What is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession would have to be a locket that my dad gave me with “2-15-96” engraved on the back to remind me of the date he adopted me. My dad is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and my family, because he picked up the pieces, put them back together, and protected us. He accepted me as his own, and the locket reminds me of how much he loves me.
What is something few people know about you?
Few people know that I had meningitis as a baby and therefore lost a good portion of my hearing. I am considered functionally deaf by the state of Texas, but most people never know, because my speech is normal. Since I did have normal hearing for the first eight months of my life, I believe that allowed me to learn what normal speech sounds like and mimic it. I have been able to adapt very well, and it allows me to connect with people and my art in a way that not many others can. It has brought me a lot of challenges throughout my life but has taught me many important lessons as well. It has been a curse and a blessing in disguise. Even though I have lived 26 years with this issue, I would not trade anything to have my hearing back.
What do you do to stay healthy?
Staying healthy is a daily effort. I am a professional dancer, so I get my exercise by taking dance classes and going to the gym at least six days a week. This is hard for me to follow sometimes with my busy schedule, but I do my best! I also take time off to rest occasionally to let my body rejuvenate. I eat lots of vegetables, drink lots of water, and get plenty of sleep. Diet, exercise, and sleep are essential to remaining healthy! I believe that mental and emotional health are essential to overall health as well. I keep a journal where I write about all of the things in my life that either excite me or do not make sense. Writing is very therapeutic and helps me keep my stress at a minimum.
Are you a good listener or a good talker?
I would consider myself good at both, actually! I have learned how to be an excellent listener, because my hearing loss forced me to do so! Listening has become not only something I am good at but something I enjoy! I enjoy listening to not only what people have to say but to how they respond with their body language. There are many different ways to listen, and they are all so fascinating! I love to talk as well. What girl doesn’t enjoy talking? I like to study about so many different topics, which is why I am just as good at talking as listening. My friends come to me for advice on anything from relationships and fashion to politics and religion!
Name three characteristics that you look for in a friend.
I look for people who are genuine, wise, and have a great sense of humor. My friends come from all walks of life and have many different life experiences. All of their different ideas and viewpoints contribute to the person I am. A truly genuine person is hard to find. Genuine people are those who are honest with themselves and others at all costs. They strive to learn and always better themselves so that they can help others. They are also confident in who they are and stick with what they believe to be true. That is the kind of person I try to be, so I look for friends who can help me be genuine by being that example for me. I also search for wise people who are open-minded and have good common sense. The definition of “wise” is having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. I like to surround myself with intelligent people so that I can learn more about life, become a better thinker, and so that I may make better decisions for myself. And, having a great sense of humor is a must. I love to have fun with my friends, and laughing is another part of staying healthy!
Miss Fort Worth is proudly sponsored by:
* Dave McKeen
* Danielius Design
* JFresco
* Shemara Couture
* Texas Road Recyclers
* Shackelford Hawkins & Assoc.
* Trade Days of Waxahachie
* TexOp
* Spa Bella
* Hann Photographic
* L.O.V.E. Fashions
