The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, "The Road to Miss Michigan," is Shelby Saint Souver, who is the current Miss Mid-Michigan! Continue reading to learn more about Shelby, her journey to the crown and much more!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
Hello! My name is Shelby Saint Souver and I am Miss Mid-Michigan 2017. My platform is Food For Thought: Building A Healthy America. During my year I promote leading a healthy lifestyle through eating habits, exercise, and positive self-esteem.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I started competing in pageants when I was 17 years old. Over the years that I have competed in pageants I have learned a lot about myself. It helps you to break out of your shell and really find out who you are.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
I was born naturally slender. All my life I have received criticism and have been told I looked unhealthy or I didn’t portray a “normal” body image. With my platform my goal is to remind individuals that everyone’s healthy looks different while educating them on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
Through my platform and the many other appearances that I have done during my year, the individuals that I meet have a significant impact on my life. Learning what they have been through and hearing their stories has changed my life. Working with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has allowed me to meet so many strong youth who have changed my life.

What have you learned from your current Miss Michigan, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Michigan?
Arianna is very motivated and driven to achieve her goals. She is an individual who will work hard to be her best. I would hope to show the same motivation as she did to serve our state as the best Miss Michigan I could be.

If you were to win the title of Miss Michigan, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
Serving my state to the best of my ability. As Miss Michigan, you are given a once in a lifetime opportunity to serve your state and make an impact on a large number of individuals. I would strive my hardest to make an impact on as many communities in our state as I possibly could.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Michigan; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
Something about our state that I have always loved is our Great Lakes. I will always remember my first time visiting Lake Michigan. I walked out as far as I could, and still being able to look down and see my feet. I was amazed at how clear the water was and if someone was visiting our state for the first time, that is the place I would tell them to visit.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
Rock: This is to show the strength of women and all that they have been through.

Crown: This represents the leadership that is shown by women today but, to me, this also represents compassion while leading.

Lipstick: I think one thing that will always represent women is beauty and the impact that women have on fashion today.

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?
The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships for women in the world today. This organization has helped me afford my education at Michigan State University. Along with the scholarship, there are numerous opportunities to serve your community. Our service has had the most impact on me during my years competing.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
I hope individuals can see my passion for serving others and would think that would make me “bravura”. Whether it be through volunteering at the Special Olympics, visiting youth at our Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, or volunteering at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, giving back to my community is what I love to do.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Facebook: Miss Mid-Michigan Scholarship Program

Instagram: @MissMidMichigan and @shelby.nicole1

Twitter: @Shelby_StSouver.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
I would encourage them to try it! It’s not easy but it is very rewarding. I would also tell them to not give up if you don’t win your title on the first try. During my first two years in the organization I didn’t place in any of the pageants that I did. During the next two years I placed on and off in the top 5. Last year, I was fortunate enough to win my first title to advance to Miss Michigan. If you work hard and want to achieve this goal, it is possible so never be discouraged through this process.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss Michigan Class of 2017?
Thank you to my Miss Mid-Michigan team that has helped me through the process of preparing for Miss Michigan. Thank you to my parents for coming with me to numerous appearances, prep, wardrobe shopping, and so many other things that would take too long to list. Also, thank you to my friends who have supported me on my journey to Miss Michigan and were there to lean on whenever I needed them.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you for reading about our Miss Michigan Class of 2017! I hope you have enjoyed learning more about the organization and myself!