Interview Questions

What is "affirmative action"?

An action or policy that favors those who usually suffer from discrimination, particularly racial prejudice.

Why do you read the Washington Post?

1) They're an original source that others quote. 2) They're located in the government center of our country. 3) They have great writers with diverse political opinions and backgrounds.

Why is the Waste Land considered a Modernist poem?

...

Name three influential women from Florida?

1) Brittany Snow - actress and advocate for raising awareness about eating disorders through the Jed Foundation 2) Marjorie Rawlings - wrote The Yearling, inspired by her rural Florida home and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939 3) Janet Reno - the first woman to become the attorney general of the United States, under the presidency of Bill Clinton

What would constitute a perfect evening for you?

A perfect evening for me would be sitting by the fire on a Christmas night, drinking hot tea and reading a good book!

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

About fifty years ago, the answer to this question would probably have been no. Women were emerging into the workforce and deciding their place. Today, however, I think the answer is yes. The feminist movement, though I disagree with much of it, played a large role in outlining a woman's role in society, particularly how it relates to careers and to success.

Who is your favorite news reporter for CNN?

Anderson Cooper

Why did you decide to compete in Distinguished Young Women?

At first, I decided to compete in the local program because of the scholarship opportunities. When I moved on to state, I realized it was so much more than that. This program has amazing scholarships, yes, but it also provides high school girls with a platform to be a positive influence in the world. I fell in love with the BYBS outreach, too, as I realized that this organization could give me the chance to make a difference.

Name one decision you regret.

At one point in my life, I could have pinpointed many regrets. And while there have definitely been times in my life where I was not the most prudent and made decisions that did not turn out the best, I've come to realize that most of those things happened for a reason and later impacted me in a way that helped me to grow. For example, one regret I could have mentioned would be staying involved in my theatre company in junior year. The company had just hired a new director, who had a very difficult personality and hated almost everyone. That year, it was very much like working under a bad boss — she openly made cutting remarks towards me, called me out during notes and belittled my ambitions. During this time, I was very upset and wanted to drop out of the show, since I regretted continuing with theatre that year. But my Dad told me something I'll never forget. He said, "Ciera, you have two options. You can do the easy thing. Or you can do the right thing." I knew I had a commitment to the group to stay in the show and not drop out last minute, despite my own feelings. Looking back, I am thankful that I continued, for I learned how to deal with someone who was not my biggest fan and I also learned how to persevere through trial.

Who are the Florida senators?

Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio

What have you learned as a blogger?

Blogging has given me a platform on a whole new level, to use my words to speak out and make a difference in the world. I have learned to be careful what I write, to make sure everything I put online really reflects the person I am. Story: Sharing about my debate experience in an uplifting, encouraging article that inspired people in my club and region.

What is more important: life experience or education?

Both are incredibly important and are almost equitable. However, I believe that education is more important because it should allow for someone to extend their knowledge to their fullest potential, which would then lay the framework for fuller life experiences.

What contemporary woman do you think is the best role model for your generation and why?

Carrie Underwood

Who is your Representative in the House?

Daniel Webster, District 10

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, writing, singing and acting. Also, one of my favorite things to do is paint, since I grew up in my mother's art class which she taught out of our home.

For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?

I feel the most grateful for my family and for the close relationship we all have together. My brother and sister are my best friends and not many teenagers have that same blessing. My parents are hopelessly in love with each other and have displayed a good example of a solid marriage relationship. I am incredibly thankful for the blessing of my family.

What has not happened in your life that you wish would happen

Falling in love.

Do you think that women can have a career and a family?

For any woman who wants to pursue a career and have a family, there comes a time when she must decide which is more important to her. I believe that it is impossible to wholeheartedly pursue both 100%. Yes, a woman can have a career, but if it is her primary focus then that means that her family is secondary, for she will not be home with her children. My mother sacrificed a great job in marketing when I was born to stay home with me. I used to wonder how she could give up her life just because a baby was born. She once explained it to me, "I gave up my old life, because you became my new one."

The rivalry between the political parties in America has gotten ugly. What as DYW taught you about healthy competition?

I have been so blessed to be a part of an organization where we are not solely focused on the outcome but also on who we become along the way. In one of my stories that I wrote, the back page synopsis said, "It doesn't matter as much where you go, but how you get there." I think it's true that the greatest success we can find is becoming a better person and overcoming our challenges, two lessons I have learned through my participation in DYW.

In your opinion, what is the most important political issue?

Gun control.

If you woke up tomorrow morning and gained any one ability, what would it be?

If I could gain any ability, I would want to be able to write something that would move people, that would make a difference. I truly believe in the power of the written word to encourage, to strengthen, to teach, to inspire. But written words can also be dangerous when in the wrong hands and can incite anger and poor actions. I want to write works that will help those in need and that will leave a positive impact.

Who is Richard Branson?

He is an innovator and chairman of Virgin Records.

Who is Mark Zuckerburg?

He is one of the founders of Facebook.

What do you consider a "luxury"?

I consider cable TV to be a luxury. When I was growing up, I could always judge where we were financially by when we had cable, for it always went off and on. We have always been stable, but sometimes were tighter than others, especially with the Recession.

In the wake of Newtown, there has been lots of talk about how to make schools safer. One suggestion is to have armed guards in every school. Do you agree with this?

I don't. I do not think it is right to fight violence with violence. Instead, we should focus on educating people on gun safety and we should return to bills such as the Federal Assault Weapons Ban which could help keep tragedies like this from repeating.

Where do you get the inspiration for your writing?

I have been writing ever since I was a young child and my parents instilled in me a love of the written word. Most of my inspiration comes from real life. I love to base characters of my friends and base my stories off of personal experience. When a book is realistic and believable, the reader is more able to empathize with the plot. Since I also have a passion for history, much of what I write is also inspired by true historical events. As a historical fiction writer, I base a great deal of my work around research and the lives of real people. It is truly my passion to share with the world the untold stories of love, life and beauty.

Which president do you most admire and why?

I most admire Abraham Lincoln. He grew up in humble settings, arose over adversity and and dedicated himself to education. I also appreciate the integrity of his character, as symbolized by his nickname Honest Abe. I think that he truly played an irreplaceable role in uniting America during the war between the states — and for that, I greatly respect him.

How do you handle people not liking you?

I pray and try to ground myself in what's really important. And then I shake it off and put on a smile.

In what way do you see yourself as being difficult to live with?

I sing all the time!

What do you think about shows like Toddlers & Tiaras or Honey Boo Boo?

I think it's sad that our culture has become so focused on appearance that these girls often feel pressured by their mothers to compete in these pageants. I caught the show once when I was the YMCA and a girl was being interviewed. She said to the reporter, "I feel happy when I win. And when I don't, I feel like I'm not pretty enough."

Obesity is a rising problem for youth and children. There is talk of the government promoting new health regulations. Do you think this is right?

I think that the job of raising healthy children lies with the parents. It is their responsibility to train their children in healthy living and it is not the government's place to step in.

What do you think about Occupy Wallstreet? Do they have a point?

I think that the supporters of Occupy Wallstreet have every right to voice their opinions and share their views. This is a free country and they do have the freedom of speech. However, they should be coming up with answers and probable solutions as opposed to only raising a problem.

What is your opinion on health care?

I think we could revolutionize the health care industry by transforming the insurance business from a for-profit to a non-profit service industry, meaning that the motivation for the collecting of premiums and paying out benefits is to serve rather than to generate a profit. Then the goal for the companies is not to keep the most that they can but to give out the most that they can.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

I was on the stage for Distinguished Young Women of Florida 2013. And I was the last talent performer of the night. When I walked on the stage to perform my talent of vocal presentation, I was horrified to find that my microphone was not working. I continued to sing through my song, using my acting abilities to hide what I really felt. At the end, I bowed and raced off the stage in tears, certain that now I had no chance since the judges could not hear me. However, I got the chance to do it again!!

What are your future plans?

I will be attending Wheaton College in the fall, with hopes to become a novelist and English professor. I see myself in the future writing historical fiction books and also touring hosting conferences and book fairs, teaching and speaking about the importance of quality literature.

If you were judging this competition, what quality would you look for in the winner?

I would absolutely look for someone who is genuine. The most important thing for me would be to find someone who will be the best representative for this program, who will be proactive in sharing the message of this organization - but also someone who is true to themselves, who does not fit the traditional mold.

If you could be any character, who would you be and why?

I would be Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She is unique and is not afraid to be herself, even when she doesn't fit in. Also, she loves to read and has a passion for literature, which I greatly admire.

If you could go back in time to any time period, which would you choose and why?

I would go back to the turn of the century, around 1904. I fell in love with that era when I read the American Girl books, particularly the Samantha series. Most of the books I have written were set in that time. I just loved how they all dressed and talked and the lifestyles they lived.

What topic are you an expert on?

I would say that I am an expert on Grammar essentials and essay writing. This past year, I wrote my own writing curriculum for the high school level and I teach writing workshops in my community.

If you could have dinner with President Obama, what issue would you want to discuss?

I would want to discuss the topic of texting while driving. There are strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol...but somehow, we've overlooked driving under the influence of social media and technology. Hundreds of people have lost their lives because of car accidents that could have been prevented if their phones were simply turned off. If I had the chance to talk to our president, I would suggest the proposal of a bill making texting while driving illegal.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I write!! I have a new typewriter named Ernest, after Ernest Hemingway. I like to sit in my room with a cup of Earl Gray tea and write away on my 1947 Royal Quiet Deluxe, Ernest.

What is your thought on gun control?

In the wake of tragedies such as the Newtown massacre and even the Aurora shootings, I would have to say that I have come to support stronger gun control laws. I believe that when the constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, it does not specify the right to bear any kind of arms. I absolutely think it would be alright for people to have handguns, if they would like, for self defense. However, there should be a ban on military assault weapons, similar to the the federal assault weapons ban of several years prior.

Who do you think is a good role model for young girls today?

In today's world, it is far easier to find someone who is not a good role model than someone who is. However, through the fame, there are a few who truly stand out. I think that a great role model for young girls is Carrie Underwood, who has openly acknowledged her faith and her pursuit of purity before marriage. She has also openly spoke out to encourage Christian girls on how to dress modestly. In addition, Carrie is well known for being careful with her health and for working out in moderation and eating healthy food. She is a good role model because she embodies class and sophistication, and shows young girls the importance of purity, modesty and healthy living.

How would you fix the economy?

It's no secret that our economy has been in shambles. Some argue that we need more government intervention, others vehemently disagree. When I consider the American economy, I am reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson's famous essay "Self-Reliance." The reason is because I believe that we have become too dependent and reliant on other countries, as manifested through our national debt. In my opinion, the secret to fixing the American economy lies in raising more government revenue through job creation in the private sector and budget cuts, which will then allow us to pay off our national debt. If we become self-reliant, then our economy will become more stable.

What three people in the world (living or dead) would you like to meet?

Jim and Elisabeth Elliot and Nate Saint

Who is the vice president? Who is the speaker of the house? Who is the attorney general? Who is the secretary of state?

Joe Biden John Boehner Eric Holder John Kerry

Who is your role model and why?

Kaitlyn Johnston

What's your biggest weakness?

Like everyone, I have many areas of weakness. However, I believe that my biggest weakness is impatience. Since I get so wrapped up in my work and in getting jobs accomplished that I lose patience not only with myself but also with others. When I was in my first year of competitive public speaking with the organization called the NCFCA, I was creating decorative boards to enhance my presentation. But I was feeling so stressed and rushed to get everything done that I hurried through some of my boards before finishing the script of my speech. This impatience ended up costing me more time because I had to go back later and start over. I am working on becoming more patient and calm in those little moments of crisis.

Would you like to be famous? In what way?

Many years ago, I would answer in a heartbeat that I would love to be famous! It sounded like such a beautiful, glamourous life to be a celebrity and live in Hollywood. However, I quickly realized how detrimental fame can be. If I were to become famous, I would only want it to be because of something I created or wrote, not because of how I look or because of being a socialite. I want to be well known for using my mind, not for using my name to get me where I need to go.

What's your favorite childhood memory?

My Dad started working at Walt Disney World, the happiest place on earth, when I was five years old. I remember, the first thing I said when I heard he got the job was, "Will you be working for Mickey Mouse?" I practically grew up at Disney World - in fact, I used to call it my own playground. I have so many happy memories of riding the rides and meeting the princesses that Disney has become such an irreplaceable part of my childhood.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment stems from my involvement in competitive speech and debate. This past year, I was given the chance to help with administrative work at my school. While helping with essay grading and filing, I noticed a deficiency in the essay writing skills among the high schoolers. As a teen novelist, I decided to craft a writing curriculum that would cover the most common grammatical errors, essay essentials and creative writing. I have hosted two workshops, where I lecture on writing skills in a fun and educational environment. Working as a teacher and having the chance to use my own original curriculum has truly been my biggest accomplishment because I have had the chance to personally impact students in my community.

What constitutes a gentleman today?

My little brother decided he wanted to become a superhero - but he didn't want to be Superman or Batman. He wanted to be Gentleman. He would run around the house doing things for us, saying, "This is a job for...Gentleman!" Being a gentleman is so much more than opening doors for girls or dressing properly. To me, chivalry and the qualities of a gentleman are found in his attitude towards his family and towards others. A true gentleman will respect a girl and her family.

If you were giving me a tour of your hometown, where would you take me?

Of all the beautiful sights in Orlando, I would definitely have to take you to Walt Disney World, Sea World and the Typhoon Lagoon water park.

Name one of your strengths and one of your weaknesses.

One of my strengths would be organization, especially when it pertains to leadership skills and teaching. I really saw this when I was working at our speech and debate group called Legacy. One of my weaknesses would be impatience.

What's a hardship you dealt with?

Option 1) I grew up with a really beautiful mom. It was hard living under her shadow when people were always telling me how beautiful she was. Option 2) Dealing with friends who I thought were close to me, who ultimately walked away from the friendship. Option 3) Fearing that my Dad would lose his job during the Recession.

What's one lesson you've learned from your mother?

Sacrifice. She was a top sales person and gave up her successful career in marketing to homeschool me and my siblings. She had to make a choice and ask what was the most important.

What are three adjectives to describe you?

Realistic, Responsible, Focused

Is it more important to be liked or respected?

Respected. Many are favored but few are esteemed.

Can you name a writer for the Washington Post?

Scott Wilson is a political journalist for the Washington Post.

How can we fix the problem of apathy today?

So many people today struggle with apathy. They don't care, they become lazy and they are not motivated by the pursuit of success. I believe this comes from society placing boundaries on young people today, boundaries of low expectations that tell us what we can and cannot do. We are expected to have the desires and ambitions of an adult and the responsibilities of a child, which places us in this strange paradox. With this cultural shift, teens in my generation have lost the thrill of pursuing excellence and reveling in challenge. Instead of this widespread apathy, we should pursue a mindset and heart of empathy. We should encourage young people to care for others, be motivated in the world and realize their place in it. Then we can disregard our indifference and encourage young people today to actually stand up, speak out and make a difference.

What is your opinion on the Trayvon Martin case?

The Trayvon Martin case has been difficult to discern. My own opinions have changed numerous times. But for me, the problem lies in how the prosecution has changed the portrayed image of the victim, Trayvon Martin. At first, they claimed he was a poor innocent teenager who was maliciously attacked without being provoked. Now that it's come out that he has been involved in previous questionable activity, including drug abuse, the prosecution is trying to say that his other actions and even his character didn't matter and had nothing to do with the shooting. I believe it has everything to do with it. Zimmerman claimed that he shot in self-defense, and it is clear that there was some sort of violent interaction. Furthermore, there are the hostile text messages that the prosecution is trying to keep from the jury. These only support the defense and perhaps show that Martin was subject to a more violent disposition, which would only back up Zimmerman's claims. The real question behind the Trayvon Martin case, however, is the "stand your ground" law. While I am not an expert on this law, what I do know from my own case studies have shown that using force in self-defense should be a basic right and not be considered criminal homicide. So until further evidence presents itself on this case, I tend to side with supporting the defense.

These days, when you post something on the internet, it's there forever. What can you tell young girls to do to protect themselves both now and in the future?

The first thing I would tell girls is to be careful of what pictures they post on facebook, not only to protect themselves from online predators but also to protect their identity and reputation in the future. Secondly, I would tell them to avoid posting statuses with questionable language. This will help them later in job interviews and when applying for college.

Why do you admire Tim Tebow?

The insight: I admire his unwavering positive personality in the face of negative criticism. He always smiles through negative comments and difficult times. He's one of the few people I've ever seen who doesn't feel the need to defend himself, to speak up when others speak so slanderously. He has enough confidence and self-awareness that he doesn't feel the necessity to defend himself in the face of personal attack.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

The mirror and I used to have a very difficult relationship. I grew up with a mother who was incredibly beautiful, who looked like Elizabeth Taylor. While I loved that she was beautiful, it made it emotionally difficult to be a young child going through puberty. There was a time when I looked in the mirror and saw only what I wished I wasn't. I used to cry because I wished I looked like my mother. But now, when I look in the mirror, I see someone who has risen above self-image issues. I see a young woman who has finally realized that there are things so much more important, and who clings to God's Word when it says, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Your bio says that you want to be an English professor. What books would you like to teach and why?

There are countless books I would want to teach!! If I had to choose only a few, I would definitely pick Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, because I love the visual imagery in the book. Whenever the characters are in emotional distress, the weather changes. If they're sad, it's snowing. If they're angry, there's a blizzard, and so forth. I would also choose Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, for the figurative language. Fire was an important motif in the book, because it represented not only the flames that devoured books but also the psychological state of the characters. Bradbury used fire-related phrases like "anger burned inside of him" or "he was ablaze with fright" to make a point. One last book I would have to teach would be Daisy Miller by Henry James. I love how James concealed hints in the novella about the ending of the story. One such allusion is the names of his protagonists. Daisy Miller falls in love with Mr. Winterbourne - but their relationship is not stable. Readers can tell that they will not end up together just by their names of Daisy and Winterbourne. Daisy means springtime and Winterbourne sounds like winter. Spring cannot exist with winter. This was a hint to the ending that would end very sadly.

What is the difference between modern and postmodern literature?

They do overlap, since both were moving away from 19th century realism. Modernism is usually determined by two factors. 1) Fragmented and untraditional style and 2) Thematic elements, usually pertaining to questioning traditional social beliefs and/or standards. The themes were usually darker, more foreboding and often ambiguous. Modernist poetry accepted fragmented styles and moved away from rhyming schemes and other techniques like meter; however the fragmentation was considered a necessary problem, an internal struggle, if you will. Postmodernism left all standards behind and became completely freeform, as manifested through the Beat generation and Jack Kerouac.

Millions of children are on medication for ADD. Are parents too quick to put their children on medication?

Ultimately, it comes down to a parent's choice. If they decide to put their child on medication, then it is their decision. But they should be encouraged to look for alternative options to truly fix the problem and not just veil it with medication.

What was the happiest moment of your life?

Well, besides winning the state title of Distinguished Young Woman of Florida, the happiest moment of my life was when I was pulled out of the water at the age of 11 after almost drowning. My long hair had gotten stuck in our pool filter and my head was trapped against the wall, under the surface of the water. I'll never forget the horror of looking up and thinking, "This is it. I'm about to die." I was choking on water just when my little sister, who was not athletic and rather meek, noticed me thrashing. She jumped in and pulled me out of the water. That moment of feeling air on my face and gasping for breath was the most incredible moment of my life...because I thought I shouldn't be alive. My father went out later to feel the remnant of the plastic filter that had once held me captive. But he was unable to break it, which just scared us even more. The truly beautiful moment came, however, when we pulled the broken piece that was stuck in my hair. And it was in the shape of a cross. As a Christian family, we were amazed by this sign of a miracle and that little cross, which still has a piece of my hair stuck on it, now sits on display in our house. But that was really the happiest moment, being drawn from the water, because I realized that I was so blessed to be alive.

Everyone is talking about the wikileaks. How can we balance the people's right to know with the government's need to conceal in order to protect national security?

When it comes to the conflict between the people's right to know and the government's right to conceal because of questions of national security, I definitely believe that we should side with security. It is more important to keep our citizens safe and make sure that our enemies do not know our classified information. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Marijuana is the most frequently used illegal drug. Many are saying we should legalize it for recreational use. Is this the right direction for our country?

While I understand that marijuana is a tame drug, it can still dilute the senses. I do not think that it should be legalized because it opens doors to many new possibilities, too, such as legalizing other kinds of drugs and accepting a new subculture.

Is America becoming more or less patriotic, and why?

With the downward spiral of the economic crisis and the negative perception of many people in the government, I unfortunately believe that America is becoming less patriotic, particularly in regards to respect of our governing leaders. Many people in America have become so partisan, so wrapped up in adhering to a political party and platform, that they lose sight of what's really important. I believe that the lack of compromise has also played a role in causing many Americans to become more resentful and ungrateful instead of optimistic and patriotic. We have become more concerned about polarizing our rights and we're no longer willing to compromise and accept our responsibilities and working towards a greater good.

Tim Tebow is just as famous for his faith as for sports. Do you think it's right for people to use their fame to support and promote their religion?

Yes, because someone should be true to their beliefs and convictions, in or out of the limelight.