Jill McLain Interview
Miss Montana USA 2006
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Montana USA pageant?
When I was little, a local artist asked me to be the model for the statue in front of the Shriner’s Hospital. When the statue in Washington State was completed, I traveled to tour the hospital and talk with the children staying there. I was only 7 years old but knew I wanted to impact people and wear the sparkly hats the Shriners wear. When I found out women do not become Shriners, a family friend brought out her sparkly crown for me to try on and I knew I just had to have one of my own.
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Montana USA?
I didn’t realize I had won until a few minutes after the announcement. It was such a surreal moment because I did not expect it. While they were announcing the winner, I remember locking eyes with my mom. I heard the winners name but did not realize it was me, as my mind was totally blank. I saw my mom jump 5 feet in the air and scream. Then, my little sister Katie Blair came up and gave me the biggest hug ever, and it finally sank in that I was the new Miss Montana USA.
As the shortest contestant in Miss USA 2006, did you feel a disadvantage?
Being petite has always been a blessing in my life and opened many doors that would not have opened if I were taller. In high school, sports were my life, but when my teammates grew like trees and I did not, I turned to volunteering and working in my community. I volunteered for horseback riding therapy for handicapped children. I am now studying to complete my masters in Occupational Therapy and will work with children who have disabilities just like the children I had worked with at home. I’ll have to admit, it was awkward standing between two of the tallest girls in the pageant, Missouri and Nebraska.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
Walking out on the stage in our black Tadashi dresses during the final LIVE telecast was my most memorable moment. I was so proud. I realized this moment was bigger than me, it was about the people at home. I cannot even explain what those few minutes felt like. I had worked so hard to get to Miss USA and no one could take that away from me. Being on that stage representing the big sky country was an honor. You know, more fathers have sons go to the NFL, than daughters who go to Miss USA.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Montana USA?
Watching my little sister, Katie Blair shine on that stage in Palm Springs. I had front row seats and when they announced her as the winner I was bawling my eyes out and screaming it to my mom who was on the other end of the phone bawling her eyes out! I was very close to Katie at that time and I lost contact with her after she moved to New York.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Montana USA?
Watching my little sister, Katie Blair shine on that stage in Palm Springs. I had front row seats and when they announced her as the winner I was bawling my eyes out and screaming it to my mom who was on the other end of the phone bawling her eyes out! I was very close to Katie at that time and I lost contact with her after she moved to New York.
Your hobbies include hunting, racquetball, scrapbooking and photography. What would be your favorite out of them all?
Scrapbooking would take the cake! I love documenting my life and all the fun and interesting places I have been to. I will only live once and my bucket list is long!
You work for NASA, tell us about the work you do there.
I only worked for NASA under a grant in 2006 while I was getting my under graduate degree. I helped build a space suit that was taken and used on Mars last year (2008). It was an incredible experience to be among talented astronauts and intelligent scientists. I even made national news on CNN when they interviewed me during the testing here on earth.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Montana USA ended?
In 2007, I married the perfect guy for me, graduated with my undergraduate degree in biology, and moved 2000 miles from home. They all were life-changing experiences but I am loving life in the South. Currently I am attending The University of Oklahoma and will graduate with a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2011. Go Sooners!
When I was little, a local artist asked me to be the model for the statue in front of the Shriner’s Hospital. When the statue in Washington State was completed, I traveled to tour the hospital and talk with the children staying there. I was only 7 years old but knew I wanted to impact people and wear the sparkly hats the Shriners wear. When I found out women do not become Shriners, a family friend brought out her sparkly crown for me to try on and I knew I just had to have one of my own.
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Montana USA?
I didn’t realize I had won until a few minutes after the announcement. It was such a surreal moment because I did not expect it. While they were announcing the winner, I remember locking eyes with my mom. I heard the winners name but did not realize it was me, as my mind was totally blank. I saw my mom jump 5 feet in the air and scream. Then, my little sister Katie Blair came up and gave me the biggest hug ever, and it finally sank in that I was the new Miss Montana USA.
As the shortest contestant in Miss USA 2006, did you feel a disadvantage?
Being petite has always been a blessing in my life and opened many doors that would not have opened if I were taller. In high school, sports were my life, but when my teammates grew like trees and I did not, I turned to volunteering and working in my community. I volunteered for horseback riding therapy for handicapped children. I am now studying to complete my masters in Occupational Therapy and will work with children who have disabilities just like the children I had worked with at home. I’ll have to admit, it was awkward standing between two of the tallest girls in the pageant, Missouri and Nebraska.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
Walking out on the stage in our black Tadashi dresses during the final LIVE telecast was my most memorable moment. I was so proud. I realized this moment was bigger than me, it was about the people at home. I cannot even explain what those few minutes felt like. I had worked so hard to get to Miss USA and no one could take that away from me. Being on that stage representing the big sky country was an honor. You know, more fathers have sons go to the NFL, than daughters who go to Miss USA.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Montana USA?
Watching my little sister, Katie Blair shine on that stage in Palm Springs. I had front row seats and when they announced her as the winner I was bawling my eyes out and screaming it to my mom who was on the other end of the phone bawling her eyes out! I was very close to Katie at that time and I lost contact with her after she moved to New York.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Montana USA?
Watching my little sister, Katie Blair shine on that stage in Palm Springs. I had front row seats and when they announced her as the winner I was bawling my eyes out and screaming it to my mom who was on the other end of the phone bawling her eyes out! I was very close to Katie at that time and I lost contact with her after she moved to New York.
Your hobbies include hunting, racquetball, scrapbooking and photography. What would be your favorite out of them all?
Scrapbooking would take the cake! I love documenting my life and all the fun and interesting places I have been to. I will only live once and my bucket list is long!
You work for NASA, tell us about the work you do there.
I only worked for NASA under a grant in 2006 while I was getting my under graduate degree. I helped build a space suit that was taken and used on Mars last year (2008). It was an incredible experience to be among talented astronauts and intelligent scientists. I even made national news on CNN when they interviewed me during the testing here on earth.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Montana USA ended?
In 2007, I married the perfect guy for me, graduated with my undergraduate degree in biology, and moved 2000 miles from home. They all were life-changing experiences but I am loving life in the South. Currently I am attending The University of Oklahoma and will graduate with a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2011. Go Sooners!