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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY FADIL BERISHA |
GIVE THREE ADJECTIVES THAT YOUR FRIENDS WOULD DESCRIBE YOU.
Genuine. Confident. Loving.
IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL IN THE NEXT LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
I would come back as a lioness because they are strong and nurturing.
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 have not seen it, but I would consider seeing it only after reading the book. Many people have told me it was a great book and I love to read!
DO YOU THINK THAT "SEXUALITY EDUCATION" SHOULD BE PART OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
DO YOU THINK THAT "SEXUALITY EDUCATION" SHOULD BE PART OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
I do think that sexuality education should be a part of the curriculum in American schools. Whether it is in elementary or middle school, I think it's important for young people to be educated on topics that affect them personally; it allows them to make better and more informed decisions in life.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
Besides my goal of becoming Miss USA, I hope to begin my career in the fashion industry. I also hope to begin to collect the necessary resources and knowledge that I need to start my own fashion brand. Lastly, I would love to further my modeling career within the next 5 years.
IF YOU WON MISS USA AND ONE OF THE CANDIDATES TOLD YOU THAT YOU DIDN'T DESERVE THE CROWN, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER?
Although I would never say I deserve the crown, I would tell her that she is entitled to her own opinion, and I respect that. But I would also tell her that I work very hard to achieve my goals and that is something I am extremely proud of.
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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAGEANT PHOTOGRAPHY |
IS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE IMPORTANT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I do believe physical appearance is important because everyone should feel comfortable in his or her own skin. Feeling good about the way you look helps you feel and act more confident. That is why I think it's healthy to put some importance on physical appearance because it pushes you to be fit, live a healthier lifestyle, and also encourages you to dress in a way that makes you feel the most beautiful.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM MAN (OR IF YOU'RE GAY, DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WOMAN).
My dream man is someone who is respectful, loyal, honest, and trustworthy. Someone who can make me laugh and knows how to cheer me up when I am feeling down. My dream man is someone who can be my other half- someone who is supportive and who would love me unconditionally, without being afraid to show it.
CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT DESIGNER SHOES? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Designer shoes are not a necessity so I would say that I could definitely live without them. But as a person who loves fashion, I would have to mention that I do love shoes!
HAVE YOU EVER HAD COSMETIC SURGERY OR ANY OTHER ALTERATION TO YOUR APPEARANCE?
I personally have not had any cosmetic surgery or any other alteration to my appearance. Although I have not had anything changed or enhanced, I am not against it. I think that if people want to change something to feel more confident in the way they look, and that makes them happy, then I am completely okay with that.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THE U.S.A.?
I am most proud of the freedom and opportunities we have as Americans here in the USA. We take our freedom and these opportunities for granted sometimes but these are things that people from all over the world dream about having.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE CORRELATION BETWEEN PORNOGRAPHY AND RAPE?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that pornography leads to rape, but I do believe that pornography has the potential to give people the wrong message.
DO YOU THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CERTAIN AGE WHEN PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO RETIRE?
I do not think there should be a certain age when people are forced to retire. I think if someone feels strong and healthy enough to continue working, then they should do so. I believe that keeping busy and doing what you love keeps you living a longer and happier life.
VIRTUALLY ALL TERRORIST ATTACKS SINCE 9/11 HAVE BEEN COMMITTED BY MUSLIMS WHO JUSTIFY THEIR TERRORISM BY QUOTING VIOLENT ACTS FROM THE KORAN. THIS SUGGESTS THAT ISLAM MAY NOT BE A RELIGION OF PEACE. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
I believe that it is wrong to judge an entire religion based on how some followers choose to practice it. Anything can be read and interpreted in multiple ways, depending on your personal beliefs. I can see how people would believe that Islam is not a religion of peace after some of the terrorist attacks that have occurred, but I do not believe it is fair to judge an entire religion or group of people based on how some individuals have chosen to act. Overall, I think it is unfortunate that people find the need commit acts of terrorism, no matter what their justification might be.
DO YOU SUPPORT LAWS TO REQUIRE MANDATORY BILINGUAL EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
I completely support laws that require mandatory bilingual education for all students in American schools. I think languages are great and help enrich your life. They allow you to communicate with more people and connect with them on a personal level. Learning another language is also good for the brain! I myself love languages; I am trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and Italian. I would love to continue to learn more!
PEOPLE SAY THAT MOST PAGEANT CONTESTANTS ARE RELIGIOUS. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE?
I believe that most pageant contestants are spiritual in some way. Pageant contestants are very dedicated, motivated, inspired, and driven. Therefore, having something to believe in helps most pageant girls stay focused on their goals.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN ETHICAL PERSON?
My definition of an ethical person is someone who knows right from wrong and chooses to do the right thing in any given situation.
My definition of an ethical person is someone who knows right from wrong and chooses to do the right thing in any given situation.
WHAT WOULD A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER LEARN ABOUT YOU FROM REVIEWING YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK ACCOUNTS LIKE FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER?
From viewing my social network accounts, a potential employer would learn that I am an overall positive and happy person. They would also learn that I love to travel, meet new people, and visit new places. They would also learn that I love to smile!
WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED BY COMPETING IN PAGEANTS?
Competing in pageants is truly empowering. You grow as an individual after going through each competition. During the process, you learn so much about yourself and you learn how to best present who you are to society. You build up confidence, poise, and strong communication skills. Competing in pageants helps you set goals and it challenges you to be the best version of yourself.
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?
It has always been a dream of mine to become Miss USA. Even though women today have more options and freedom, I truly believe in what the Miss Universe Organization stands for. I cannot think of another organization in which women can participate in to gain such a life changing experience. The organization not only gives women a platform to inspire others and touch so many lives, but they also offer their titleholders such unique opportunities in both their personal and professional lives. They help women achieve their career goals by giving them opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had, if they hadn’t been a part of the organization.
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Thank you, Vanessa, for granting us this interview
and we wish you the best of luck in Miss USA 2015!
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