Kristen Danyal Interview
Miss Michigan Teen USA 2009 + top 15 @ Miss Teen USA 2009 (became Miss Michigan USA 2012 + top 15 @ Miss USA 2012 after this interview was done)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Michigan Teen USA pageant?
I am a beauty fanatic. Just like a guy sits on his computer searching cars all day, I sit on my computer searching models all day. I am fascinated with beauty and because of that have always loved the idea of a beauty pageant. I guess I could blame my mother for this love of beauty—she used to make sure we were home in time to watch MissUSA. As I got older I started to make sure I got home on time, on my own, to watch Miss USA. About a year ago, after watching Miss USA 2008, my mom suggested I do a pageant. I do not think my mom believed I would take it seriously, but after a week I found everything I needed to know to go about doing the pageant. Well, I could not do the Miss pageant because I was not old enough. Then, I found that there was a teen pageant, which I was unaware of. I immediately joined! What intrigued me the most was when I went on the website and read about their judging criteria—interview, fitness, and evening gown (no talent.. or else I would not have won.. that’s for sure). This pageant system, in particular, became special to me because it is a real, old-fashion, beauty pageant. I love how the Miss Universe Organization is proud to continuously celebrate and embrace beauty for what it is, just as I do. Right then and there, I knew this was something for me!
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of the Miss Michigan Teen USA pageant?
When I won the Miss Michigan Teen USA pageant I actually did not have one consistent thought in my head. I don’t know how to explain it, but after being called into the top 5, everything was a blur. I do not remember any feeling—It’s like when you are launched down from a roller coaster and you feel like you left your stomach at the top! It is the most surreal feeling. As the finalists were being announced, my facial expressions started to look more and more confused (it’s so funny watching myself do that). The first real thought came to me after I was crowned and started to take my walk. I was so in awe by everything that was going on that I forgot about my mom sitting in the audience. I looked over to her and saw her jumping up and down cheering for me, which I have never seen before. That was when the first thought came into my head. I started crying and thought to myself how grateful I was for my being given this opportunity, and how happy I was to make my mom proud of her daughter.
How would a typical day as Miss Michigan Teen USA go?
A typical day as MISS MICHIGAN TEEN USA, is appearances, appearances, appearances. Whenever I have an opportunity and time to make an appearance, I am there. Although, I have to admit, that has been something I have had to stop doing for a little. Instead, I have been replacing that time to prepare for the Miss Teen USA pageant—which is on July 31 (My Birthday, how nerve-wracking!!), at The Atlantis Resort, in the Bahamas. I have been traveling a lot and meeting the best in the business to really help me, since I am such a newbie to all of this.
You recently flew to Las Vegas for the Miss USA pageant and some other events. What would be your most memorable moment in Las Vegas?
Two things I will never forget of my trip to Las Vegas for the Miss USA pageant. The first thing was watching the show live. The opening number got my blood going, and as they were crowning Kristen Dalton as Miss USA, I got goose bumps all over. It hit me really strong at that point to think that this was something I was going to be doing in a few months. The second thing was when I was waiting for a taxi at Planet Hollywood to go back to my hotel, and I see Carlos Alberto, with his entourage, walking towards the taxi line. I was so nervous; I usually don’t get star struck. I did not want to be an annoying, stalker, crazy fan…. but I had to! I introduced myself and we all talked for about a minute. Sadly, the taxi came too soon. Right when I got in the taxi, I called my mom and told her!
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming Miss Teen USA pageant?
When I did my state pageant, I did not tell anybody about it because I did not think I had a chance at winning. I did not want to build people up only to let them down. I could honestly admit that I thought you needed to have years of experience, a pageant coach, etc. But it is not like that at all. There are girls who have had pageant coaches and do not place, and there are girls who haven’t and make it really far. Even if you do not win, after the pageant you realize that pageants are not easy, and anyone would commend any effort put into a pageant. I went into my state pageant thinking I was only going to take it as a learning experience for the next pageant I did. When I won there were only two people there for me, and they were the only two people I told. I regret that more than anything. I am most looking forward to having my entire family (which is A LOT of people) sitting in the crowd, cheering me on—NO MATTER WHAT. I could honestly say pageants taught me to still expect the least, but be aware that nothing is impossible.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Michigan Teen USA?
My most memorable moment was the moment I won and seeing my mom. I will live to tell that story. Anyone who knows my mom knows she is not one to show a lot of emotion; she is very reserved. So, to get her out of her seat jumping for me made my heart melt. I would do it over and over again if I could, just to see that!
You and Miss Michigan USA, Lindsey Tycholiz are both from the same city. Did you know each other prior to the pageant?
Oh yes, we get this question all the time! Actually, we did not know each other growing up. I knew of her brother and recognized him at the pageant. She, on the other hand, knew and graduated with my brother. Anyways, I asked her brother what he was doing there, and he said, “my sister just won!” I put the sash on her and did not even realize that! It was too funny. It works out so well because we feel so comfortable around each other. Not to mention, it is so easy to travel with her. It was like fate!
Lastly, what have you been up?
I have been really, really busy with school. I just finished my first year of college, and immediately started summer classes. My schedule is pretty booked solid with school, only leaving me the weekends for leisure. Other than that, I try to find time to hang out with family and friends, relax, and shop of course! All I know is that I cannot wait for this summer!
I am a beauty fanatic. Just like a guy sits on his computer searching cars all day, I sit on my computer searching models all day. I am fascinated with beauty and because of that have always loved the idea of a beauty pageant. I guess I could blame my mother for this love of beauty—she used to make sure we were home in time to watch MissUSA. As I got older I started to make sure I got home on time, on my own, to watch Miss USA. About a year ago, after watching Miss USA 2008, my mom suggested I do a pageant. I do not think my mom believed I would take it seriously, but after a week I found everything I needed to know to go about doing the pageant. Well, I could not do the Miss pageant because I was not old enough. Then, I found that there was a teen pageant, which I was unaware of. I immediately joined! What intrigued me the most was when I went on the website and read about their judging criteria—interview, fitness, and evening gown (no talent.. or else I would not have won.. that’s for sure). This pageant system, in particular, became special to me because it is a real, old-fashion, beauty pageant. I love how the Miss Universe Organization is proud to continuously celebrate and embrace beauty for what it is, just as I do. Right then and there, I knew this was something for me!
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of the Miss Michigan Teen USA pageant?
When I won the Miss Michigan Teen USA pageant I actually did not have one consistent thought in my head. I don’t know how to explain it, but after being called into the top 5, everything was a blur. I do not remember any feeling—It’s like when you are launched down from a roller coaster and you feel like you left your stomach at the top! It is the most surreal feeling. As the finalists were being announced, my facial expressions started to look more and more confused (it’s so funny watching myself do that). The first real thought came to me after I was crowned and started to take my walk. I was so in awe by everything that was going on that I forgot about my mom sitting in the audience. I looked over to her and saw her jumping up and down cheering for me, which I have never seen before. That was when the first thought came into my head. I started crying and thought to myself how grateful I was for my being given this opportunity, and how happy I was to make my mom proud of her daughter.
How would a typical day as Miss Michigan Teen USA go?
A typical day as MISS MICHIGAN TEEN USA, is appearances, appearances, appearances. Whenever I have an opportunity and time to make an appearance, I am there. Although, I have to admit, that has been something I have had to stop doing for a little. Instead, I have been replacing that time to prepare for the Miss Teen USA pageant—which is on July 31 (My Birthday, how nerve-wracking!!), at The Atlantis Resort, in the Bahamas. I have been traveling a lot and meeting the best in the business to really help me, since I am such a newbie to all of this.
You recently flew to Las Vegas for the Miss USA pageant and some other events. What would be your most memorable moment in Las Vegas?
Two things I will never forget of my trip to Las Vegas for the Miss USA pageant. The first thing was watching the show live. The opening number got my blood going, and as they were crowning Kristen Dalton as Miss USA, I got goose bumps all over. It hit me really strong at that point to think that this was something I was going to be doing in a few months. The second thing was when I was waiting for a taxi at Planet Hollywood to go back to my hotel, and I see Carlos Alberto, with his entourage, walking towards the taxi line. I was so nervous; I usually don’t get star struck. I did not want to be an annoying, stalker, crazy fan…. but I had to! I introduced myself and we all talked for about a minute. Sadly, the taxi came too soon. Right when I got in the taxi, I called my mom and told her!
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming Miss Teen USA pageant?
When I did my state pageant, I did not tell anybody about it because I did not think I had a chance at winning. I did not want to build people up only to let them down. I could honestly admit that I thought you needed to have years of experience, a pageant coach, etc. But it is not like that at all. There are girls who have had pageant coaches and do not place, and there are girls who haven’t and make it really far. Even if you do not win, after the pageant you realize that pageants are not easy, and anyone would commend any effort put into a pageant. I went into my state pageant thinking I was only going to take it as a learning experience for the next pageant I did. When I won there were only two people there for me, and they were the only two people I told. I regret that more than anything. I am most looking forward to having my entire family (which is A LOT of people) sitting in the crowd, cheering me on—NO MATTER WHAT. I could honestly say pageants taught me to still expect the least, but be aware that nothing is impossible.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Michigan Teen USA?
My most memorable moment was the moment I won and seeing my mom. I will live to tell that story. Anyone who knows my mom knows she is not one to show a lot of emotion; she is very reserved. So, to get her out of her seat jumping for me made my heart melt. I would do it over and over again if I could, just to see that!
You and Miss Michigan USA, Lindsey Tycholiz are both from the same city. Did you know each other prior to the pageant?
Oh yes, we get this question all the time! Actually, we did not know each other growing up. I knew of her brother and recognized him at the pageant. She, on the other hand, knew and graduated with my brother. Anyways, I asked her brother what he was doing there, and he said, “my sister just won!” I put the sash on her and did not even realize that! It was too funny. It works out so well because we feel so comfortable around each other. Not to mention, it is so easy to travel with her. It was like fate!
Lastly, what have you been up?
I have been really, really busy with school. I just finished my first year of college, and immediately started summer classes. My schedule is pretty booked solid with school, only leaving me the weekends for leisure. Other than that, I try to find time to hang out with family and friends, relax, and shop of course! All I know is that I cannot wait for this summer!