How do you personal/unique qualities best fit the International System?

Every day I challenge myself to meet a personal set of standards, whether it’s reaching a new fitness level, mastering a challenging task, or volunteering to help in the community.  The International Pageant System honors my personal achievements and dedication to my family while giving me the opportunity to actively promote my personal platform.

What is something that few people know about you?

Few people know that my ancestry traces back to Sir William Wallace, Mel Gibson’s character in the movie Brave Heart. My husband’s family traces their roots back to the Buchannan’s of Scotland-  the clan responsible for raising Queen Mary of Scotland and the Isles son, James.  Our son’s name, Brice, means “grandson of a ruler” in Celtic and reflects our shared heritage.

What do you do to stay healthy?

Staying healthy takes more than just dieting to lose a few pounds or hitting the gym a few times a week.  Healthy involves lifestyle changes and incorporates nurturing a healthy spirit.  To keep active, I participate with outdoor activities like basketball, riding horses, or even working on our small ranch.  I nourish my spirit with positive thoughts and partake in hobbies, like reading, that allow me to recharge with personal time.

Everyone talks about “family values”.  What are they?

Each family upholds their own unique set of values and establishes ethics that reflect ideals central to the family’s core of beliefs. Whether a family holds fast to the traditional values or reflects a more modern interpretation of values, those values form the foundation for a strong family united under a common set of standards.  As parents, family values represent the most important lessons we pass on to our children.

What is your worst habit? Why?

Procrastination gets me every time.   Even though I love deadlines and completing projects, I wait until last possible minute before submitting a project, a final paper, or a proposal. It does increase my stress levels but I use it to my advantage.  I work best under pressure and instead of letting the stress overwhelm me, I channel it to keep me on task.