Kristina Decheva is all set to represent Illinois at Miss Earth USA 2020 which will be held next month as the winner of the national contest will represent USA at the next edition of Miss Earth. As she prepares for her national stint, Kristina talks about her dreams, ambitions, advocacy, and guilty pleasures in an exclusive interview with Angelopedia.

Q. How does it feel to be back at Miss Earth USA and now a delegate of Miss Earth USA 2020?

It feels unbelievably great to be back competing in the Miss Earth system, having the pleasure to represent the beautiful state of Illinois. I think that with the current climate status, environmental awareness could not be more relevant to our society. It is crucially important to continue to educate everyone on environmental concerns during these difficult times.

Q. This is your second time at the national pageant. What has changed according to you in the way pageants are accepted in the society?

I believe that as our society evolves, so do pageants. The meaning of beauty, in particular, has drastically evolved. For the first time ever we see more inclusivity in the industry. An example of this is advocating for plus size contestants. Currently, we see an inclusivity of not only women of all ethnicities but also women of different body types.

Q. What inspired you to the world of pageantry?

What inspired me to the world of pageantry is the ability to take an issue I care about and be able to expand my platform nationally. Being part of a powerful and authoritative organization has provided me with many wonderful opportunities and good deeds.

Q. Would you like to tell us something about your advocacy?

Absolutely! My advocacy is preserving and providing clean water to underprivileged communities. My platform is also focused on children because I do think that children are excellent advocates who can learn quickly to adjust to preserving water habits and pass on the knowledge to later generations. After all, children are the future!

Q. Who is your role model, if any, and what values of his or her do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?

One of my lead role models in life is Leonardo DiCaprio. I have always looked up to him because not only does he have a successful career but he is also an advocate for the environment. I think it is very important for a successful individual to demonstrate strong morals towards the environment because it influences so many others to partake in fighting climate change.

Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?

One of my personality traits that really drives me to be the best version of myself is probably the desirability to reach perfection. Although I know that striving for perfection can be very detrimental (if you allow it to), I also think that it can help you to really become the best possible version of yourself. Every individual has their own definition of what perfection means to them. To me, perfection is someone with beauty within that also reflects and radiates on the outside.

Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

My most special childhood memory is waking up early in the morning and painting eggs with my grandmother on Easter.

Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?

If I could be invisible for a day I would spend it sneaking into concerts. Studies say that for every concert you attend, your life gets longer.

Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is eating chocolate cake from Portillos.

Q. We’re sure that this competition is another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you ultimately want to achieve?

I want to achieve the best version of myself competing in Miss Earth USA. Although it may sound vague, striving to be the best version of myself gives me great self-fulfillment.

Q. If you are granted three wishes right now, what would you ask for?

If I was granted three wishes I would ask for world peace, eternal happiness, and to resolve world hunger.

Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans of Angelopedia?

I would like to thank my fans for being supportive and continuing to motivate me. Your comments and likes encourage me to strive to be the best version of myself and continue to do good deeds.