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Amidst state competition season, it's important to realize that you're not perfect. Yup, I said it. No one is perfect. In fact, perfection is rather boring - the panelists aren't looking for a perfect person. But rather, they're seeking someone that's authentically themselves and is energized and prepared for a time such as this... Go show 'em what you've got, queen!

It's time for another mock interview episode with a mix of current event and resume-based questions! Let's do this...

Maura Spence Carroll began competing in the Miss America Organization within the teen program just after her 13th birthday. A director approached her and asked if she had heard about MAO Teen and told her that she thought she would make it to Miss America one day, and that very conversation started her journey in MAO. As a Soldier in the United States Army Reserves, she advocates for, “22 Too Many: Ending the Epidemic of Military and Veteran Suicide”. She got involved after her own experiences with behavioral health in the military. The more she researched, the more she realized the need for preventative measures and risk mitigation in addition to crisis intervention. Listen to learn more!

Jaelyn Wratchford began her involvement in the Miss America Organization within the teen program, after discovering MAOTeen when searching for scholarship opportunities online. Now she serves Miss West Virginia 2021 and advocates for Investing in Our Future: The Impact of Youth Empowerment. Jaelyn strives to keep it natural, living her authentic self while openly sharing her struggles with mental health as she inspires others to advocate for themselves, take mental and emotional breaks and to remain present and humble through life’s big moments.

Think about this statement for a minute, "I want to use my influence to ___________ because I believe __________________. What's your why? What's your motivation and inspiration behind competing in the first place and how has it evolved over your time competing? 

An honors graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Elle Mark had a unique journey to becoming a state titleholder - but she wouldn't have it any other way! She's a mental and emotional health advocate, vocalist, scholar, podcaster and research professional at the University of Minnesota. 

Callie Cox is currently serving as Miss Missouri 2021. She is a senior at the University of Missouri where she's applying the nearly $20,000 in scholarships she's earned to finish her degree in communication and psychology. Her hope? To further her mission of creating a more inclusive culture for people of all abilities!

Jennifer Schmidt's journey to becoming Miss Wisconsin spanned a 10 year timeframe, throughout the MAOT and Miss competitions. She advocates for "Diabetes, YOU Have the Control" and as a first-generation college student, knows the importance of pushing through adversity in order to achieve success! 

Alyssa Bohm started her Miss America journey in 2013 and ended up competing in a total of 23 locals over the course of her 7 year journey to becoming Miss Wisconsin. She currently works as a High School Special Education Teacher and promoted her SII, “Embracing Special Needs, Building Inclusive Communities" throughout her involvement in MAO.

Let's dive in to a current event, contentious topic mock interview...shall we? 

State competitions are just around the corner and whether you're in full prep mode with a local title or you're still working on winning a local competition in hopes of making it back to state, here are 5 ways you can take charge of your destiny and actively prepare right now!

Mallory Fuller is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree at Baylor University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Mallory placed as a Top 10 Finalist at the Miss America competition, advocates for suicide prevention and is a Children's Book Author of two books aimed at mental health awareness. Join us as we talk about suicide myths, signs and prevention.