Tiffany:What was your first reaction when you won your national title?
Erika: I was so excited and honored. When the MC announced "Your new NAM Queen is....... Erika Porras " I cried, sat down on the floor, ran in a circle, and I walked away from the crown because I didn't believe it...I was on shock!!! It was a dream come true!
Tiffany: How did you prepare for nationals?
Erika: I worked very hard preparing my personal introduction and practicing interview questions in front of my family. Every day on my way to school, I had to tell my personal introduction to my mom. The most important skill I learned was to be confident in who you are, set goals and believe in your dreams.
Tiffany: How did you get involved in NAM?
Erika: was involved in NAM because my friend highly recommended this pageant to me. This pageant is very unique. I Love NAM!!!
Tiffany: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Erika: I want to graduate as valedictorian, receive my Medical Degree from Harvard University; Become a Pediatrician; Be a positive role model serving my community and make my family proud!
Tiffany: What do you like to do for fun?
Erika: I play volleyball with my friends love working together as a team; dancing; taekwondo; acting: modeling: and I am very passionate about volunteering in my community. I make people around me smile and make friends easily. I am a busy girl and love to lend a helping hand.
Tiffany: What activities are you involved in?
Erika: I am an International Student Ambassador for the People to People Organization. This summer, I traveled to Tokyo, Japan representing the best of our country. We promote cultural understanding, humanitarian efforts and world peace. I am also a School Peer Mediator; I also volunteer for several charities and community Organizations: The City of Hartford, American Cancer Society, American Liver Foundation, Multi-National Lions Club, Catholic Charities The Institute for Community Development and many more..
Tiffany: What is your best quality?
Erika: I am Dedicated in everything that I do.
Tiffany: Where is your favorite place to shop?
Erika: My favorite place to shop has to be Mandees... they have awesome outfits !!!
Tiffany: Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know...
Erika: that I climbed Mt. Fuji (Japan) !
Tiffany: What is your favorite childhood memory ?
Erika: I am blessed to have an excellent childhood full of many memories. My family loves to travel. My best memory was cruising the Caribbean, discovering the beautiful beaches, food, music and cultures and the wonderful people. It was the time of my life!!
Tiffany: If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for?
Erika: 1. My brother died from Kidney Failure 3 years ago in November. My wish is for my brother to be able to see all that I have accomplished, he is my guardian angel in heaven. 2.that there were more hours in day ..So much to do and not enough time. 3. that I had smaller feet. I wear size 11 shoes in woman.. shocker, I know, It is very hard to find pretty shoes..
Tiffany: If you could trade places with anyone for a day who would it be?
Erika: My pediatrician, Dr. Fromson because he has made an impact in my life because I wanted to become a pediatrician since I met him! His love for children is unique.
Tiffany: If I gave you 1 million dollars what is the first thing you would buy?
Erika: An outfit for each day of the year ...lol there's never too much shopping for a girl.
Tiffany: What is your favorite quote?
Erika: "The Beauty Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams" Eleanor Roosevelt
Tiffany:What is your most prized possession?
Erika: I would have to say my family album because I can always look back and I will remember the good times we share. I love to spend time with my family.
Tiffany: Who is your role model ?
Erika: My role model is my mother because she taught me the values of education, community service and the pursue of excellence.
Tiffany: What do you hope to accomplish as the NAM national PreTeen Queen ?
Erika: I want to encourage others my age to believe in themselves, be involved in their communities and know with determination, persistence, anything is possible. I want to instill the values of education, health and the pursue of excellence to all. I want to represent this organization with pride, honor and dignity. I will be be a positve role mode and will promote my title with honor.
Tiffany: If you could witness any historical event which would you choose ?
Erika: I would like to have witnessed the swear in of Sonya Sotomayor because she believed in her dreams and accomplished to become the first latina to serve as US Supreme Court Justice.That was a very historic and exciting event.
Tiffany:If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Erika: Strawberries...mmm i love the sweet and sour taste in Strawberries!
Tiffany: What advice do you have for any girls thinking about entering NAM?
Erika: I love this pageant system because they provide you all the materials to be prepared for the competition. Read the pageant magazines, watch the pageant videos, visit the website Namiss.com, and follow the pageant rules. Set goals and prepare yourself, practice make perfect..do your best and most important make friends during the pageant weekend. You want to be confident and persistence to reach for your goals, show your best of your personality, be natural. What matter most is how you see yourself. Bring your family and friends and have the time of your life. The memories will last forever!!! I highly recommend this pageant.
Tiffany: What makes you unique ?
Erika:I am dedicated, caring and responsible girl with big dreams. I love to help others and want to make a positive difference in the world.
