"The Road to Miss Maine," continues is kicked off with the first contestant, Rachel Rivera. Continue reading to learn more about Rachel and her journey towards the crown!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
My name is Rachel Rivera and my platform is titled “Music as a Core”.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
This will be my first pageant ever. Just from this past month I feel as though I have gained so much confidence and ability to communicate, all in order to raise money for competing! I feel as though this experience will greatly benefit me in the long-run.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
I chose this particular platform because, as a sophomore voice performance major, music is an important part of my life and I feel as though the way public schools are run, they are slowly pushing music and the rest of the arts to the side. The Miss America Organization believes that talent is an extremely important part of the pageant process, and many contestants use singing or some form of music as their talent. If it weren’t for music, where would we be? Music has been around forever. Songs have been passed down aurally, along with being written. Every culture has some form of music.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
I haven’t been working on my platform for very long, but it’s already helped me to realize how much of an impact this could make in the long run. My choir went to the NAFME conference and I interviewed to music educators from NJ to help with my platform. What they told me made me want to continue my platform project even more.

What have you learned from your current Miss Maine, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Maine?
Miss Maine 2016 showed me that anyone can do anything, and that running your own business is possible! Also, creativity is key to success!

If you were to win the title of Miss Maine, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
If I do win, I want to make people realize that being Miss Maine or Miss America isn’t just about the looks, it’s about being real and having fun. It’s about love, acceptance, courage, talent, womanhood, and women power.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Maine; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
I would tell them how it’s a beautiful state with country charm as well as woodsy feel. At night you can see all the stars since there isn’t a lot of light pollution. Our parks and beaches are all gorgeous. I would also tell them my favorite place in Maine–Acadia National Park–and knowing me I’d show them some pictures that I’ve taken of all my favorite places! I’d recommend some of my favorite places and I’d want them to come visit sometime so I could show them around!

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
When I think of the women of 2017, the first thing that comes to my mind would be the “pussy hat” from the women’s day parade 2017. I know this seems pretty controversial, but it has a good meaning behind it. The reason for this would be since we are still fighting for women’s rights to their own bodies, the wage gap, luxury tax, and sexism in general. The hat represents women today and their strength, power and resilience. We are more than just a pretty face and we want to be heard.

Another thing that comes to mind when thinking of the women of today is a hair tie. I know they’ve been around for a long time, but the representation of the hair tie would be about women being able to express themselves with unique hair styles, along with gender identity and sexuality. All of which are imperative today, and young women need to know that they are accepted for who they are!

Lastly, I would put a makeup brush. This one is for a few reasons. For the beauty that is being a woman, as well as some feeling as though they need to look a certain way to fit the “beauty standards” of society. Makeup is both a blessing and a curse in today’s world, and in order to show what women are in 2017, you must show the beauty, the strength, and the darkness and struggle. Not only does the brush represent putting makeup on, but also the true beauty that radiates inside and out no matter what. We are all special and beautiful in our own way!

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageants with a very scrutinizing opinion; For you. personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization. And how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?
As stated earlier, this is all new to me. I decided in March that I would be competing for Miss Maine 2017. So far, I feel as though competing in pageants comes with a lot of beneficial work that everyone needs. In order to compete, each contestant must sell two salute pages along with one ad page. This ends up being $850 in just pages. Along with this, each contestant must raise at least $250 for the children’s miracle network. This process helps women gain confidence, independence, and social skills. I’m a very shy person, so asking people for money and donations has been a challenge for me, but it’s helped me find my voice!

I also think that pageants can help you gain self confidence in performing, speaking, interview technique, and you can gain a few friends along the way!

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
My voice, my love for animals and nature, and my love of imagination and creativity. Everyone has talents, hobbies, things that make them, them. I wouldn’t be Rachel without riding horses, singing, photography, nature and creative writing.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
For social media I have Instagram: Rachellynn8787; Facebook I have a page for my singing, my photography, and my personal account. I also have a YouTube that I post videos of my performances to!

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Be your self! I cannot emphasize that enough. If you come into it being all catty and pretending to be someone you’re not, pageants will continue to have a bad rap. Their a way to get young women out there and to show off their talents and aspirations. To empower women of today! Have fun! This is something exciting, but it won’t ruin your life if you don’t get the crown. Make friends! This is a time to get out there and meet someone new! Believe in yourself!

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss Maine Class of 2017?
I have so many people to thank for this opportunity! If it weren’t for all the people who are advertising for me and who donated to the children’s miracle network, I wouldn’t be competing.

My parents, who have been so supportive throughout my whole life, and their generous donations. My mom for being my go to photographer, hair, makeup, and dresser. I couldn’t do it without either of my parents!

My sister for being there for me and for believing in me no matter what!

To my family and friends, for donating and believing in me. For supporting me and telling me that I can do anything!

To my job, for not only advertising, but believing in me and putting up with all my wacky scheduling because of being a performer.

To my voice teacher for believing in me and for helping my confidence level when it comes to singing, performing on stage, and everything else!

Thank you all!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Preach what you believe in, be yourself no matter what–it’s not always better to fit in. Don’t let others mess with your beliefs. Hold yourself strong and be who you want to be, not what others believe you should be. Strive for success, and have a great day!