Serbia has selected the perfect representative for the Miss Earth 2017 pageant – Marija Nikic. Marija competed in Miss Serbia 2017, where she finished as the second runner-up and earned the privilege to represent Serbia in Miss Earth 2017.

Marija is just 19 years of age and hails from Zrenjannin, Serbia. With her eyes set on the Miss Earth crown, she has been preparing with all her heart to impress everyone on the international stage. Simple, pretty and adorable, that’s what Marija is all about, and she is all set to impress the audience and the jury in the Philippines with her charm.

In an interview with Angelopedia, Marija shared her thoughts, aspirations and experiences in the world of pageantry. Below is the transcript of Angelopedia's interview with Miss Earth Serbia 2017, Marija Nikic -

Q. How does it feel to be Miss Earth Serbia 2017?

It is truly amazing, I'm so grateful to be part of this competition because I believe that Miss Earth is true beauty pageant with a purpose. Especially when there are so many people that have been supporting me from the beginning. It's giving me, even more, will and power to try more and do my best. 

Q. The world celebrates you as Miss Earth Serbia 2017, but would you like to give us a glimpse of your veiled personality?

I grew up in a big family full of love and support so I'm used to being surrounded by kind and lovely people that have open hearts. I am a big fighter for justice and I accept only honesty and truth. I also love helping other people whenever I have a chance to help. I love being surrounded by people with great and positive energy as often someone else's mood effects on me. I care only about the opinion of people that are important to me because there is always someone who will talk bad things even if there is nothing bad to talk about. We shouldn't spend our precious time on those people. I love spending time with my family and we enjoy being together, those moments are my favourite.

Q. Who was your role model behind stepping into the world of beauty pageants?

I did watch a lot of beauty pageants when I was younger but I never thought that I would actually be one of them one day. So I didn't think that much about my role models, but for sure my family was my biggest support at stepping into the world of beauty pageants.

Q. Would you like to tell us about your Eco Beauty project for the Miss Earth 2017 pageant?

I want to spread awareness, especially with children because they are our future, of the importance of our mother earth to us. I want to encourage people to take parts in green projects and environmental activities. Also, I would like to share my advocacy and that is promoting organic food; because I think it is very important to stay healthy and also keep the environment healthy. We should know what we enter into our body and organism because we use too many chemicals in raising fruits and vegetables; we eat poison and animals too. Actually, because of those chemicals, we encourage climate change and many other bad things. We need to be more aware of that problem and give our best to solve it.

Q. How confident and prepared are you for Miss Earth 2017 pageant?

I believe I am, but of course, you can always be better. So I'll do my best to improve myself even more till Miss Earth.

Q. Would you like to share some uniquely saccharine moments of your childhood with us? 

Most unique moments of my childhood are, definitely, trips with my family. We have been travelling a lot since my early age, and one of the best things I remember are riding camels, driving a small four-wheeler, diving in the amazing red sea, watching dolphins, visiting the desert, going in aqua parks and many others.
 

Q. Tell us something that most people don’t know about you?

I'm an adventurous person and my wish is to have a completely filled passport. I love to travel, meet new people and get to know their culture, language, of course, visit all the monuments and explore the beauty of their environment. I love nature and animals but I have to admit that I'm afraid of snakes. I would like to learn how to surf, try skydiving and bungee jumping. Beaches are my favourite thing, and I especially enjoy watching sunsets and sunrises. Even though I like all these things, no place is like home.

Q. If you had to describe your “perfect man”, what traits of his personality would be written in bold?

There is no such a thing as perfect man or woman, but the one who respects me and loves me is more than enough for happiness.

Q. What according to you define femininity? Who is the most treasured female figure in your life?

I believe all women are beautiful but you must have the beauty of the spirit and be beautiful inside so you can be beautiful outside also. Without true manners, there is no true lady. My mom is a real example and the most treasured female figure in my life.

Q. If you wish to write an autobiography, what would be its last sentence?

Have you lived today?

Q. What is special and unique about Serbian women?

Besides their beauty, they are also very smart, brave, noble and successful. We have lots of amazing women that definitely left a mark on our history. 

Q. What suggestions would you like to give to aspiring beauty queens?

I read once that real queens fix each other's crowns. So even if they should always be ambitious and give their best to achieve their goals, they should never go against others to reach that goal and to always remember to help others. Beauty isn't only what you see; it also represents your actions and what kind of a person you are under that beautiful face.

Q. What message would you like to give to your fans on Angelopedia?

I need to say that I'm really grateful that I have so many kind and lovely fans. It is amazing when you have people on your side that really appreciate what you do. Your support is my power. Thank you for everything, I'm so excited to see you in the Philippines!