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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANA LEMOS |
GIVE THREE ADJECTIVES THAT YOUR FRIENDS WOULD DESCRIBE YOU.
Compassionate, lighthearted, and hardworking.
IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL IN THE NEXT LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
Compassionate, lighthearted, and hardworking.
IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL IN THE NEXT LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
I would want to come back as a giant panda! Pandas are my favorite animal, and have been since I was a little girl. They are such beautiful creatures, it makes me laugh that they chew on bamboo all day and sleep a ton. I am a supporter of the WWF fund, their goal is to save wildlife and the most important species in the world, including the giant panda!
NAME THREE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD NEVER DO.
- Stop eating chocolate.
- Hunt any type of animal.
- Be on a reality TV show.
CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT DESIGNER SHOES? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I can definitely live without designer shoes! I was raised by my parents to not have a ‘need' for anything other than necessities. They grounded me with realizing what is really important in life. Although I am very fortunate to have received some designer shoes as gifts, I would much rather put the money towards something else, like buying pairs of shoes for someone in need with the money I could spend on one pair of designer shoes!
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 tell her that I hope she would change her mind after she watched me fulfill my duties as Miss USA! I have come to realize that you can’t please everyone in this life, but you can live a life your proud of and be nice to everyone, no matter what.
IS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE IMPORTANT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I do think physical appearance is important, because it shows that you respect yourself and want to present the best version of yourself possible. I do believe most employers look for a presentable outward appearance as well, so it can only benefit you in the long run! I truly do believe beauty comes from within, so if you are kind, good hearted person, it will shine through to the outside!
DO YOU THINK THAT OUR CULTURE IS TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH BEAUTY? HOW COULD WE CHANGE THAT?
I do think our culture is very preoccupied with beauty. I think we can change this by raising our children to believe that what is on the inside is what truly matters, and they they should not judge a person by what they look like. I also think we should teach our daughters to be comfortable with themselves as they are, before any makeup/beauty products are introduced to them.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM MAN (OR IF YOU'RE GAY, DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WOMAN).
A man who puts God first, who respects his family, who loves animals, is a hard worker, and loves me! :)
IF YOU COULD GO ON A BLIND DATE WITH ANY MAN (OR WOMAN), WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I would go on a blind date with the actor Chris Hemsworth. He is definitely my ‘celebrity crush!’
I can definitely live without designer shoes! I was raised by my parents to not have a ‘need' for anything other than necessities. They grounded me with realizing what is really important in life. Although I am very fortunate to have received some designer shoes as gifts, I would much rather put the money towards something else, like buying pairs of shoes for someone in need with the money I could spend on one pair of designer shoes!
DO YOU THINK THAT "SEXUALITY EDUCATION" SHOULD BE PART OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
I do not think that “sexuality education” is necessary for elementary age students. I believe that these students are still to young, and should wait until middle school age to be taught this type of education. According to statistics, 67% of sexual education in America starts in the 6th grade, which I feel to be the more appropriate age.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
I see myself having had a successful reign as Miss USA! After that, I hope to use my degree in Merchandise Marketing from FIDM and my background in selling wedding gowns and managing a bridal salon, to open my own bridal store that sells bridal, evening and pageantry gowns! I would love to bring the knowledge that I learned working at a store in Los Angeles to Pennsylvania, as well as other cities if I could open multiple stores! I also see myself being settled down with a husband and a family of my own. (And a couple of dogs too!)
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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAGEANT IMAGES |
I would tell her that I hope she would change her mind after she watched me fulfill my duties as Miss USA! I have come to realize that you can’t please everyone in this life, but you can live a life your proud of and be nice to everyone, no matter what.
IS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE IMPORTANT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I do think physical appearance is important, because it shows that you respect yourself and want to present the best version of yourself possible. I do believe most employers look for a presentable outward appearance as well, so it can only benefit you in the long run! I truly do believe beauty comes from within, so if you are kind, good hearted person, it will shine through to the outside!
DO YOU THINK THAT OUR CULTURE IS TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH BEAUTY? HOW COULD WE CHANGE THAT?
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM MAN (OR IF YOU'RE GAY, DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WOMAN).
A man who puts God first, who respects his family, who loves animals, is a hard worker, and loves me! :)
IF YOU COULD GO ON A BLIND DATE WITH ANY MAN (OR WOMAN), WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I would go on a blind date with the actor Chris Hemsworth. He is definitely my ‘celebrity crush!’
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| PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAGEANT IMAGES |
IF YOU HAD TO BE ANOTHER WOMAN FOR ONE WEEK, WHICH WOMAN WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BE AND WHY?
Carolina Herrera, who is a Venezuelan-American fashion designer. As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, I am the biggest fan of Ms. Herrera. I would love to talk to her about her exciting career and how she grew the worldwide brand that she has today. I have particular interest in her bridal collections, as I was able to work with the garments in person at a bridal salon in Los Angeles.
Carolina Herrera, who is a Venezuelan-American fashion designer. As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, I am the biggest fan of Ms. Herrera. I would love to talk to her about her exciting career and how she grew the worldwide brand that she has today. I have particular interest in her bridal collections, as I was able to work with the garments in person at a bridal salon in Los Angeles.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THE U.S.A.?
I love the USA’s diverse culture. I’ve had the opportunity to live in Los Angeles while I attended college and I was amazed by all of the different cultures and diverse people that live there. I met so many people from all around the world and learned so much about their different beliefs and traditions. I think its incredible that we are a country of such rich diversity. I hope to have the opportunity to live in other cities in the US to meet even more people!
I love the USA’s diverse culture. I’ve had the opportunity to live in Los Angeles while I attended college and I was amazed by all of the different cultures and diverse people that live there. I met so many people from all around the world and learned so much about their different beliefs and traditions. I think its incredible that we are a country of such rich diversity. I hope to have the opportunity to live in other cities in the US to meet even more people!
DO YOU THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CERTAIN AGE WHEN PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO RETIRE?
I do not think there should be any age that anyone is forced to retire, with our nations amazing health care and advances in health and wellness technology, people are living longer and staying more active. I applaud those who want to keep working and do what they love, till any age!
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH OLDER PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM ALZHEIMER'S AND OTHER LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES WHERE THEY CAN'T TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES?
I think that long-term care centers and living centers should be available throughout every state to care for these individuals who need help and can’t be on their own. There needs to be enough of these facilities so that everyone can receive the help that they need.
I think that long-term care centers and living centers should be available throughout every state to care for these individuals who need help and can’t be on their own. There needs to be enough of these facilities so that everyone can receive the help that they need.
IF SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY WAS TERMINALLY ILL AND IN AGONY AND ASKED YOU TO HELP THEM DIE, HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE IT?
I would not be able to help anyone in my family die, because that would be to hard for me. I would however try to find them the help and care that they needed, as well as making them as comfortable as possible. I believe in the power of God and that he can heal anyone from any illness. I would turn to my faith at this time!
DO YOU SUPPORT LAWS TO REQUIRE MANDATORY BILINGUAL EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS?
I do support the laws to require mandatory bilingual education for all students in American schools. I think that knowing another language other than English is so beneficial in today's day and age of so many diverse cultures in our great country.
CAN A PERSON WHO WAS BORN A MALE, BUT WHO HAS A SEX REASSIGNMENT TO BECOME FEMALE, BE TRULY A FEMALE IN YOUR OPINION?
I do believe a person who has a sex reassignment to the opposite sex can be considered a true ‘male’ or ‘female’ after their surgery. I do believe that some people are born in the wrong body and I fully support them on their journey to find happiness as a member of the opposite sex.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN ETHICAL PERSON?
My definition of an ethical person is someone who understands the difference between what is right and wrong and lives by that example every day. This person is not afraid to step in and stop something when they see a negative situation. This person also is the first to applaud the right-doings of any person.
WHAT WOULD A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER LEARN ABOUT YOU FROM REVIEWING YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK ACCOUNTS LIKE FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER?
They would see that I am a very social person who loves volunteer work, exercise, travel and being outdoors! They would also see that I have a sense of humor and love to joke around with my friends.
WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED BY COMPETING IN PAGEANTS?
I have gained self-confidence, poise and public speaking skills. I have gained friendships that feel more like a sisterhood. I have gained connections in business, fashion and the modeling world. I have traveled and met people from all across the United States. I have gained a strong sense of self, and a passion for volunteer work of any kind. I would not trade what I have received from competing in pageants for anything, it has truly changed my life in the most positive way!
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 think being Miss USA would only open more doors and opportunities towards these new professional levels that are now available to women. Being Miss USA would mean being a confidently beautiful woman who is goal and career driven. This title would set me up for all future endeavors in my life, especially a career path!
Follow Elizabeth on Instagram
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and Twitter!
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Thank you, Elizabeth, for granting us this interview
and we wish you the best of luck in Miss USA 2015!
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