Continuing our series, "The Road to Miss Massachusetts," is Olivia Clark, the current Miss Westerm Massachusetts. Continue reading to learn more about Olivia and her journey towards the crown!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
My name is Olivia Clark, Miss Western Massachusetts 2017. My platform is titled Operation Breathe Peace; Promoting anxiety relief and proactive prevention.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
My very first pageant was the Miss Western Massachusetts Pageant about a year and a half ago. Even though I have only been in the pageant world for a short period of time, my growth as a woman, public speaker and advocate for mental heath has been incredible.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
I have struggled with anxiety for the past 5 years of my life. I managed to take control of my mental health by channeling that energy into my art, fitness, school and meditation. Through this practice I have learned to understand that mental health is like physical health; just because you are not mentally ill, does not mean you are mentally healthy. My mentality deserves just as much attention as my physical body.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
Working with my platform in the public sphere of the Miss America Organization has taught me so much more about mental health than anything I could have learned myself or in school. Stress and anxiety are experienced differently by everyone and the only way to even scratch the surface of all potential forms of relief, you have to get out and talk to the people experiencing it. By becoming the voice for those who are unable to use their own, by sharing my own extremely personal experiences, and by being present to just listen, I am becoming the role model I’ve always needed.  

What have you learned from your current Miss Massachusetts, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Massachusetts?
Alissa has taught me that Miss Massachusetts has no “type,” Miss Massachusetts is first and foremost a role model and the best way to do that is to be yourself. Whether or not I am crowned at the end of June, I am always determined to put my silly personality out there. I believe that the best Miss Western Massachusetts, Miss Massachusetts, Miss America, the best role model, is the girl who knows who she is and is not afraid to show the world.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important messages, which you think you convey to your followers?
My message to the world is to take a step back, breathe, and take in the beauty of what surrounds you. Too much time is spent behind screens, worrying and distracting yourself; before you know it life is almost over. Take time to slow down and appreciate the small stuff.

If you were to win the title of Miss Massachusetts, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
My biggest goal of being Miss Massachusetts would be to expand the Miss Massachusetts Program through the promotion of Operation Breathe Peace. I believe my platform is extremely relevant to society today. I know that bringing Miss Massachusetts into the growing world of mental health, we can expand the public understanding of what the Miss America Organization is designed for.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Massachusetts; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
Between Boston, The Five College Consortium and Harvard University, Massachusetts is a state of education and diversity. By bringing people from all around the world into our universities, Massachusetts is the perfect environment for intellectual expansion and technological advancement. (Not to mention we LOVE our sports and Dunkin coffee)

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?

1. Lu LaRoe Leggings – Not only are they probably the most comfortable pair of leggings, but their unique patterns symbolize the increasing desire to be different among women. Leggings are a major fad of “everyday fashion” today because they represent the drive for living a healthy lifestyle.
2. A copy of my Bachelor’s Degree – Women are increasingly continuing their education after high school and beyond into graduate school. Women are making moves to being successful in the workforce through following carrier paths that they are passionate about.
3. A megaphone – Women of today are gaining courage to speak up and speak out against causes that they find unjust. The voice of women can no longer be suppressed now that we have the confidence and ability to stand up for what is right.

 

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant 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?
My experience with the Miss America Organization has faced no competition in being the biggest combat to my anxiety. I can speak first hand on the effects of competing on my increasing confidence not only on my talent and walking in heels but the confidence I have in myself. Skills that have been a struggle for me since the emergence of my anxiety have become easier. I have become a stronger woman because of the Miss America Organization and now I am not afraid to say it. We, as contestants, need to bring the image of pageantry into our own hands. By getting involved in our communities, sharing our platforms, taking advantage of our scholarships and spreading the word we can recreate the way in which the world sees us.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
My passion and determination are what make me exceptional. I love taking on new projects and doing everything I can to do my best. I don’t believe in the phrase “I can’t.” I will not commit myself to something I cannot give my 100%

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Facebook, Miss Western Massachusetts

Instagram, Miss Western Massachusetts – @MissWesternMass,

Instagram, Operation Breathe Peace – @OperationBreathePeace.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Just do it! The hardest part for me was actually making the move to get out there. Sign up, take a breath and just be you. You are an amazing person with an incredible story that deserves to be heard. You just have to do it.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss Massachusetts Class of 2017?
Thank you so incredibly much to my best friend Kensi, without you I wouldn’t have found the Miss America Organization. Thank you to my new pageant family for loving me and teaching me all of your competition secrets 😉 And of course a huge thank you to my actual family for supporting my journey with the Miss America Organization. I couldn’t possibly fit all of my thanks into this single answer because there are so many more. I do my best to thank those who help me out with every opportunity I get, so hopefully you know who you are! Thank you!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you for reading this far! I hope you all have a great rest of your day and remember to take that step back and breathe.