Miss Earth United States 2018 is all set to organize its grand finale on 14th July 2018 where delegates from all over the States will compete for the national crown. Andreia Gibau, the reigning Miss Earth United States, will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.

But before that, here we have Miss Illinois Earth United States 2018 Kristy Decheva sharing her experience and journey of being the national delegate of Miss Earth United States 2018 in an exclusive interview with Angelopedia.

Q. How does it feel to be the winner and delegate for Miss Illinois Earth US 2018?

I feel extremely privileged to represent this great state of Illinois. Thus far, I have been involved in multiple projects that represent and support my platform of Water Conservation. After each appearance and volunteer work I do, I can confidently say that I feel unjustifiably dignified as a delegate to represent Illinois.

Q. What is the best lesson you have learned in your journey as a delegate of Miss Earth United States 2018?

The best lesson I have learned thus far is that beauty queens cannot make everybody happy. In other words, no matter how much one tries to do the right thing, there will always be opposing opinions, the most important thing is to keep your ground and do what is best for you and the people around you.

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

My family, each time I have some success in whatever I do, I see how happy it makes my family. That inspires me to be the best version of myself, so I can keep making them proud, every time.

Q . What is your advocacy and why did you choose this?

My platform is ‘Water Conservation’. I chose this to advocate for primarily because of my background. I was raised in an underdeveloped country in the Balkan region of Eastern Europe and we had run into a lot of water shortage issues. Once I immigrated to the US, I was shocked to see how a lot of the people took water for granted, often leaving the sink running when brushing teeth, or taking an hour long showers. We are so grateful to have an abundance of water available here, but we must take into consideration that there are countries out there with no access to clean water. This struck me to start my campaign and teach American youth how we can use up less water in our daily lives.

Q.  How would you like to represent yourself at the national stage?

I would like to represent myself as a legacy for the organization. My goal, whether win or lose, is to begin educational programs in public schools for children. The program will focus on preserving the Earth’s natural resources.

Q. Who is your idol, if any, and what values of their you wish you could include in your own life?

My idol is my mother. If I could have one of her traits to include as my own it would be her bravery. She is not afraid of anything and she has great problem solving skills. Every time I encounter an issue that seems to have no way out, I go to her for advice, because I know that she will point me in the right direction.

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

If I were invisible for a day, I would spend it to listen to conversations that I wouldn’t have access to with visibility. Why? Well, it’s important to be able to hear people out when you are not there and hear discussing you in front of others, that way you can truly know who is a loyal friend and who is unloyal.

Q. Is there a special childhood memory you’d like to share with us?

My most special childhood memory is Easter day. I remember being so anxious to wake up in the morning and dye eggs with my grandmother. I spent the entire day dying eggs and decorating them, that was one of the most precious memories to me.

Q. Who empowers you to be yourself and work hard every day?

To be honest, that would just be me. There is no one in my mind that I think of daily that really gets my tires spinning. When I wake up, I drink coffee, shower, get dressed, and I am ready to get my day started! Every day is a ‘work hard play harder’ for me!

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

My guilty pleasure is by far indulging in delicious meals. I have a strict diet but often times I let myself slip because it is just so hard to control cravings for certain meals. For an example, I crave cookies (yummmm) almost every day, but limit myself to having 2 or 3 a week!

Q. What is one thing that you ultimately want to achieve?

I am working very hard right now to practice for my LSAT exams. I want to get accepted to and finish law school from a prestigious university. That is my next goal.

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

1.) For everyone in my family to continue having great health

2.) Wish the best possible life for my sister

3.) Bring world peace

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

My word of advice would be to never doubt yourself. When one has doubt, he/she is limiting him/herself from full potential. Always believe in yourself, and never, ever, give up on your dreams.