I believe giving back is one of the greatest life lessons we can teach our children; that the world isn't all about them, and that through our actions people will really discover what kind of a person we truly are.

Through the many struggles in my life, my faith is sometimes the only thing I have to hold onto. God was my only friend.

I felt vindicated that I decided to speak up for not only myself but women all across the nation who've been put down.

There's something about winning Miss America that brings out the snark.

There are no guarantees in life, but I believe faith provides all of us with a foundation to live the best lives possible - knowing that there is a higher being who loves us and will never leave us.

My messaging is not just to empower women, it's actually more directed at men because I think it's important for the men on college campuses to hear a women's perspective on how you shouldn't behave in the workplace.

Gratitude needs to come back in a big way and I hope to encourage people to get involved.