In the Miss America system talent is worth 50 percent of a contestant's points so my mom encouraged me to give it a try. And once I decided to do it, like anything else, I gave it 110 percent.

I learned that I had to work triply hard every time I started a new job in a newsroom to prove my value and worth.

Everyone is busy, but I believe it depends on what you prioritize. My husband and I teach Sunday School together at our church and are very involved.

I believe every child is born with a gift from God - big or small - and that we should all make the most of our talents.

Self esteem is built from the inside out and that is my inspiring message to all people.

Forcing victims of sexual harassment into secret arbitration proceedings is wrong because it means that nobody ever finds out what really happened.

I'm a big believer in always challenging yourself and learning new skills.