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 Nebraska Earth United States 2018 Merrick Randy Alexander 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 of Miss NebraskaEarth United States 2018 and a delegate of Miss Earth United States 2018?
I feel humbled beyond belief to hold this title and represent such a selfless organization. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be in this position representing the beautiful state of Nebraska, and hopefully the USA. I have been greeted with endless support and kindness, which has overwhelmed my heart with love and warmth. I am truly so grateful, and will do everything in my power to honor this title.
Q. What is the best lesson you’ve learnt in your journey as the delegate of Miss Earth United States 2018?
I have learned the importance of community and that it truly takes a village. Wearing this crown in not about me at all, it is about all of the incredible people I get to help, and about preserving and protecting the gift God gave us all, Earth. So often people see themselves as the center of their world, but holding this title has taught me that I am a part of something so much bigger than myself. It isawe-inspiring to me to see what my work in the community does for those around me and for generations to come. We can all make a difference because even one tiny pebble can make a ripple.
Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?
One source of inspiration to me is my faith. God is with me through each step, and it consumes me with joy to know that I am walking the path he planned for me. Other sources of inspiration are the smiles upon the faces of each person I encounter. I want to make a difference in the lives of those around me. I want to help make their lives easier and more beautiful and healthy in any way I can. The support, encouragement, and love I receive makes me want to be my best self, and give back as much as I am able to the people who have given me everything I could ever possibly need and want. And I do not mean material things, but instead things like, love, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. The opportunity to be Miss Nebraska Earth 2018 is one of a kind, and has provided deeper meaning to each day.
Q. We would love to know more about your advocacy to save the Planet Earth and what drove you to choose it?
First of all, my advocacy is to preserve and protect Earth. Earth is truly a gift, and has been taken advantage of for hundreds of years. It is up to us now to work on changing our behavior and working to cleanse the Earth of garbage and damage. These changes will not happen overnight, but the more awareness we spread about recycling, picking up trash, reusable straws, bags, and cups, plant diversity, etc. we can begin to cause multiple ripples and then hopefully a wave of change. Let’s be the difference our Earth needs and the people of Earth need.
My personal platform is “You Define You.” I came up with this movement to teach men and women all over the world that their circumstances do not have to define them. This is a movement to become extraordinary. We need to dare to dream bigger than we have ever dreamt before, and have the courage to pursue those dreams. We can break out of whatever box we are placed into, either by ourselves or by others, and become the incredible person we are meant to be. It begins with believing in yourself, and recognizing that you are capable of achieving whatever it is that your heart desires. Make the changes necessary and chase after your dreams and goals. Believe in yourself; I believe in you.
Q. How would you like to represent yourself at the national stage of Miss Earth United States 2018?
I plan to represent myself as genuine, imperfect, compassionate, and selfless. I want to show people it is okay to be goofy, it is okay to recognize that we do have flaws and that we have made mistakes. I want to be a role model that is approachable. I never want people to think that I am above them or better than them because we are all incredible, wonderful, AMAZING children of God. I do not rank above any other person, and will never behave as though I do. I will represent myself as someone with empathy and intelligence. My goal is to make at least one person smile each day, and make sure each person I meet feels loved, cared for, and comfortable. I hope to represent myself and Nebraska with kindness, grace, and poise on the National stage, and truly just live in the moment appreciating all the blessings the Miss Earth United States Organization has brought to my life.
Q. Who is your ideal, if any and what values of theirs do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?
I am thankful because there are many people in my life that influence my values in such a positive way, and I hope I can take my favorite aspects of each of their lives and instill it in myself and others. My parents have taught me to dream, and have shown me how to work hard to achieve those dreams. They are so giving of their time and of their energy, and I am grateful to them for being with me through everything life has thrown at me. Connie Barnes, my mother’s bestfriend, is the most courageous woman I know. She has now successfully beat two forms of cancer with nothing but a smile on her face. I hope I can face trials with that same strength and poise. Kaylee Carlberg has taught me what it means to be Miss Nebraska Earth, and I hope to have as selfless a heart as she does someday. God is the biggest influence on my values. He has taught me to love unconditionally and provide for others in any way I am capable.I believe that values are best shown through our actions, and I hope through my actions I can teach the next generation to be strong, kind-hearted, courageous, selfless, understanding, empathetic, generous, and honest. These, among others, are some of the values that mean the most to me, and I believe will make a huge difference in our world.
Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?
I probably wouldn’t sunbathe because I don’t know if the sun actually would affect an invisible person! I would spend the day doing the things I love like dancing because I could dance anywhere at any time without people seeing me! I may play some innocent pranks on good friends because how could you miss that prime opportunity to be goofy in disguise? However, I do think it is important, invisible or not, to maintain high morals and good character at all times.
Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?
All of my most special childhood memories involve my family. I grew up on a farm outside of a small town in Nebraska, and there was one harsh winter where we had a big snow and ice storm. Our powerlines were down for at least two weeks, and we had to run strictly off of a generator or use candles and flashlights. We began to run low on food, and could not drive to town because of the immense amount of snow and ice, so my older brother and I decided to make it fun! We got out our snow mobile, bundled up, and drove over all the massive drifts all the way to town to buy milk and bread. We got stuck a few times and it was bitter cold, but it was such an adventure! We also spent time in the winter building igloos and even ice skating on our lawn! You have to make the most out of every situation.
Q. What or who empowers you to be yourself and work hard everyday?
I would not be where I am today without the incredible support system God has blessed me with. My family, friends, and mentors have pushed me to strive for success, to have a heart for others, and to genuinely care about my impact on the world. I work hard every day to give back to the people who have shaped me and given me the best possible life. I have always believed in the importance of living life to the fullest and embracing every moment. Harvard professor, Tal Ben-Shahar, says, “When you appreciate the good, the good appreciates.” How wonderful is that? Continue working to make each day the best it can be, appreciate how wonderful each day is, and I promise you, your life will be enriched in ways you never thought possible. I continue to be myself because there is no other person that will ever be me, so why would I try to be someone else? We are all made to be unique individuals, and I believe in the beauty of that and how our Earth can prosper from our differences.As I have grown older, I recognize the importance of knowing who I am and my worth, and I would not trade anything to be someone else because it is special to be you. I own up to having flaws and making mistakes, but those things all help us to grow, learn, and prosper.
Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?
Peanut butter is absolutely, without a doubt, my guilty pleasure. I love anything and everything peanut butter.
Q. We’re sure that this competition is another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you ultimately want to achieve?
Obviously becoming Miss Earth is one BIG thing I want to achieve, but the one thing I want to ultimately achieve is that my life positively influenced the people of this world. Crowns and trophies are wonderful, but it is what you do with those achievements that really matter. I want to leave a legacy of positive change in the way we treat ourselves, each other, the earth, and in the way, we respond to issues. I want to help people see the importance of their own lives and the impact they can make on others and our world. So, my ultimate goal is not to win anything, but to be and make a difference.
Q. If you are granted 3 wishes right now, what would you ask for?
Clean water and food for all, enough money to take care of my bills and the bills of my loved ones, and the gift of teleportation to travel anywhere at any time!
Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans of Angelopedia?
Thank you for the constant support and love, it means more to me than I could ever begin to express. You are all so much of the reason I continue to push on towards the title of Miss Earth. I am inspired by all of you who continue to spend your time reaching out and helping in any way possible to keep Earth beautiful. I am thoroughly impressed by the dedication of each individual I have met along my journey to plant trees, recycle, and clean up all over the world. Remember, your help does make a difference because even a small pebble can create a ripple, and with more and more ripples we can create waves of change! Sending so much love and appreciation to all of you, and thank you to Angelopedia for interviewing me and allowing me to show y’all my heart.