Getting To Know BRITTANY ANN PAYNE - Miss Earth United States 2015

1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family background, education, and how you became Miss Earth United States 2015.

I grew up in Central California where I was involved in Competition Dance, Girl Scouts, Soccer, Riding Horses, Softball, Church Organizations, and so much more. I was home-schooled therefore I traveled with my family to dozens of National Parks across the United States. After graduation I ventured off to pursue modeling where pageantry has truly helped me gain opportunities and guide me where I am today. It was a last minute decision, a decision I am extremely glad I made to compete for Miss Earth California title, but when I won state and then won at nationals every moment fell into place. I had a feeling inside me that proved that it was my time. That fire is still inside me, burning even more fiercely, so best believe I am ready for Austria!

2. How did you become interested in pageants?

I competed in my first pageant when I was 18 when my focus was on the pretty crown and wearing a big dress. After I was able to attend Miss USA 2011 in Las Vegas and my heart fell in love with what pageantry has to offer beyond the crown and a big dress. I have worked extremely hard each year competing, becoming stronger, better and more focused within several different organizations and doing my research on every aspect of pageantry. It is not only a strong passion, but an important part of my life.

3. How does it feel to represent the United States in Miss Earth 2015?

It is an absolute dream to be able to say into a microphone 'representing the USA, Brittany Ann Payne' I am representing MY country and every woman that continues to compete for their dream. While I am fulfilling my dream, a part of me feels I am fulfilling the dreams of many others. I hope to encourage every woman who has that same, to never give up, to continue to dream and to seek out every opportunity.

4. Give three adjectives that your friends would use to describe you.

Goofy, Fierce, and Hilarious

5. Tell us about one life-changing experience in your life.

This past Spring I was in a very scary car accident. Had a few factors changed, I would not be here today. I am extremely blessed to be alive and live each day to the fullest with thankfulness and caution.

6. Name three things that you would never do.

I would never smoke cigarettes, poach an animal, or give up on anything.

NO MAKEUP! :)

7. What do you like to do for fun?

I really love spending time outside being active whether it's hiking, running, surfing or riding horses. And when I'm not at the gym or spending time with friends, I truly love to sit in on Sunday's watching new released movies from bed.

8. What would constitute a "perfect" evening for you?

A perfect evening to me would be after spending an overcast and rainy afternoon hiking, to drift off on a sailboat watching the setting skies in the sunset over a romantic pizza dinner and merely listening to the waves of the ocean.

9. Tell us a little bit about the United States and what makes the country different from the rest of the world?

The United States is a melting pot of all ethnicities and all cultures creating a nation that is not only a free nation but also hard working, striving to come together to represent the every walk of life

10. What do you think is the biggest environmental problem facing the United States and what can you do about it?

I believe that the biggest environmental problem facing the United States is the lack of drive and positive energy towards Eco Issues. While knowledge is out there that can illustrate the ill effects and how each of us can do our part, as a country we cannot even agree that Climate Change/Global Warming even exists. Our politicians, scientists and environmentalists argue the merit with one another, which in turn causes confusion and distracts the importance to take action now. The best way to make a change is to be the change, live by example and continue to educate and ask questions. A question I would like ask is what is the harm to reduce, reuse and recycle? What is the harm to reduce carbon emissions & footprints, to remove litter or debris from oceans, rivers, lakes, parks, streets and highways or to support more organic, eco-friendly products, companies and organizations?

11. How will you motivate others to practice sustainable living choices?

Motivation comes from directly demonstrating and showing the positive possibilities that sustainable living can provide. Speaking out and being the voice for change will influence many people to make the right decisions. Showing them what can and will happen if we let the lack of concern continue.

12. If you were to make a time capsule to represent life today, what would you put in it?

In a non- literal sense I would put in courage because our generation has shown that our opinions do matter, that we won't stop when someone tells us no and that we are a strong, determined generation. Our life today can be represented with bravery and strength!

13. If you woke up tomorrow and gained any one ability or quality, what would you want it to be and why?

Hands down teleportation so I could travel anywhere in the world instantly. Having the ability to teleport allows me to save others from devastation during disaster and provide for others across the world.

14. How would you describe Mother Earth to a blind person?

A positive note on losing one sense is gaining strength in the other four. You don't need to have sight to know what beauty is. I would encourage the blind to listen to all of natures' sounds from animal noises, the blowing wind, the crashing waves and water; to feel the texture of the ground, plants, warmth or cold. Mother Earth is full of beauty and full of life.

15. Why do you want to be Miss Earth 2015?

Ultimately I want to make a difference. I want our Earth to be beautiful again where everyone's mindset is focused on appreciating the world God has given us. I believe I can be that voice to encourage every person to do so.