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

As a medical student, I counsel my patients on ways they can lower their cardiovascular risk at every visit. I also try to set an example in my own life. So the International Pageant System’s official partnership with the AHA Go Red for Women campaign is perfect for me. 

What is something that few people know about you?

My brother and I are major-league penguin fans! From Kings and Chinstraps to Rockhoppers and Gentoos, we love all species of penguins. I’m saving up to do the “penguin encounter” at Moody Gardens. And my mom manages to find penguin wrapping paper for us at Christmas every year!           

What do you do to stay healthy?

Everything’s funner with a runner! I have been a long-distance competitive runner for more than thirteen years. This past year, I qualified to compete in the legendary Boston Marathon. And I couldn’t have done it without regular exercise, eating healthy meals and getting enough sleep.

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

“Family values” is often used as a vague political buzzword, meaning different things to different people. To me, it means loving, taking care of and supporting those closest to you. It also means knowing right from wrong, but I agree with St. Paul—that “the greatest of these is Love.”

What is your worst habit? Why?

My worst habit is checking my e-mail.  I check it first thing when I wake up, constantly throughout the day and always before I go to bed. At least my bad habit is often appreciated by others because I give very quick replies!