It was overwhelming just looking at everyone else's emotions. My family was crying, they were so excited, and I was just shocked.

I just love to make people happy, both on and off the stage. It's what I do best.

I would love to study musical theater in a big city. New York University and the Boston Conservatory have always been at the back of my mind.

That is one of the most amazing experiences I have had. Rehearsing in New York for the week, getting no sleep and actually going to studios in New York was great. It was just like the professionals live.

The pageant has meaning in the community. I also get to showcase my talent, and spread the word on who I am and what I do.

While I was never really into pageants, my teacher convinced me to try out and my pageant career started in 2004, when I won the Miss Massachusetts Pre-teen Pageant. I thought it would be a great way to get involved with community service.