Many girls prepare their whole lives for this one moment. For me, I see Miss USA as an opportunity to reach new and greater heights in the future.

Modeling and pageants help me overcome feeling insecure about the way that I look and my height.

I've done modeling since I was 18, but it didn't take off until I moved to Los Angeles. Modeling has always been something I've been really good at, and has been something that's helped pay bills.

Ive never really been the type to dress up like the other girls do. Im more of a casual, relaxed kind of girl. More athletic.

You have to be 100 percent comfortable with yourself and who you are. You'll have unflattering pictures posted on the Internet for all to see, so you have to be able to handle yourself and stay true to yourself.

Every single model wants to be in Sports Illustrated, and I feel extremely blessed to have that opportunity.

I just try to stick to clean foods, anything grilled like salmon, chicken, fish, brown rice, and veggies. I do have a really big sweet tooth, so I try to curb my cravings with fruit instead.