Miss Teen Texas International®

1.What is the funniest thing you remember as a child?
The funniest memory I have as a child which wasn't that long ago is when my dad left for Iraq and my mom was in the garage etching glass. Our family had just bought a white Prius that was parked in the garage. I found a huge permanent black marker and proceeded to draw all over the car. I started at the front passenger side and drew all the way around to the hatchback. My mom lost her mind! Thankfully, our neighbor owned a cleaning company and had graffiti wipes and it was able to remove all of marker. What makes this story even funnier is that this happened over 10 years ago and my dad has never heard this story.

2.What is the one piece of clothing you wish you owned?
I wish I owned a Sherri Hill custom couture gown that was custom made for me. Using kelly green, the top would be asymmetrical covered in shimmering beads that catch the light of every movement. I would choose a lighter green beading at the top and around the shoulder and then use a darker green to finish off the bottom. Using a lighter shade of green, I would have the design feature a dramatically dropped waist on one side and add a cathedral-style skirt that contours my body. Adding to elegance of the dress, I would attach a flowing train that would cascade down the back. The train would lightly brush the floor to create a look of elegance and sophistication. The reason I wish I owned one of these gowns is because when I wear a gown that makes me feel good, it gives me more confidence and I like the way it makes me feel when I am wearing it.

3.What season of the year is your favorite and why?
My favorite season of the year is summer. The warm weather is perfect for trips to the beach where I enjoy spending time in the water snorkeling and scuba diving. I love sitting on the beach, getting a tan and reading a book. I am just kidding about the book, I would probably be scrolling and posting on social media! Summer is also a great time of the year for beach volleyball which is currently one of the fastest growing sports for women in the NCAA. The other reason I enjoy summer is because I feel like everyone is just happier this time of year. I am not sure why but the warm air always seems to make people more friendly.

4.What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is definitely The Notebook starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah and Allie. The movie takes place in the 1930s. It is about a lifelong romance with an emotional attachment to each other that started in their teenage years and lasts for five decades. Their lives went in different directions because Allie's parents wanted a higher social class for their daughter. Allie got engaged to someone else but when she went home, she found Noah and all of her feelings came back. They were meant to be together. The movie shows their life through the ages and eventually into their old age. If you like a good love story, this is the movie for you!

5.What song makes you think of yourself?
A song that makes me think of myself is Girls by Rachel Platten. You never know what a person is going through on the inside. The song talks about knowing your worth even though sometimes life hurts. I know that God has a plan for me and I work really hard but sometimes life doesn't always seem fair. Everything I do is very competitive but it doesn't always bring out the best in people. Since I have entered the pageants, I have actually found people that are very genuine and they work together to help each other succeed. I know that I want to be a girl that inspires and encourages other girls. I love to get excited when I have helped someone else succeed.