How it all began. Apparently, my mom said I was 13, but I think I was TURNING 13 that year. Either way, I was young and it was ALL new to me. None of my immediate family (that I know of) did pageants; but I figured competing & winning would introduce me to new people, new experiences and bigger opportunities (which it has ).

I just knew one day, I would be Miss America or Miss USA.

That dream can still happen.