Our series, “The Road to Miss Connecticut 2018,” continues with the next contestant to be featured, Miss Nutmeg, Alyssa Anderson. Continue reading to learn more about Alyssa and her journey to the crown!

Tweet

What does being Miss Connecticut 2018 mean to you?
Being crowned the 90th Miss Connecticut this year will be a dream come true. I have dreamt of becoming Miss Connecticut since the young age of 5, and have fallen in love with the organization ever since. I started competing in the little miss pageants, worked my way to the Outstanding Teen program, and now I am competing for the title of Miss Connecticut for the third time. I am looking forward to seeing my childhood dream come to fruition.

Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in the Miss Connecticut system? What challenges did you face in preparing for Miss Connecticut?
Of course it’s important to mock interview, prepare your wardrobe, practice your talent, and work on your swimsuit body, however, this year I truly worked on mentally preparing for the job and ensuring that I am ready not only mentally, but physically and emotionally as well! Miss Connecticut is a full time job that you must be prepared to endure. For the third year in a row, I have had a few kinks in my wardrobe, but through it all, I am staying positive and motivated.


What has been three of your most memorable experiences, since being crowned Miss Nutmeg?
As Miss Nutmeg, I have been able to travel across the entire state to attend events and promote my platform. One of my favorite events was The Tim Tebow Foundation’s, “A Night To Shine.” This was a  prom night experience to celebrate those with special needs around the world. I was fortunate enough to attend this event and crown the honorees as kings and queens of the night. In addition, I hosted my second annual pasta dinner for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which has doubled in profitability over its short two year tenure. Another memorable event was attending the Connecticut Hospital Associations program on “A Closer Look at Asthma.” My platform is Ben Was Here: Raising Awareness for Pediatric Asthma, so it was incredible to be in a room full of doctors and professionals who are researching and advocating for awareness, just as I am!

How have you striven to not only promote your personal platform, but also help raise money for the MAO’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
My goal is to promote my platform Ben Was Here: Raising Awareness for Pediatric Asthma, throughout the entire state of Connecticut and hopefully around the nation. According to the Department of Public Health, approximately 80,000 children in Connecticut and more than 6 million children nationwide suffer from asthma. My goal is to connect the information from the child’s primary care physician to the school nurse and parents, ensuring that each child is following the same asthma action plan. I am also advocating for Connecticut pass legislation to provide children with a trigger-free environment the restricts second hand smoke and instills a comprehensive clean indoor air act. I have been privileged to connect with the Asthma Center at our Children’s Miracle Network Hospital affiliate, Connecticut     Children’s Medical Center. I am looking forward to continuing to grow my partnership with the Asthma Center and raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals because I have first hand experienced the outstanding patient care that they provide.


With the recent news which has been brought up in regards to the former Miss America Org. board, what do you hope the future of the MAO holds with their new Chairwoman, Gretchen Carlson?
After meeting Gretchen Carlson at a Women in Business conference last year, I know that she is a remarkable woman who is capable of amazing things. I believe that her leadership will help to shed light on women’s rights issues and focus on women’s empowerment. As a participant in the Miss America Organization, I can attest to the fact that young women all over the world are serving their communities and promoting the organization more than ever. I am hopeful that in the coming years we will have even more young woman participating and earning scholarship dollars to further their educations. I am confident that she and the new board will be great assets for the Miss America Organization and I am looking forward to being under their leadership.

What advice do you have for young women who are looking to step into the Miss America Organization?
Go for it! Through my participation in the Miss America Organization, not only have I have earned thousands of dollars in scholarships but I have also found my voice. The Miss America Organization is a service-driven organization that also teaches many life skills. My greatest piece of advice would be to find your “Why” and build upon it. The Miss America Organization thrives because of the woman who selflessly devote themselves to serving their communities. My favorite moments as a titleholder are the ones where I find myself saying, “This is why I do what I do.”


How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
I believe that a strong role model is confident, well-rounded, compassionate, respectful of others, selfless, and a good listener. I truly believe that I emulate these qualities whether I am wearing a crown or not. It is so important to be transparent and real, especially as Miss Connecticut.

What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to overcome it?
Due to standards set forth by celebrities, young people believe they should look and act a certain way and the pressure of society to “fit in” has never been more prevalent. In September 2015, I was beginning to prepare for my first local title as a competitor in the miss division. Due to these unrealistic standards, I felt as if I had to look a certain way in order to walk across the stage in a bikini. I was eating less than 700 calories and spending three hours per day at the gym doing cardio. One month into this rigorous and unhealthy living I found myself extremely ill. I had developed a kidney infection because my body was lacking the nutrients it needed to survive and the carbohydrates required to break down the protein in my kidneys. Once I was fully recovered, I decided that if I wanted to eat a piece of cake I would and from that day forward I allow myself to have anything in moderation. I have incorporated strength training into my routine and have come to realization that food is not the enemy, in fact it is required. I am now confident in the skin I am in and looking forward to promoting body positivity as Miss Connecticut.


Regardless of whoever wins the title of Miss Connecticut 2018, what is one goal you have for the new title-holder, which you hope she is able to accomplish during her reign?
I have many goals that I want to accomplish as Miss Connecticut. I am hopeful that whoever takes home the crown will set goals for herself and achieve them throughout her reign. As the winner of Miss Connecticut 2018, she is a representation of all 25 women who stepped foot on the stage, and I hope that she is open-minded and serves her year with an open heart.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut?
My experience is what sets me apart from the crowd. I truly believe that I am a product of this organization and that it has shaped me into the woman I am today. What makes me “bravura” is my determination, dedication, and drive. When I set a goal for myself, I do not stop until I achieve it.


What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
Be present. This year will truly fly by and it is so imperative to soak up every single moment. One of my favorite quotes is, “Hold the vision, trust the process.” It is so important to remember why you began this journey and never give up on your dreams.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have supported you on this journey?
Eliza, thank you for selflessly serving the state of Connecticut this year. I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished this year as Miss Connecticut. You command attention and light up a room as soon as you walk in the room and I hope as Miss Connecticut that I can emulate these qualities that you posses.

To my family, friends and faithful supporters, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so thrilled to have you on this journey with me and hope to make you all proud! #TeamAlyssa #AndersonForMissCT

Where can people follow you on social media?
Facebook: Miss Nutmeg 2018 –  Alyssa Anderson.
Instragram: MissNutmeg2018.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
Thank you for following me on my quest to the Miss Connecticut crown! I am feeling prepared and confident as we approach pageant week and I hope that you all continue to follow me on my journey!