GIVE THREE ADJECTIVES THAT YOUR FRIENDS WOULD DESCRIBE YOU.
Genuine. Energetic. Ambitious.
IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL IN THE NEXT LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
NAME THREE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD NEVER DO.
1. Eat any sort of bug, even if it's covered in chocolate
2. Forget my bug spray when going camping
3. Skip dessert
CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT DESIGNER SHOES? WHY OR WHY NOT?
YES! I live in tennis shoes not designer shoes. Does Chanel make nice running shoes? I put comfort first followed by style, followed by price. Clearance has always been my best friend. I like to use my money for traveling, my family, my charities, not shoes! I may be the only pageant girl where tennis shoes outnumber the amount of high heels.
DO YOU THINK THAT "SEXUALITY EDUCATION" SHOULD BE PART OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
No. I feel elementary school is way too young to be introducing sexuality education. They should be focusing on learning to love to read and write and how to engage with others! We should be fueling them with a passion for education and learning! In elementary school we should be teaching them how to eat properly and exercise regularly! At that age they should just be kids! I would find middle school to be a more appropriate age for this subject.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
My goal this moment is to not only be the next Miss USA but the next Miss Universe. With my work ethic and new connections I have made through my pageant experience, I plan to become a sports manager for professional athletes following the pageant. After Miss USA (or Miss Universe) I will go back to school to earn a Master's degree in sports management and will pursue a career with the Minnesota Vikings or Minnesota Wild (my favorite teams)! I plan to expand my management services outside of the state of Minnesota and my goal is to become the best sports manager in the United States, and maybe the future NFL commissioner! Family is also really important to me. In the next 5 years, I hope to be married to my best friend and start planning a family! I would love to have 4 children and have at least one be adopted!
IS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE IMPORTANT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Yes. Inner beauty and your heart is MORE important but physical appearance still has importance to me. I want to live to 150 years old. I workout to be healthy. I find physical appearance important for personal health. Health is important and when you’re healthy your physical appearance benefits. I also feel when I feel I look my best nothing can ruin my day! When I feel good I am so confident and accomplish so much and overcome any hurdle that comes my way.
I feel I am lucky enough to already be with my dream man. My dream man is someone who is supportive! Supportive in my dreams to be Miss USA, in becoming the best sports manager in the United States, and any other crazy ambition that pops into my head! If I decide to be an astronaut tomorrow my dream man would ask how he can help. My dream man is extremely kind and generous to those around him. He is a family man. He finds going to church and giving back to others important. My dream man would love my little brother and turn into a positive mentor in his life. My dream man loves to travel and is adventurous. AND FINALLY my dream man is handsome and can cook and clean!
IF YOU COULD GO ON A BLIND DATE WITH ANY MAN (OR WOMAN), WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I would hope to go on a blind date with Adam Scott the Australian Hunk. I want to just listen to that accent and maybe he could help my golf game.
IF YOU HAD TO BE ANOTHER WOMAN FOR ONE WEEK, WHICH WOMAN WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE AND WHY?
Rachel Zoe. She is a stylist for the stars! I would love to live her live filled with fashion, models, Starbucks coffee, and an unlimited amount of clothes! I would love to style celebrities for the red carpet and attend fashion shows! I hope I switch places with her I would also get her skill set!
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WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT PAGEANTS LIKE MISS VENEZUELA PROMOTING COSMETIC SURGERY SO MUCH? IS THAT A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE EXAMPLE FOR YOUNG WOMEN?
I do not believe promoting cosmetic surgery is appropriate. I feel women need to make that decision on their own. I feel (at an appropriate age) that if a woman truly wants plastic surgery (small change, not full body transformation) because it will make her feel more beautiful can be appropriate. But I do not feel we should be promoting cosmetic surgery or putting pressure on young women to alter their bodies. There are enough pressures in this world that we don’t need to be adding more stress on these young ladies. Pageants should focus on empowering women, building confidence, and promoting charities and services rather than altering contestants’ beauty. Interview skills and learning compassion for others through service will take these girls a lot further in their lifetime than a face lift.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE THAT AMERICA FACES?
Childhood obesity. The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Childhood obesity is a major problem. The ages of children with obesity are getting younger and younger. These bad habits and health risks are starting way too early and then carrying over into their adult life! Obesity leads to so many health risks as well as self esteem issues. Children are not getting enough time for physical activity and are not being exposed to enough healthy food options! Its up to the parents as well as our education system to continue to stress the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Growing up I would play outside every day and would beg my parents to let me stay outside for just 10 more minutes! I played 3 sports growing up and learned from coaches that eating healthy would enhance my performance on the track and in the ring! As Miss Minnesota USA I do a lot of speaking engagements with children on the importance of this topic and live by example! I enjoy working out and cooking for myself instead of eating out! It’s time to put an end to childhood obesity and make our country a healthier one!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THE U.S.A.?
Our "Team Spirit" - We love our country, what we stand for, and the brave men and women that protect that! I have been a spokesperson for Soldiers' Angels since 2009 and a supporter of our military for as long as I can remember. I am most proud of our military and those who stand with them! We have incredible VA hospitals and support systems for our current military, our veterans, and their families. We sing the National Anthem with pride and wave our flag nice and high!
Absolutely not! People should retire when they want. America gives people freedom and to live the American dream you should be able to work and do what you love for as long as you want. Also 34% of adults say they have NO MONEY saved for retirement. This lack of savings may make retiring a tough choice. 49% of people today live paycheck to paycheck to provide for themselves and their families. We should not have a say on when people quit their dream job or cut them off from funds that they need to survive.
HOW SHOULD THE U.S. GOVERNMENT RESPOND TO THE THREAT OF ISIS?
The U.S needs to let not only ISIS know but others as well that we will not stand by threats or killing innocent people. We will not live in fear and will not alter the things we take pride in to acknowledge such wicked violence that they are presenting! The United States takes great pride in all of our freedoms, the freedom of speech and religion are two we are especially proud of. We need to acknowledge we have difference in our beliefs system but cannot stoop down to such violence. It’s hard to imagine what evil exists out there but good will always triumph over the bad. We believe in peace and celebrating all cultures that make us unique. If ISIS disagrees with what we stand for there has to be other ways to address their concerns without taking the lives of innocent people.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN ETHICAL PERSON?
I am actually taking a course on ethics in Philosophy. An ethical person is compassionate, hardworking, and strives to always do the right thing. They obey the law and respect rules that are presented to them. They are hard-working and strive to serve others. They are consistently considerate of others and they do not intentionally harm anyone and always strive to do good work in their life.
WHAT WOULD A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER LEARN ABOUT YOU FROM REVIEWING YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK ACCOUNTS LIKE FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER?
That I am their biggest fan! My future potential employer will hopefully be an NFL or NHL team! I love sports and often post a lot about my favorite teams! They would also learn that I love taking photos of my beautiful dog named Sammy and my perfect Godson Parker. They would see that I’m extremely driven and passionate about my current position of Miss Minnesota USA. My posts show my love for service, my faith, and my family. I aim to be a positive mentor to my peers as well as young girls and boys and my posts reflect that.
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WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED BY COMPETING IN PAGEANTS?
Confidence: This is obvious. Growing up as a tomboy I had a hard time balancing between wanting to be a girly girl and wanting to stick in sports. Pageants showed me I could be strong and beautiful at the same time! It helps me speak confidently and feel beautiful!
Passion for Service: I love being so involved in community service throughout my reign and participation in pageants! Working with Soldiers’ Angels and supports the troops since 2009 and now working with Miss Amazing, Wounded Warrior Project and many other charities fills my heart! I love serving those who need some extra TLC!
Networking: I have gained so many connections through pageantry. It doesn't matter if I am at the pageant or at an appearance I have met so many wonderful people that are willing to help me find a career or any service I may need! I have been blessed to have a great network of people and it continues to grow every day.
Sisterhood: I grew up with one brother, and although I love him very much, pageants are so great for the sisterhood that they provide! Some of my best friends come from pageantry! I love being surrounded by strong, beautiful, and motivated young ladies that help me grow!
Faith: I remember my first pageant when a fellow contestant grabbed my hand and asked if I wanted to pray before we went on stage. At the time I was not very strong in my faith and did not pray as often. Pageants have provided me an opportunity to grow in my faith and I have learned that this adventure to Miss USA is a lot better when connected in my faith!
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?
Because women today have more options of their personal choices and professional lives. We have unlimited amount of opportunities and Miss USA can and will help us get there. Miss USA will always help empower women to be their best self and provide opportunities that nobody else can. The Miss Universe Organization has allowed me to dream bigger and explore all my choices with personal development and career choice! Miss USA has grown with the times and when women’s opportunities increase Miss USA steps up to provide just as many for young women! Miss USA contestants speak more clearly and confidently and are extremely successful in all aspects of their life!
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Genuine. Energetic. Ambitious.
IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL IN THE NEXT LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
An otter. They are not only adorable and very relaxed but they also eat quite a bit. They can consume up to 20% of their body weight daily. About 5 hours a day are spent searching for and consuming food! I love food and can’t imagine a better way to spend my day!
NAME THREE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD NEVER DO.
1. Eat any sort of bug, even if it's covered in chocolate
2. Forget my bug spray when going camping
3. Skip dessert
CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT DESIGNER SHOES? WHY OR WHY NOT?
YES! I live in tennis shoes not designer shoes. Does Chanel make nice running shoes? I put comfort first followed by style, followed by price. Clearance has always been my best friend. I like to use my money for traveling, my family, my charities, not shoes! I may be the only pageant girl where tennis shoes outnumber the amount of high heels.
DO YOU THINK THAT "SEXUALITY EDUCATION" SHOULD BE PART OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
No. I feel elementary school is way too young to be introducing sexuality education. They should be focusing on learning to love to read and write and how to engage with others! We should be fueling them with a passion for education and learning! In elementary school we should be teaching them how to eat properly and exercise regularly! At that age they should just be kids! I would find middle school to be a more appropriate age for this subject.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
My goal this moment is to not only be the next Miss USA but the next Miss Universe. With my work ethic and new connections I have made through my pageant experience, I plan to become a sports manager for professional athletes following the pageant. After Miss USA (or Miss Universe) I will go back to school to earn a Master's degree in sports management and will pursue a career with the Minnesota Vikings or Minnesota Wild (my favorite teams)! I plan to expand my management services outside of the state of Minnesota and my goal is to become the best sports manager in the United States, and maybe the future NFL commissioner! Family is also really important to me. In the next 5 years, I hope to be married to my best friend and start planning a family! I would love to have 4 children and have at least one be adopted!
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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL SOLBERG |
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 at first be in complete shock but then I would tell her I worked extremely hard to be on that stage and I did it all for the right reasons. I prayed every day for confidence, strength, and the ability to have the best version of myself shine through on stage. I was at the right place at the right time and paved my path with passion, work ethic, and prayer. I was crowned because it was my time. Everything happens for a reason and just because you don't win a crown doesn’t mean you are incapable of accomplishing bigger and better things. “To be Miss USA you have to BE MISS USA.” I have been at the gym every day, working on my interview, volunteering all my free time to charities of my choice, and feel I walked the walk and talked the talk in preparation for this moment. I would ask her why she feels I don’t deserve this moment and ask if what I said changed her mind and promise her I will show her I deserve it by being the best Miss USA the Miss Universe Organization has ever seen.
IS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE IMPORTANT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Yes. Inner beauty and your heart is MORE important but physical appearance still has importance to me. I want to live to 150 years old. I workout to be healthy. I find physical appearance important for personal health. Health is important and when you’re healthy your physical appearance benefits. I also feel when I feel I look my best nothing can ruin my day! When I feel good I am so confident and accomplish so much and overcome any hurdle that comes my way.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM MAN (OR IF YOU'RE GAY, DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WOMAN).
I feel I am lucky enough to already be with my dream man. My dream man is someone who is supportive! Supportive in my dreams to be Miss USA, in becoming the best sports manager in the United States, and any other crazy ambition that pops into my head! If I decide to be an astronaut tomorrow my dream man would ask how he can help. My dream man is extremely kind and generous to those around him. He is a family man. He finds going to church and giving back to others important. My dream man would love my little brother and turn into a positive mentor in his life. My dream man loves to travel and is adventurous. AND FINALLY my dream man is handsome and can cook and clean!
IF YOU COULD GO ON A BLIND DATE WITH ANY MAN (OR WOMAN), WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I would hope to go on a blind date with Adam Scott the Australian Hunk. I want to just listen to that accent and maybe he could help my golf game.
IF YOU HAD TO BE ANOTHER WOMAN FOR ONE WEEK, WHICH WOMAN WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE AND WHY?
Rachel Zoe. She is a stylist for the stars! I would love to live her live filled with fashion, models, Starbucks coffee, and an unlimited amount of clothes! I would love to style celebrities for the red carpet and attend fashion shows! I hope I switch places with her I would also get her skill set!
I do not believe promoting cosmetic surgery is appropriate. I feel women need to make that decision on their own. I feel (at an appropriate age) that if a woman truly wants plastic surgery (small change, not full body transformation) because it will make her feel more beautiful can be appropriate. But I do not feel we should be promoting cosmetic surgery or putting pressure on young women to alter their bodies. There are enough pressures in this world that we don’t need to be adding more stress on these young ladies. Pageants should focus on empowering women, building confidence, and promoting charities and services rather than altering contestants’ beauty. Interview skills and learning compassion for others through service will take these girls a lot further in their lifetime than a face lift.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE THAT AMERICA FACES?
Childhood obesity. The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Childhood obesity is a major problem. The ages of children with obesity are getting younger and younger. These bad habits and health risks are starting way too early and then carrying over into their adult life! Obesity leads to so many health risks as well as self esteem issues. Children are not getting enough time for physical activity and are not being exposed to enough healthy food options! Its up to the parents as well as our education system to continue to stress the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Growing up I would play outside every day and would beg my parents to let me stay outside for just 10 more minutes! I played 3 sports growing up and learned from coaches that eating healthy would enhance my performance on the track and in the ring! As Miss Minnesota USA I do a lot of speaking engagements with children on the importance of this topic and live by example! I enjoy working out and cooking for myself instead of eating out! It’s time to put an end to childhood obesity and make our country a healthier one!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THE U.S.A.?
Our "Team Spirit" - We love our country, what we stand for, and the brave men and women that protect that! I have been a spokesperson for Soldiers' Angels since 2009 and a supporter of our military for as long as I can remember. I am most proud of our military and those who stand with them! We have incredible VA hospitals and support systems for our current military, our veterans, and their families. We sing the National Anthem with pride and wave our flag nice and high!
DO YOU THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CERTAIN AGE WHEN PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO RETIRE?
Absolutely not! People should retire when they want. America gives people freedom and to live the American dream you should be able to work and do what you love for as long as you want. Also 34% of adults say they have NO MONEY saved for retirement. This lack of savings may make retiring a tough choice. 49% of people today live paycheck to paycheck to provide for themselves and their families. We should not have a say on when people quit their dream job or cut them off from funds that they need to survive.
HOW SHOULD THE U.S. GOVERNMENT RESPOND TO THE THREAT OF ISIS?
The U.S needs to let not only ISIS know but others as well that we will not stand by threats or killing innocent people. We will not live in fear and will not alter the things we take pride in to acknowledge such wicked violence that they are presenting! The United States takes great pride in all of our freedoms, the freedom of speech and religion are two we are especially proud of. We need to acknowledge we have difference in our beliefs system but cannot stoop down to such violence. It’s hard to imagine what evil exists out there but good will always triumph over the bad. We believe in peace and celebrating all cultures that make us unique. If ISIS disagrees with what we stand for there has to be other ways to address their concerns without taking the lives of innocent people.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN ETHICAL PERSON?
I am actually taking a course on ethics in Philosophy. An ethical person is compassionate, hardworking, and strives to always do the right thing. They obey the law and respect rules that are presented to them. They are hard-working and strive to serve others. They are consistently considerate of others and they do not intentionally harm anyone and always strive to do good work in their life.
WHAT WOULD A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER LEARN ABOUT YOU FROM REVIEWING YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK ACCOUNTS LIKE FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER?
That I am their biggest fan! My future potential employer will hopefully be an NFL or NHL team! I love sports and often post a lot about my favorite teams! They would also learn that I love taking photos of my beautiful dog named Sammy and my perfect Godson Parker. They would see that I’m extremely driven and passionate about my current position of Miss Minnesota USA. My posts show my love for service, my faith, and my family. I aim to be a positive mentor to my peers as well as young girls and boys and my posts reflect that.
Confidence: This is obvious. Growing up as a tomboy I had a hard time balancing between wanting to be a girly girl and wanting to stick in sports. Pageants showed me I could be strong and beautiful at the same time! It helps me speak confidently and feel beautiful!
Passion for Service: I love being so involved in community service throughout my reign and participation in pageants! Working with Soldiers’ Angels and supports the troops since 2009 and now working with Miss Amazing, Wounded Warrior Project and many other charities fills my heart! I love serving those who need some extra TLC!
Networking: I have gained so many connections through pageantry. It doesn't matter if I am at the pageant or at an appearance I have met so many wonderful people that are willing to help me find a career or any service I may need! I have been blessed to have a great network of people and it continues to grow every day.
Sisterhood: I grew up with one brother, and although I love him very much, pageants are so great for the sisterhood that they provide! Some of my best friends come from pageantry! I love being surrounded by strong, beautiful, and motivated young ladies that help me grow!
Faith: I remember my first pageant when a fellow contestant grabbed my hand and asked if I wanted to pray before we went on stage. At the time I was not very strong in my faith and did not pray as often. Pageants have provided me an opportunity to grow in my faith and I have learned that this adventure to Miss USA is a lot better when connected in my faith!
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?
Because women today have more options of their personal choices and professional lives. We have unlimited amount of opportunities and Miss USA can and will help us get there. Miss USA will always help empower women to be their best self and provide opportunities that nobody else can. The Miss Universe Organization has allowed me to dream bigger and explore all my choices with personal development and career choice! Miss USA has grown with the times and when women’s opportunities increase Miss USA steps up to provide just as many for young women! Miss USA contestants speak more clearly and confidently and are extremely successful in all aspects of their life!
Follow Jessica on Instagram
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and Twitter!
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Thank you, Jessica, for granting us this interview
and we wish you the best of luck in Miss USA 2015!
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