I've never understood why it's a negative to showcase a talented, smart woman who also happens to be attractive.

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

When people watch me on TV they see part of my life. I wanted to let them know the real me behind the scenes. The child who was a concert violinist from the age of six. The young woman who took on the challenge to compete in the Miss America pageant. The television journalist for twenty-five years. The mother of two who, just like most women, struggles to balance work and family.

I'm a person who likes to give 100 percent to everything I do. I want to be the best at my job and as a mother.

I never had becoming Miss America on my radar screen. But when I was 17, I decided to quit the violin and my parents were devastated.

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.

The challenging part of parenting is to stick to your ideals and not give in.