What are your Hobbies?
interior design, shopping, being with friends, watching Food Network and CSI
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What makes you special and unique?
I think being an interior design major is something unique about me. It is an exciting and challenging major that is very different from the most others. It is always fun to hear the response when I tell people I am an interior design major.
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What is the best advice you have ever received?
Push yourself even when you think you can't go any further. This is something that I have learned since moving to college and gaining independence. When you continue to push yourself, even when situations are hard, the outcome is always rewarding!
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Name one thing you cannot live without.
I cannot live without chocolate! This is one of my true weaknesses! It is very hard for me to pass up a double chocolate chunk cookie!
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What's the most valuable lesson you've ever learned?
The most valuable lesson I have learned is that hard work truly does pay off. I believe it is very important to set goals for yourself and then work very hard to achieve them. When you do accomplish your goals, you have a better sense of achievement because you know you worked for it.
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Who is your most valued role model and why?
My most valued role model is my brother. He is 10 years older than I am, so he has always given me really good advice. He also is a good listener whenever I just need to talk.
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What was your most unexpected moment?
My most unexpected moment came when I received a phone call from Laurie Smith, the interior designer from Trading Spaces. She had learned that I had been named Hinds County's Junior Miss and was interested in her work, so she called to say congratulations!
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What is your workout routine?
Ironically the gym on Southern Miss' campus is called the "PAYNE" center! I make it to the gym six days a week. My workout routine consists of free weights, abdominal exercises, and a little cardio. My favorite workout routine is kickboxing, which I do twice a week.
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What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
My biggest accomplishment was getting accepted into the very competitive interior design program at The University of Southern Mississippi. Each year they accept around 19 students. I feel honored to go to class everyday with some of the most talented students at USM.
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What is the best compliment you have ever recieved?
Someone once told me that I got my vocal abilities from my father. I really took this as a great compliment because I think my dad has an amazing singing voice.
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What is your secret wish?
Secretly, I wish I could be a ballroom dancer. Although I did take four years of dance lessons when I was younger, I still have no rhythm or dancing abilities!! I would love to dance like the celebrities on Dancing With the Stars!
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What was your most embarrassing moment?
Once when I was 12 years old, I competed in a local talent competition. In the middle of the song, I completely forgot the second verse! I was so embarrassed because that was one mistake that could not be covered up!
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What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
This one is easy....CHOCOLATE! I have an incredibly large sweet tooth that only chocolate can satisfy! I recently came across a recipe that I can't help but give in to occasionally. All you do is take refrigerated crescent rolls, unroll them and place a mini-Reese’s cup inside. Cook and enjoy. They are so good!
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What is your favorite movie and why?
Father of the Bride Parts I & II. I love romantic comedies and these two have been my favorite since I was young. It reminds me of what I think my father will be like when I get married!
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What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?
For Fun...I love to shop! It always makes for a perfect day when I bring home a new pair of shoes.

For Relaxation...There is nothing better than just laying in bed and watching CSI for relaxing!

For Recreation...I just recently went fishing and jet-skiing for the first time! I really enjoyed being on the water and think I found a new recreation!
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What would be your dream vacation or destination?
My dream vacation would be to go to Hawaii. It always looks so beautiful. When I go, I want to take a helicopter tour, go to the Dole Pineapple plantation, and try authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
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What do you like best about the state of Mississippi?
I really like Mississippi's authentic southern hospitality. I attend a very diverse university with students from all over America and the world. People from Mississippi are always the friendliest and most welcoming.
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Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself working very hard as a successful interior designer. I would like to work with a firm specializing in both residential and contract design. I also plan to be married and start a family.
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Who am I?
I like to describe myself as being a very fun person. I am interested in many things and have had many great experiences in my life. One thing that people may not know about me is that I am fascinated with things from the past.

I love vintage clothing and old movies. I also love old architecture. When I was a senior in high school, I had the opportunity to travel to Europe for a week. It was on this trip that I fell in love with the architecture and design of the countries I visited, which inspired me to choose my major. I now attend The University of Southern Mississippi as a student majoring in Interior Design.

Another passion that I have is music. I love to sing and have been professionally trained for eight years. Singing has given me some of the most exciting experiences in my life and has helped me learn what presence is. Because of my vocal training, I have had the opportunity to perform at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis 3 times. By doing this, I have met Cybil Shepherd, Clint Black, Lonestar, Lou Rawls, and Trenyce from American Idol. Finally, one of my secret passions is cooking. I love to cook for other people because food has a way of making people smile. Since I love sweets, I think it would be fun to open up a bakery one day.
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Tell us about your platform.
I first learned about the Make-A-Wish Foundation when I was in middle school. When I learned what all the organization was about, I fell in love with it. I decided to volunteer with the organization when I was in high school as part of my community service hours.

I began working as a volunteer at local Make-A-Wish fundraising events. It was at one in particular, and arts festival, where I began to see how important this organization is to families who have children with terminal illnesses. At that particular fundraiser, I met a Wish child who was 7 years old. He recently underwent chemotherapy and had lost all of his hair. He came to the event with his father, who had also shaved his head to support his son. Nothing felt better than seeing this little boy learn that his wish to go to Disney World would be coming soon.

Nearly 4 years ago, I had the opportunity to meet another Wish child. She was 8 years old and attended the same elementary school that I had. She had never been able to speak because of her illness and she was permanently in a wheelchair Her wish was to be able to swim with the dolphins. The Make-A-Wish Foundation made this wish possible for her by planning a therapeutic swim with the dolphins. As her mother pulled her from the water after her swim, she said "mama" for the first time.

This touching story shows what a difference this wonderful organization makes in the lives of those who come in contact with it.
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