50 Most Asked Pageant Questions

Tell us about a class or two you excelled at in school and what you did to be the top of your game in the class?

A class that I loved and excelled in at was my publicity class. I got to work with an artist of my choice and helped to create a PR campaign for them. Going above and beyond for that artist is what eventually lead to me being awarded the Savannah Rea Smidct scholarship, a scholarship that is specifically for students studying public relations-advertising focused in the recording industry, not only once, but twice.

How can women best handle body shaming?

A good place to start is with self-love. Be kind to yourself. There are many bullies in the world, but the last bully you want to deal with is yourself. It's important to treat yourself with respect, self-love, and kindness.

Please share with us what you think it means to be professional and how you would portray that as a winner of this pageant

A professional is someone who arrives early to engagements, someone who is reliable, has integrity, and a professional image. As a professional, these are things that I implement in my everyday life. And As Miss TN USA I will continue to do the same.

Many teen girls are becoming pregnant today, do you think they should be punished for their actions?

A six year girl that has become pregnant should be supported emotionally, logistically, and physically in how she chooses to deal with that pregnancy. Punishment will in no way change the she has become pregnant or mitigate any of the immediate issues caused by the pregnancy. Additionally, the only moral issue here is one of supporting the needs of this girl.

Tell us about a time when your were disciplined, what happened? If you were in charge of supervising 10 kids and one kid wandered away what would you do?

A time that I was disciplined was when I forgot to turn off my heater at work. Looking back, I definitely that it was a safety issue, and moving forwarded I worked to make sure I always turned it off before I left.

What for you is the essence of being a woman?

A woman is the personification of Ageless Beauty, Selfless Love, Purity, Grace and Dignity. She symbolizes Virtue, Great Inner Strength, Tremendous Patience, Resilience and Fortitude. These are the same values she instills in everyone around her, and why we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th. Thank you

What are your thoughts on homelessness in TN and what would be your solution for fixing this?

As a real estate agent in the Greater Nashville area, I see every day just how hard it is becoming to find affordable housing. In 2020, the state of TN had over 7,000 homeless people. Lawmakers need to work to find a better pathway to affordable housing.

Many people think climate change is a hoax. What would you do to convince them otherwise?

According to Nasa, Earth's average surface temperature has risen by about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880. If we don't get a handle on global warming, our sea levels will rise, people will be exposed to extreme heat waves, and there will be an increase in flood risk. I would tell this person to consider getting Solar panels for your house, do things like riding your bike to work, carpooling, or using public transportation. These are all things that we can do to help reduce climate change.

who is a role model to you?

Amanda Gorman is definitely a role model to me. She became the youngest inaugural poet in US history when she recited her poem "The Hill We Climb" at just 22 years old. She worked very hard to overcome her speak impediment, and think this shows if you work hard towards your goal you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

What is a down day for you?

As someone who is a little bit more introverted and shy sometimes, taking time to be alone is very refreshing for me. When I'm alone, I love to write songs. Writing songs helps to me to express my emotions.

What is the best piece of advice that someone has given you and do you use it?

Be kind. Always. You never know what someone else is going through. Always have compassion. If you can't find any love in a situation, it's a signal to be the love the situation desperately needs.

What is more important, life experience or an education?

Both are very important, but I think life experience can help a person more. For someone who has lived and done something a certain way, most times they will know what to do and how to act. Where as someone who is educated on a topic will theoritically know something, but they don't have the experience that comes with it yet.

How do you handle difficult circumstances? (give an example)

Choosing to act with integrity during an ethical dilemma or challenge.

What do you consider sexual harassment?

I consider sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexual advances both verbally or physically.

What do you like the most about this pageant organization?

I definitely love how glamorous this pageant, but what I love the most is that it gives women like myself an even bigger platform to speak on social causes, like anti-bullying, that we hold close to our hearts.

what one word best describes you?

Dedicated. If there's a goal I want to achieve, I'm always working towards it.

What question have you never been asked that you would like to answer?

Do you know how to roller-skate? And the answer is why yes, yes I do. I used to be a sonic carhop, and I wore roller-skates once, and that was the last time I wore them because I almost dropped $40 dollars worth of food!

When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, what do you see?

Each day when I get up and look at myself in the mirror, I see an ever changing version of myself. Some days I see a women who is empowered and has grown for the better. Other days I see a woman who is tired, and wants to give up. The truth is, we are always conflicted with the "versions" of ourselves. There are millions of versions of us. They way you see yourself in the morning might not be how you see yourself at night. And how we see ourselves, is not how other's see us. In short, I try not to look in the mirror too much. Why? Because my values are heavily based on my morals, who I am as a person, and how I treat people.

What do you want to prove in your life eventually?

Eventually I would like to prove that I was able to achieve anything I put my mind to.

Do you think 16 year old girls or boys should be allowed to date?

Every child is different, and is on a different timeline, but I truly think it's up to the parents to decide whether or not they think their child is ready to date. I believe parents should have open and honest conversations with their children, because your child to feel comfortable enough to come to you.

Do you have a unique family tradition?

Every year for Christmas, my family and I go to Washington, D.C. and love to visit our family, but we also visit the White House and the walkway surrounding the National Christmas Tree featuring 58 state and territory trees decorated with ornaments designed by students that are unique to each tree.

Tell me about a time your overcame defeat?

Having competed in pageants since I was in the 7th grade. I didn't win my first time, I don't even think I won my second or third time, but I didn't give up. I kept on going, and by the fourth time I finally won my first title. I think it's a true testament to someone's character to see how they act when they are defeated.

Should the government be responsible for providing citizens with access to healthcare?

Health care is a right and as a matter of social justice, the government should be responsible for making sure that every American has access to affordable coverage and quality care.

How do you feel about cosmetic surgery in pageant competitions and is it an unfair advantage, similar to steroids or growth hormones in sports?

I believe a woman should be able to do whatever is going to make her feel best in her body. I do however, think it's a shame that we are living in a society that tells women you're not good enough just being your natural self. As Miss TN USA I would tell young girls and women that true beauty come from the inside and being happy with who you are on the inside.

Is an abortion a woman's choice? How do you feel about that?

I believe an abortion is a women's choice, and should be a conversation between herself and her doctor. A study from 2021 shows that an abortion ban may lead to a 21% percent increase in pregnancy-related deaths. You never know what someone's circumstances are, and a woman should be able to decided what is best for herself and her body.

What is the quality that sets women and men apart from each other?

I believe that men and women can possess the same qualities as each other. However, I tend to find that are more emotionally intelligent then men.

How do you feel about "cancel culture"?

I do believe people should be held accountable for their actions, but I don't think that cancel culture is necessary. We all make mistakes, and do this we wish we wouldn't have. But I believe that what is most important is how we learn and grow from those mistakes.

What are your thoughts on the separation of church and state?

I do believe that church and state should be separate. Our first amendment says "Crongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." Not to mention that no everyone practices the same religion.

Should it be mandatory for students to participate in community service to graduate?

I don't necessarily believe it should be mandatory, but rather highly encouraged. At my high school is was mandatory to complete 25 hours worth of community service, and it wasn't fun to feel forced to do it. I think we should encourage students to volunteer in their community because it helps you grow as a person, and I personally have grown so much by being involved in my community.

According to Global Citizen, 95% of the world's countries are led by a male head of state. How would the world be different if more women were in charge?"

I don't think anything would change if women had the power. For me, this comes from the idea that men and women are very alike and very equal. I don't think the notion of empathy or being nice depends ongender at all, because if you consider women to be so much nicer, in a way that's to say they're like nice little animals that can't get angry, and that anger is something for men. I don't think women write differently from men, or make movies differently. When it comes to physical effort, there is a difference. But when it comes to intellect, people with the same experiences and same sensitivities end up being the same kind of people, regardless of gender.

should tweets and social media comments from a person in their teenage years be held against them years later?

I don't think tweets from when you were a child should be held against someone. We all make mistakes, but it's how we learn and grow from those mistakes that is what makes us the person we are today.

Is virginity out of fashion?

I don't think virginity is out of fashion, but I do think society thinks it is. We are all on different timelines in our lives, and if we can respect our own bodies, and respect other people's bodies, that is what is most important. and as a society, we need to normalize the idea of virginity again.

Do you have previous pageant experience?

I have been competing in pageants since I was 2 years old. What I love the most about pageants is the platform it gives young women like myself to be able to talk about social causes, like anti-bullying, on a broader platform. It also helps women to gain confidence, learn interview skills, and further educational goals.

What's your favorite song and why?

I love to write songs in my spare time, especially ones that young women can relate to. My favorite song right now, is actually a song I wrote called Alone By Myself. It's about being alone but not feeling lonely because you love yourself, and you know that you are enough.

Is it more important to be liked or respected? and why?

I think it's more valuable to be respected. Being respected means that no matter how much people try to overlook you, they can't deny your greatness EVEN if they don't like you personally. Worrying about wether people like you is a distraction. My goal is to maintain my integrity and authenticity.

Does society define success the same for women as they do for men?

I think society defines success for women based on the quality of their family and community relationships, where as for men, success is defined by society based on their income level and professional achievements. I think this is a very outdated way of looking at success for men and women. Men can be just as good as women when it comes to family and community, and women be just as success, if not better then men in the work force. And as a society we should redefine what it means to be success for men and women.

As far as success goes, does luck have a hand in your destiny?

I truly believe what is destined for you, no thing, man or woman can take that away from you. Luck can only get you so far. My mother always loves to say, "Luck is what happens when preparations meets opportunity."

How do you get along with your classmates?

I typically get along with everyone I meet. I always try to be kind and compassionate to others, because you never know what someone else is going through

If you were applying for a job and had to give two references, who would you choose and why?

I used to work at Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry as Program coordinator in the office of the Dean. I would say my first reference would have Dean Farmer Dixon. She is truly an amazing woman and one of the few select women to lead in the role as Dean of a superior dental program that produces 40 percent of the nation's currently practicing African American dentists.

If ignorance is bliss, why do we seek knowledge?

Ignorance can feel blissful because if you are not aware of the wrongs happening in the world then you do not care. But just because you are not aware of what's happening, does not mean that the problem does not exists. It is knowledge that helps us become aware of what it happening in the world, and helps us to see and seek our potential. To me, knowledge is bliss!

Right now, there is a protest going on right outside here calling the Miss Universe Pageant disrespectful of women. Convince them they are wrong.

In my experience, pageants have taught me a lot. They have helped to gain self confidence, pose, learn about the topics and causes that are truly important to me. Pageant give women an even greater platform to talk about the causes we hold greatly to our hearts.

What is the most important value you want to pass on to your children?

Integrity. I full heartedly believe we should act with integrity in every situation. and if we do that, we can make the world a better place.

A recent report finds children in TN are less likely than kids from similar families nationwide to out earn their parents in adulthood. What do you think can be done to reverse this trend and help the youth of TN achieve success in adulthood?

It all starts with investing in our children's education to help create a better future for them. We must begin mentoring our students, taking time to volunteer in our communities when we see an opportunity and a need that we can meet. As Miss TN USA, I would continue visiting schools and speaking to children to let them know that they can achieve their dreams no matter where they come from, their background, or what socio economic demographic they come from. When we believe in our children, they believe in themselves. any they will achieve.

How do you feel about present day morality?

Morality is subjective to each person. What feels right to one person, might feel completely wrong to another person. I think as long as we each act with integrity in our everyday lives that that is what truly matters, and is what can help to make the world a better place.

In this era of emerging women, what do you think is the prime ingredients for a successful woman in today's world?

Motivation, persistence and self confidence are all prime ingredients of a success woman in today's world.

What motivates you?

My goals and dreams are what motivates me, and the reason I decide to get up every morning as early as I do and keep pushing forward until I achieve them.

How do you think the government should handle immigration and illegal immigration?

My grandfather actually immigrated from Guyana to the United States, and he did things in a legal and proper way. I believe those wanting to immigrate should do the same if they can. With that being said, not everyone has that opportunity, and the path to citizen ship in the United States is a long process that can take years. The sad reality is that some people don't have years to wait on this process. There are some people who are running from bad situations seeking asylum. The United States should make the path to citizenship more obtainable.

What is your most treasured memory?

My most treasure memory probably has to involve anytime spent with my great grandmother. She passed away about three years ago and lived to be 100 years old. She loved to cook and even had her own restaurant at one point. My fondest memory is of her attempting to teach me to cook!

If you had to give a presentation for hundreds of teens at the White House, what would your presentation be about?

My presentation would be on cyberbullying. A lot of parents don't even know that cyberbullying is a thing. 60 percent of teenager have experience some form of cyberbullying. It is topic I would love to address and talk about with teens.

Describe your strongest professional skills and provide an example of where you demonstrated these skills

My strongest professional skill is that I'm always reliable. You can ask my friends, family, or coworkers if I say I'm going to do something or be somewhere, I always do it.

Do you believe we are doing enough to keep assault weapons out of the hands of the mentally ill?

No, I don't think are. There are so many loopholes now where people can be able to purchase a gun without any type of background check. In the State of TN, a law just passed allowing permit-less open and concealed carry for anyone above the age of 21. Our lawmakers need to do better, and get to work.

Given the ever-changing COVID situation, what is your opinion of mandating universal vaccine passports?

No, I don't think we should mandate universal vaccine passports. Everyone's body is different. That like saying one shoe fits all. That just simply doesn't work. If you can get the vaccine I think that's great, but I believe people should be able to talk to their doctors, ask any questions they have without judgement, and be able to do what's best for their body.

Does anything intimidate you?

North Kardashian West... No, but in all seriousness, what intimidates me is full forcely going after my dreams. Last year I was working full-time at Meharry Medical College as a program coordinator, and I decided to switch full-time to be a real estate agent. It was definitely intimidating, but I'm glad I did it.

What is your biggest fear, and how have you conquered it?

One of my biggest fears is heights and the fear of falling. I conquered this fear one day by visiting the Great Ole Smokey Mountains in Gatlinberg, TN and going all the way to the top of the mountain and walking across a very long, old wooden bridge.

How has Covid affected you personally?

One of my family members actually ended up taking the vaccine and catching covid at the same time. This caused that person to develop blood clots, and they almost ended up dying. Which was a very traumatic experience for me. During this time, I volunteered at the covid test and vaccination sites where I helped enter data for over 350,000 people in the Greater Nashville area.

Name one of your strengths and one of your weaknesses.

One of my weaknesses is maintaining a healthy work/life balance. When you are really passionate about something, it can be hard to know when to stop, rest and refresh yourself. To the upside of that, some of my strengths include my reliability and dedication I have to anything that I'm a part of or working on.

How have you prepared your self for this pageant?

Over the last seven years I have been preparing myself to be a great title holder by traveling throughout the state speaking to thousands of students about bullying. As Miss TN USA I will conitue to do the same.

What act of kindness made a difference in your life?

Recently someone in my family who I'm really close to ended up taking the vaccine and catching covid at the same time. This cause them to develop blood clots and they almost died. When I found out, I was just trying my best to keep it together. That day someone at my office took the time to comfort me and make I was okay, and that kindness meant so much to me. I always say treat other with kindness because you never know what someone is going through.

What is the difference between confidence & conceit?

Someone who is conceited walks with their nose stuck-up, and is inconsiderate of other people's feelings or situations in life. They view themselves as higher than other people. Someone who is self confident is grounded and secure in who they are as a person, and works to build others up and motivate the people around them.

Know your TN State Facts

State nickname: Volunteer State State bird: Mockingbird State flower: Iris Famous for: Grand Ole Opry, Music Row, Great Smokey Mountains, Country Music Hall of Fame, Graceland, Dollywood

If someone could live your life for a week, what would they find most interesting about your life?

That I know how to drive a stick shift

What do you feel is the biggest problem facing your generation?

The biggest problem facing youth today is cyberbullying. 60 percent of teenagers have experienced some form of cyberbullying. That is why I have travelled the state of TN both virtually and physically speaking to thousands of students about bullying. As Miss TN USA I will continue to do the same.

What is the first amendment

The first amendment guarantees freedoms concerning Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and the right to Petition the government. As an American, I'm grateful to live in a country that guarantees me these freedoms.

How do you handle people that don't like you?

There's always going to be people that don't like you, but I think how you treat those people speaks a lot about your character. I treat everyone I know with kindness and compassion. You never know what someone is going through. And ofter times, hurt people are the one's that hurt people. Maybe if we should those people kindness and compassion that would change.

How would you handle working with someone you don't particularly like?

There's always going to be people who don't like you, but I think how you treat those people is a true testament to your character. For me I treat everyone with kindness and compassion. You never know what someone is going through.

Why do you feel you should be chosen as the winner?

To be Miss Tennessee is both an honor and responsibility. If I were to be Miss Tennessee, I will use my voice to influence young men and women to raise awareness to certain causes like cyberbullying. 60 percent of teenagers have experienced some form of cyberbullying. I would want to show the world that everyone can be confidently beautiful with a heart.

Define success and have you achieved it?

To me, success is defined as working towards and achieving personal goals, whatever they may be. As long as I continue to work towards my personal goals, I consider myself successful. Each individual has his or her own formula for personal success.

What is the most important issue to you regarding women's rights?

Today, gender bias and equality continues to create huge barriers for many women. For every dollar a man makes, a women only makes 78 cents. That's why as women, we need to support and empower each other. As the saying goes, empowered women, empower women.

What advice would you give young women who are watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?

We live in a society that makes it so easy to compare yourself to other people. People only show you what they want you to see, or highlight reel of their life. I would tell that young woman to not compare yourself to other people, but to compare yourself to who you were yesterday. I would tell her to work on being the best possible very of herself that she can.

What are the benefits of owning your own mistakes?

Well look, we all make mistakes, right? But how we learn and grow from those mistakes is what makes us the best version of ourselves. Learning from my mistakes is what made me the women I am today!

What ticks you off and what makes you tick?

What really ticks me off is that 60% percent of teenagers have experienced some form of cyberbullying. In the same respect, bullying in general makes me tick. It's the reason why I have actually traveled throughout the state of TN speaking to thousands of students about bullying, and why as Miss TN USA I will continue to do the same.

What makes you very angry?

When I see someone being treated unfairly

Do you feel social media has helped or hurt society?

While there are both pro and cons to social media, overall, I believe, overall, social media has helped society. For every con there is, there are 10 more pros. For women like myself who are business owners, social media is the greatest tool we have right now.

What are your thoughts on LGBTQ and anti-LGBTQ legislation?

While there has been some progress made, we still have lot more to go. LGBTQ people continue to face real discrimination in all areas of life. No federal law prevents a person from being fired or refused a job on the basis of sexual orientation. The nation's largest employer - the U.S. military - openly discriminates against gays and lesbians. Mothers and fathers lose child custody simply because they are gay or lesbian, and gay people are denied the right to marry. I believe these people should not be denied these rights as humans. As a society we should be striving for equality for all.

How do you believe President Biden is doing as President of the United States?

With every President, there's always room for improvement. I would have liked to see President Biden work on canceling student loans, and working on the bringing down inflation. Inflation is at its highest level since 1990. While Joe Biden has made some improvements, I think he has a lot more to do.

Do you believe transgender women should be able to compete in pageants?

Yes, I do believe transgender women should be able to compete in pageants. Beauty pageants are not about sex or gender, they are about whether a person is truly beautiful on the inside and how well a person can represent their state. There is no reason to deny that person entry, and do believe a transgender woman should be able to compete.

Do you support legalization of marjuana?

Yes, I do support the legalization for marijuana for medical use. Studies show there are many medical benefits for people suffering from cancer.

Do you feel you have an impact on the lives of people you come in contact with?

Yes, as a matter of fact I know I have. During one of my school visits, at Portland Middle school, I was talking to the students about bullying, and how I used to get bullied for the way my hair looked. I used to get called nappy. After sharing my story with the students, one girl that had beautiful curly hair came up to me and gave me the biggest hug, and told just how much it meant to her that I shared my story because she had gone through the same thing.

Do you believe we are ready for a female president?

Yes,, not only are we ready for a female president, but we need a female president and more female representation in general. Women make up only 5 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. Globally, women hold just 24% of senior leadership positions. I believe representation matters, and we need more women in positions of power.

someone at a protest hands you a blank poster board and a marker, what does your sign say?

You are not alone. So many people in this world feel like they are alone. I actually wrote a song called Alone by Myself. It's a message about about being alone, but not feeling lonely because I have inner love of myself. 1 in 5 US adults experienced mental illness in 2020. We as a society should treat everyone with kindness and compassion because you never know what someone is dealing with. If you are struggling with mental health, please know you are not alone.

Who is your role model?

Zendaya is my role model. Not only is she a triple threat entertainer, but she also is a positive role model to her fans. She is known for supporting campaigns and charities that are dedicated to providing underserved and underprivileged communities with access to food, school supplies, health treatments and disaster relief.

Do you support legalization of euthanasia? Please explain your view point

[Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient's suffering. The patient in question would typically be terminally ill or experiencing great pain and suffering.] In certain cases I do support it. If someone who is terminally ill, or is in great pain and suffering, decides they would rather do that then to continue to suffer in pain, then that should be their choice.