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Photo by John Rizzo
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Do you think that you are beautiful?
One hundred fifty percent—both inside and out.
So is beauty an advantage or a hindrance?
I think it’s a double-edged sword. I may not be beautiful to everyone, but my thinking I am gives me added confidence, so that’s an advantage. The disadvantage is that people make assumptions about you based on your looks—they may expect you to be promiscuous and not very bright.
How tall are you and what are your measurements?
I am five feet, seven-and-a-half inches tall and weigh one hundred thirty-two pounds. My measurements are thirty-six, twenty-seven, thirty-seven.
Are you always dieting?
No. In fact, I should be watching what I eat more. Trust me, I eat a lot.
Tell us about your fitness routine.
Before I won the pageant, it was not as extensive. But I won a free year’s membership at Strata Health Club in White Plains as Miss Westchester, so, for the past year, I’ve been working out four or five days a week.
What is the most popular type of cosmetic procedure among beauty contestants?
I don’t have any specific information on this, but, if I had to guess, I’d say breast implants.
Don’t you think these beauty pageants are outdated?
Actually, no. They’ve been around for a long time, but they’ve evolved with the times—for instance, now the Miss USA pageant includes a lingerie photo-shoot segment. Besides, what little girl doesn’t want to hear that she is beautiful? That will never go out of style. Every little girl still wants to wear a crown.
How young do you think is too young to be in a beauty pageant?
Before a child can say whether or not she really wants to participate. They should be old enough to express their own opinion—at least three. I was seven.
How did you feel while competing in the swimsuit portion?
When all eyes are on you and you are wearing next to nothing, you can’t help but be very nervous.
What can’t you do as Miss Westchester?
You can’t drink, smoke, curse, or engage in any PDAs while wearing the crown and sash.
What do you do professionally?
I just graduated in May from SUNY Old Westbury with a double Bachelor’s in education grades one through six and special ed. Hopefully, by the time this is published, I will have a job teaching in a special-ed classroom.
Do you think that beauty pageants are demeaning to women?
I don’t. It’s not a dog show, which is just about how you look. We get to speak and show what we have to offer and are judged on that. You can’t just be a ditzy, beautiful girl.
Did you always have boys after you?
Yes—but oddly enough, less so since I won. I know it sounds odd, but there is a teeny bit of celebrity attached to the crown, so that it can be intimidating. Boys used to ogle me more. They still look, but it’s in a more respectful manner.
