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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY FADIL BERISHA |
I still can't believe it. Your life changes in a heartbeat! I'm so grateful and happy. The experiences that you get to take part in along with traveling is an eye opener. You learn new things and are constantly growing.
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
My friends would describe me as funny, caring, understanding, driven, humble, and chill.
Define self-confidence.
Self-confidence is sticking to your purpose that you have set for yourself, knowing that you may fall along the way. But having that belief in yourself that nothing will shake you or discourage you.
What pushes your hot button?
I would have to say when there is a problem, and instead of someone coming and expressing the problem, they go and discuss it with others. Like I always say, "Go to the source!"
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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY FADIL BERISHA |
Does society define "success" for women the same way we do for men?
Absolutely not. Whether it's women or men, we are individuals on our own with different goals and with our own personal definition of success.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would you change and why?
Opening people's eyes up to acceptance. Accepting people for who they are, where they are from, their religious backgrounds, ethnicities and social upbringings. Being from Hawaii, I've grown up in a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds which has allowed me to be exposed to many different types of people and thus allowing me to be accepting and non-judgmental towards any individuals.
How do you handle peer pressure when it goes against your values?
I'm not going to lie. I definitely feel stressed but I quickly remember who I am and what morals I have withheld for myself.
Do you think female soldiers should be allowed to fight in combat?
Absolutely! Girl power all the way!
What has not happened in your life that you wish could happen (besides winning Miss USA)?
I would love to travel all over the world and experience the different lifestyles and cultures. There's so much I want to learn and discover from each place.
Would you feel that it would be fair if a transgender contestant won Miss USA over a natural-born female/woman?
I personally don’t have a problem with it. It’s not about the label of transgender or natural born woman. But it’s how you carry yourself as a pageant woman and upholding the positive image that the Miss Universe Organization promotes.
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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY FADIL BERISHA |
If you were to come back as an animal in the next life, what would you be and why?
An elephant. I don't know what it is, but since I was little I have always been in awe of them.
What is more important: beauty or intelligence?
Intelligence. Anyone can be beautiful. But to be able to hold your ground and speak with integrity and substance is more important.
If you had a daughter, would you recommend that she enter a pageant? Why or why not?
Yes, if my daughter wants to, I will support her 110%. You learn so much about yourself.
What is the one thing you simply will not tolerate?
Fakeness. I can't stand it.
Since I was a little girl it's always been something that I have wanted to experience. And now even more, with going out in your community, being able to travel, experience new things, and truly grow into your future self. When I decided to run for Miss Hawaii USA I had to dig deep and figure out what my own personal purpose was. I stuck to it regardless of what the challenges were. To this day, I am applying that and using that as my mantra for my preparations for Miss USA.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO ALICIA JONES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MISS HAWAII USA, FOR FACILITATING THIS INTERVIEW
