they should be granted their request. Even if there is no living-will involved; if a person is in so much pain with absolutely no chance of healing, it isn't fair to let them continue suffering every day. It is a painful solution, but you need to think about what is right.
How do you feel about medical experimentation on animals?
As an animal lover, I am highly against it. I understand that certain labs are looking out for the safety of human beings; however, there must be another way to perform these experiments without the expense of harmless animals.
Do you feel that setting hiring quotas for minorities, women, and handicapped is a valid concept, and why?
I believe it is important to be able to provide minorities, women, and handicapped persons with equal opportunities. It wasn't until recently that women were even allowed to apply for a position in the Navy.
If you were a car, what would you be and why?
I would be a Limited Subaru BRZ because it reminds me a lot of myself right now. It is fast-paced, has a great amount of drive (good mileage), and can handle the bumps in the road without getting shaken up.
What do you see yourself doing in two or three years?
I would love to have completed my Master's degree in Criminology, and hopefully be in the process of applying to several different agencies, including but not limited to the Secret Service.
Why do you want to be the next Miss USA?
Being Miss USA means having the power to make a difference. I have enjoyed the opportunities I have been given, and the charities I have been fortunate enough to work with as Miss Florida USA. However, I am ready and willing to expand on them. Winning Miss USA means having an even stronger voice throughout the entire country, and this could help immensely with my plans to raise money and awareness for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Also, as one of the biggest role models to women in society, this opportunity would give me the chance to encourage young girls and women around the country to want to make a difference in their own communities.