What are your Hobbies?
I love to read, watch old movies, and shop. I also enjoy spending time with friends and visiting any big city. I like playing with my Yorkie, Bentley. I love to watch the Food Network and then cook the dishes from the day.
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What makes you special and unique?
My ability to laugh at myself is a trait I would never change. I am the biggest klutz you will ever meet. I typically fall walking up the stairs. I think it is very important not to take myself too seriously because sometimes life is funny and you have to be ready to take everything in stride. The smartest person I know told me to adapt, recover, and move on or life will pass you by!
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What is the best advice you have ever received?
I was told to prepare to the best of your ability so you can walk away without regrets. This advice rings true for every aspect of your life, be it a test in school, a pageant, or working to further your career.
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Name one thing you cannot live without.
My day-timer, I take it everywhere! It keeps me organized and keeps me on top of things. My friends make fun of me for carrying it all over the place. If I didn't have my planner, I would be lost.
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What's the most valuable lesson you've ever learned?
I have learned to accept the fact that some things are completely out of my control and part of life is dealing with disappointment. I think it is how you handle the ups and downs in life that shape your character and make you a well-rounded individual.
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Who is your most valued role model and why?
When my aunt passed away suddenly I was able to see a different side of my entire family. Every member found strength to be there for each other. My grandparents, mother, aunts, and uncles were able to lift each other up while dealing with their own grief and provide support for countless others. It was very inspiring and helped me realize how precious life and family really is.
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What was your most unexpected moment?
I was called out front to see a visitor at work one day. A man introduced himself to me and handed me a letter. I walked back to the Senate Chamber and opened what I soon realized was my acceptance letter to law school. I immediately started jumping and screaming. I was so loud I caused the Lieutenant Governor to come out of her office to tend to the commotion. I can assure you, I never anticipated the Dean of the Law School to hand-deliver my acceptance letter.
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What is your workout routine?
First off, I must have my iPod, I could not make it in the gym without it. I typically do a variety of cardio exercises because sometimes the treadmill can be monotonous. I also do strength building exercises with light weight and lots of reps. I think the key to any good workout routine is finding a program that works for you and make it a part of your daily activities.
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What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
Graduating from college is by far my most rewarding and gratifying accomplishment. School has always been exciting for me and to reach the end of my undergraduate college career was truly an amazing feeling. It is surreal to see the fruits of your efforts through years of schooling packaged neatly in a diploma case.
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What is the best compliment you have ever recieved?
I am a perfectionist, especially at work. During the middle of the legislative session this year I had a Senator call my father and tell him what a great job I was doing and what a pleasure it was to work with me. That phone call made me realize that all the hard work was worth it.
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What is your secret wish?
I would love to be a pastry chef and open my own restaurant with my younger sister. We both love to cook, and I think we would be a great team, although there might be some discussion over who is the boss, which of course will be me, and how not to eat the profits!
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What was your most embarrassing moment?
I attended a small high school where everyone knew everyone. One Friday evening before a football game against our cross-county rivals, I was getting ready to cheer and my sponsor called me to the bleachers.

On my way back to the football field I slipped, fell, and literally rolled down the hill leading to the field. The crowd had already gathered and EVERYONE saw me! The football players on the other team were even talking about it.
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What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
I love to watch the TV show "Charmed". I enjoy putting life on hold and getting lost in a world of complete make believe. I also think it would be awesome to freeze time with a flick of my hand.
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What is your favorite movie and why?
I have a Top 3 (can never pick just one)

1) Love Story- It is an amazing movie about two people so in love and not worried about anything but being together. I laugh and cry every time I watch it.

2) Shawshank Redemption- I think it is the epitome of the need and importance of hope, no matter how bleak the situation seems. It is the most inspiring movie I have ever watched.

3) Sleeping Beauty- Yes, yes, I know, but I love it. I get caught up in the fairytale of it all, having a prince fight for and save the princess is every little girl's dream. This movie stuck with me throughout childhood and is a staple in my movie collection.
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What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?
I like to watch old movies, sit on my couch in pajamas, and eat popcorn & Reese’s’ Pieces for fun. That's right, eating them together. Try it, you'll love it. I also love to shoe shop and am a firm believer in the more shoes, the better.

- When I need to relax I get in my car and turn the Dave Matthews Band up really loud and just drive.

- I attempt to play darts and although I can tackle like a football player, I seldom have the opportunity to do so. I am not that athletic so my recreational time is usually spent in the gym on the treadmill; although my dad believes that shopping is my favorite recreational activity.
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What would be your dream vacation or destination?
Italy!! I love traveling and would give anything to spend two weeks seeing the entire country. I would spend my time getting lost in the culture, scenery, and, of course, the food.
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What do you like best about the state of Mississippi?
I like the fact that Mississippi has something to offer everyone. We have rolling hills in the North, sandy beaches in the South, the history of antebellum homes in Natchez, the battlefields of Vicksburg, and Native American reservations. We are thriving with entertainment and new industry. Mississippians have an undeniable passion for sports and can appreciate the tradition of rivalries. Our roots are deep and our faith is strong. More than anything I love the fact that wherever you may be, you are greeted with a "hi y'all" and a glass of sweet tea.
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Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years I will have completed my law degree and will be well on my way to becoming one of the nation’s top child advocate attorneys. I plan on having a balance between a successful career and happy home life for my family.
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Who am I?
Where do I begin? I love life! I try to start my day with a positive attitude and live life to the fullest. I don't want to have regrets when I get older or wonder "what if?" I decided I wanted to be an attorney when I was in high school but did not commit to the profession until I was a junior in college. I then evaluated my options and was certain I wanted to be a child advocate attorney. I think children are our most valuable asset and want to spend my life helping children.

People would be surprised to know that I LOVE football. I actually know what's going on during the game and always cheer for my favorite team, Ole Miss (even when they don't play all that well). I am a die-hard Ole Miss fan and love the atmosphere of the Grove and the University. I was very involved with my sorority during college and as a result my entire room is even now decorated with Phi Mu memorabilia. I love to cook and during my senior year in college started having dinner parties for my friends. My roommate and I would plan the party, with a particular motif in mind for both the décor, as well as the food.

My family is very important to me, and I like to spend as much time with them as possible. As I have gotten older I have developed a close relationship with my sister and have learned to appreciate her youth and individuality. I am the oldest of 18 grandchildren and have heard "Well, you're the oldest, you have to set the example" more times than I care to admit. My mom and dad are my biggest fans and harshest critics and never let me settle for anything less than my best.

Life is about relationships....relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. The more you invest the more you gain!
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Tell us about your platform.
My platform is "Being Net Smart: Keeping Children and Teens Safe on the Internet." The advances in computer technology that allow our children to reach out globally to new sources of knowledge and cultural experiences are unfortunately also leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and harm by computer-sex offenders. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. These individuals are often willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, and energy in this process. This threat is a constant battle and the victims are children of all ages, races and gender. The Internet has become an integral part of our children's lives and most are ill-equipped to protect themselves online. One out of four adolescents who use the Internet regularly are exposed to unwanted sexual solicitations. With that in mind, more needs to be available to educate the nation about the risk posed to children when they are online.

Being the oldest of 18 grandchildren and having contact with younger kids on a regular basis, I see the need to protect children. I wanted a platform that was a pressing issue, and that I would be able to work with as I got older. As a fan of the Internet, I created a "Myspace" account and was horrified at the messages and comments I would receive. I realized that as an adult, I know what to do. But, the question that occurred to me was, could a 13 year old handle the same situation?

Our children are our nation’s most valuable asset. They represent the bright future of our country; however, they are among the most vulnerable members of society. Protecting our children from becoming victims of crime must be a national priority. As a nation, we will never rid the country of these predators; therefore, it is our duty to arm their targets and to provide our children with the knowledge needed to protect oneself.

It is my hope to inform children and teens of the dangers and educate a "Net Smart" generation that uses good judgment when making decisions online.
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