Tiffany:What was your first reaction when you won your national title?
Taylor: Upon getting crowned, I was overwhelmed by so many incredible emotions. After my state of complete shock I began to cry and jump up and down. Then, I was able to spot my family coming to the stage and noticed they were crying as well. This of course, added to my emotional high that I was experiencing. I was most definitely on cloud nine.
Tiffany:How did you prepare for nationals?
Taylor:If there is one thing that I have learned from pageantry, it is that preparation is essential. However, I have a unique way of preparing. Because of my belief that inner beauty ad knowledge could beat outer beauty any day, that is my primary focus when preparing. I watch the news every morning, get involved in my community, use the thesaurus to expand my vocabulary, and have my mom ask me random interview questions.
Tiffany: How did you get involved in NAM ?
Taylor: I began competing for National American Miss when I was 10. At this point, I realized that this system was a fit for me. I have been apart of the NAM family since.
Tiffany: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Taylor: It has been a childhood dream of mine to become the next Katie Couric. In other words, I plan to obtain a degree in Broadcast Journalism and work with a major news affiliate.
Tiffany:What to you like to do for fun?
Taylor: I live in a small in Oklahoma. We have a Wal- Mart, Quick Trip, and a few restaurants. With that being said, my friends and I have learned to be creative when it comes to having fun. We are known around town for our infamous scavenger hunts, movie nights at The Gorton household, and hanging out at the football field. I can have fun doing just about anything, thats why I love living in a small town. It constantly challenges my creativeness.
Tiffany:What activities are you involved in?
Taylor:I am the historian of Student Council, a member of Business Professionals of America, run track, and a manager for my school’s wrestling team.
Tiffany: What is your best quality ?
Taylor: My ability to connect with others, regardless of where I am I can meet people and in turn find friendship. I love talking to people, listening to them, and relating to them. I guess you could consider me the social butterfly that never quits fluttering around.
Tiffany: How would your friends describe you?
Taylor:To insure that I was using their words, I just texted my friend Halea to ask her opinion. This was her response, “ First, I think you have one of the best hearts around and you would never have intentions of hurting anyone. You have a bubbly personality which causes everyone to gravitate towards you. You give people a sense of feeling comfortable and I can tell you anything knowing my secrets will be safe. You are innocent, fierce, sweet, cute, and drive. When your mind is on something you don’t sit back until it is done.”
Tiffany:Where is your favorite place to shop?
Taylor:Forever Twenty- One of course.
Tiffany: Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know...
Taylor: I am not exactly what you would consider a girly- girl. I enjoy indulging in some tom-boyish activities. Such as four wheeling, playing contact sports ( I like to tackle), and sometimes my dad will take me to shoot his guns.
Tiffany:What is your favorite childhood memory ?
Taylor: When I was younger, I had an obsession with The Hanson’s. They had a concert scheduled in Tulsa. It ended up selling out before my mom could get up to Tulsa. I was devastated, until miraculously they found 100 extra tickets. My mom and I waited for hours in line to be part of the lucky 100. By the grace of god we were, the two of us danced and sang the night away. Although The Hanson’s have long faded from the music scene, I will cherish that memory forever.
Tiffany:What is your most embarrassing moment?
Taylor:Last year, I went to tour at the college I will be attending in the fall. As our guide was showing us the cafeteria, I noticed some of the baseball players whistling at me. Being a teenage girl, I of course turned around to at least acknowledge their presence. Unfortunately, as I was doing so I ran into one of the chairs and a table. I’m fairly certain none of those boys will be a future boyfriend.
Tiffany:If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for?
Taylor: I would wish for our country to have economic stability, I would wish to be best friends with Opera, and I would wish for an air plane to be able to frequently fly back from college.
Tiffany: If you could trade places with anyone for a day who would it be?
Taylor: Oh, most definitely Taylor Swift. She is inspiring and I only hope that I can have a percentage of the impact she has on young girls.
Tiffany: If I gave you 1 million dollars what is the first thing you would by?
Taylor:Something for my mom, she has so graciously given me everything I could ever dream of having. Then, I would give a large portion to the Haiti relief fund.
Tiffany:What is your favorite quote?
Taylor:WHAT IS LIFE?
Life is an Adventure ... Dare it
Life is a Beauty ... Praise it
Life is a Challenge ... Meet it
Life is a Duty ... Perform it
Life is a Love ... Enjoy it
Life is a Tragedy ... Face it
Life is a Struggle ... Fight it
Life is a Promise ... Fulfill it
Life is a Game ... Play it
Life is a Gift ... Accept it
Life is a Journey ... Complete it
Life is a Mystery ... Unfold it
Life is a Goal ... Achieve it
Life is an Opportunity ... Take it
Life is a Puzzle ... Solve it
Life is a Song ... Sing it
Life is a Sorrow ... Overcome it
Life is a Spirit ... Realize it
To me, this is extremely empowering.
Tiffany: What is your all time favorite movie?
Taylor: Sweet Home Alabama
Tiffany:What is your most prized possession?
Taylor: Nothing materialistic means that much to me, however I could not live without my friends and family.
Tiffany: What is your favorite book?
Taylor: The Glass Castle
Tiffany: If you could star on any TV show what would it be?
Taylor: The Office
Tiffany:What do you hope to accomplish as National American Miss Teen ?
Taylor:I know that with my title I will be able to reach out and touch the lives of as many young children and young adults as I can. As a titleholder, I feel it is my duty to inspire others and change their lives for the better. My journey as National American Miss Teen will not be complete until I do so.
Tiffany:What is the biggest misconception about your generation?
Taylor: We are known as the “ Me Generation,” which I personally feel is inaccurate. I am certain that my generation is full of driven and intelligent people.
Tiffany: If you had to pick between your cell phone, computer or TV what would you pick?
Taylor: Along with the rest of America, I have an Iphone. Which allows me to do just about anything. So it would only be wise to pick my cell phone.
Tiffany:What is the best advice you have ever received?
Taylor:To always stay true to myself.
Tiffany: If you could witness any historical event which would you choose ?
Taylor: American Bandstand, I have always been intrigued by that era. I would have loved to have been an audience member.
Tiffany:What is your favorite subject in school? and least?
Taylor: No doubt, my favorite is English. My least favorite is Math, which is typical for most people who love English.
Tiffany: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Taylor: Call me strange, but I would have to say Granny Smith Apples and Cheddar Cheese.
Tiffany:What makes you unique ?
Taylor: I am a very “ real” person. I believe in honesty and sticking to my beliefs. Which I feel in todays society is hard to come by, sadly.
Tiffany:What advice do you have for any girls thinking about entering NAM?
Taylor: GO FOR IT! You have everything to gain. Trust me, you will leave this system a more confident and more self- aware individual.
