What are your Hobbies?
I enjoy fishing and golfing with my dad, late night chats with my mom, running with my dog in my neighborhood, cheering on my brother and sister at their ball games, volunteering, spending time with my family, reading Nicholas Sparks's novels, singing and attempting to dance, and shopping with my aunt and grandmother.
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What makes you special and unique?
My best friend is my 20 year old aunt, Rachel. Growing up, she and I were very competitive; but as the years progressed, we matured and became the best of friends. Now we both attend Mississippi College, where we are both involved in social tribes and other student activities on campus. I feel that I am unique in this aspect because I have an aunt that is not only my best friend, but is seven months younger than me.
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What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to cherish each moment of each day. It may sound cliché, however I truly believe these words of advice. People seem to take so many blessings for granted, and I will admit that I have been one of those. I realized that I needed to take more time out of my day to appreciate all of the blessings God has given to my family and me. I am so thankful for my family and friends, and I would not trade them for anything.
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Name one thing you cannot live without.
I absolutely could not survive without hair products. I have naturally curly hair and, as we all know, Mississippi weather is very humid. Curly hair + humidity = DISASTER. It is a daily struggle for me.
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What's the most valuable lesson you've ever learned?
Time management is a lesson that I value. Getting older and more mature, I have definitely had to learn to manage my time and not to procrastinate.
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Who is your most valued role model and why?
My most valued role model is Princess Diana. First of all, every girl dreams of being a princess. Diana was the epitome of what a princess should be. She was classic and timeless and truly cared about people. She was an advocate for humanity and traveled the world in hopes of making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. I, too, want an honorable title and to make a difference in the lives of people.
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What was your most unexpected moment?
I was named "Miss Congeniality" at the Miss Mississippi College Pageant. I never thought I would be fortunate enough to receive this award. I was truly honored to accept it!
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What is your workout routine?
My workout routine is very simple: cardio, cardio, cardio. I love running and walking. I also lift weights about 3 days a week and maintain a healthy diet.
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What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
I have started an organization called "Colleges Against Cancer" at Mississippi College. It is an American Cancer Society organization that spreads the awareness of cancer, not only around college campuses, but also in surrounding communities. This allows for college students to not only educate others, but to be educated themselves on the benefits of early testing and detection and on the signs and symptoms of cancer.
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What is the best compliment you have ever recieved?
Singing is a passion for me. I love to sing in my car, at events, for my family and friends, and, of course, in the shower! Nothing means more to me than for someone to compliment me on the God-given talent I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with. Singing not only allows me to express myself, but to do so for the enjoyment of others.
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What is your secret wish?
Well I guess it’s not much of a secret, but, oh, wouldn’t I love to be the next Miss Mississippi AND Miss America! I’ve always been told to reach for the moon and if I don’t make it, I’ll fall amongst the stars. Here I go!
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What was your most embarrassing moment?
Last year, for my onstage question at the Miss Mississippi Pageant, I was asked, “What is the most WICKED thing you have ever done?”
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What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
CHOCOLATE!! I wish that chocolate was a healthy snack, and on every diet in America. Who ever said you can't have big dreams? I love to indulge, but I have to limit myself to small portions. Everyone knows that at a certain age a young woman's metabolism begins to slow down!
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What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is MISS CONGENIALITY. I love how they exaggerate the competitive nature in a pageant, yet the connection and friendships formed is not an act. I have made so many friends through pageants, and we are all still very close to this day. For some reason I have acquired the nickname "Gracie Lou." It may be due to my two left feet and my sense of humor.
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What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?
I love to fish and golf. I love to sit outside on a sunny afternoon and read books. I really enjoy playing sports, so when my friends invite me to play a game of flag football, soccer, or softball, I never turn them down; and I am a girl, of course I LOVE to shop!
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What would be your dream vacation or destination?
I have always wanted to go on a cruise and I love the beach. My dream vacation would be to take a cruise to the Bahamas and explore a country that is unfamiliar to me.
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What do you like best about the state of Mississippi?
As a “Mississippi Girl,” I love all aspects of Mississippi. One important thing is that this is my home state and where most of my family resides. I am very family-oriented and love to be close to the ones I love. I am also proud to say that I attend Mississippi College which is located in my home town of Clinton. The other aspect of Mississippi that I love is the true southern atmosphere. There is southern hospitality everywhere and more history than one could ever imagine!
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Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years I hope to have accomplished a majority of my goals. One of which is graduating nursing school, getting married, and starting a family.
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Who am I?
I am from Clinton, Mississippi. I consider myself to be down-to-earth and outgoing. I love to meet new people! I have to be honest though, one of my favorite hobbies of all time is to EAT. I love to try all kinds of new food from various cultures. I am also very involved with my college, my family, and my community.

My family is the most important thing to me under my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know what my priorities are and always put them first. I set high goals for myself because I love a challenge. My favorite pastime is singing. I have loved singing ever since I was a little girl. I love my college, my friends and of course my home state, Mississippi.
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Tell us about your platform.
One in every three Americans is diagnosed with cancer each day. Cancer does not discriminate. Everyone is susceptible to this illness, regardless of age, gender, or race. However, there is hope if this disease is caught at an early stage. My platform is cancer awareness-emphasis on early testing and detection. I chose this issue because in 2004 my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I felt that we, as a family, did not know enough about the signs and symptoms of cancer to catch it at an early stage. I want to educate communities on these signs and symptoms, as well as, the benefits of early testing and detection. People and communities need to be aware of the medical assistance that is available if diagnosed with cancer.

I have started an organization at Mississippi College called Colleges Against Cancer. It is the first one in the state of Mississippi. It is an American Cancer Society organization that allows for college students to learn about cancer and to educate their community and campus about the signs, symptoms, and early testing and detection that is available. It is a great way for our generation to not only live healthier lives, but to influence others to do the same.
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