By: SindyI caught up with Tami Nichole Farrell, who was just crowned Miss Teen USA 2003. The 18 year-old Oregon native gave me the scoop on what it's like to be the reigning pageant princess.
Sindy: Congratulations on the big win. How did you get into doing pageants in the first place?
Tami Nichole Farrell: The former Miss Oregon was the dance team coach at my high school and a family friend and she encouraged me to do the pageants, so I went out and tried it. This was my third year competing in the Miss Oregon Pageant and I wasn't even sure I was going to do it but my family and friends really encouraged me to go for it and take the risk. I guess the third time was the charm.
Sindy: It must have been so cool to hear your name called when you won. What was that like?
Tami Nichole Farrell: Oh my god! I was so excited cuz it was so overwhelming. It's something I've wanted for so long and it's something that I think every little girl, at one point in time, dreams about. It felt like a dream. I just love my crown. I felt like a princess.
Sindy: So, what's the coolest part about being Miss Teen USA?
Tami Nichole Farrell: I think all the opportunities I'm going to have. I want to do some modeling and acting and I think this is giving me so many opportunities. I won a scholarship to the school for New York Film and Television this summer and I also got a walk-on role on the TV show Passions. All the delegates were great. I've become best friends with some of the girls and I got to meet Mario Lopez, who is so cute! I had a little crush on him.
Sindy: Have you ever had any embarrassing moments on stage?
Tami Nichole Farrell: Yeah, lots! One time the choreographer worked out a routine where we were supposed to turn our heads quickly and flip our hair at the end of the runway. Since I was wearing lip gloss, when I turned my head, my hair got stuck to my lips and all over my face. I tried to pull it off, but be graceful about it, so that it looked like it was part of the plan but it was all over my face and my hair was all gross.
Sindy: Do you have any advice for other girls who want to enter competitions?
Tami Nichole Farrell: Dare to dream. What's meant to be will always find a way of happening.
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Miss Teen USA 2001 - Marissa Whitley
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