Meaghan Jarensky
Miss New York USA 2005 (top 10 @ Miss USA 2005)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss New York USA pageant?
I had the honor of meeting and getting to know Jaclyn Nescheiwat, Miss New York USA 2004. She encouraged me to enter the pageant. When I began to explore it, I knew I wanted to use the opportunity to be more involved in my community and to find my passion in life. I was also at a point in my life where it was tie for me to do something that I never would have done. It was the right time for me to take a leap and do something that scared me.
Tell us about the gown you chose to wear for the evening gown portion of Miss USA.
I was introduced (by my amazing trainer Justin Popovics) to the designer Marc Bauer. He lent me my stunning silver gown. As a New Yorker, I wanted to wear something unconventional, fashion forward and that truely expressed me. I felt so glamorous in that gown. I wish I still had it!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA.
There are so many moments that I hold so close to my heart, and it's hard to pick just one. But there was nothing like that moment when I was standing on the stage during the live telecast, knowing my family and friends were there and so proud, and the stage lights went on and I felt completely full of love and inspiration. I felt the most myself at that moment. I still get chills when I think of it.
Tell us about your experience on the TV show, "Fear Factor".
Fear Factor was probably the most fun and crazy thing I had ever done! I remember the moment right before I was about to do each of the stunts thinking, "What am I doing here? Can I do thins?" And then, from somewhere deep inside, I just went for it. It's such a metaphor for life, sometimes, you gotta just close your eyes and jump into the unknown.
Why did you decide to crossover and compete in the Mrs. America system?
It had been about 5 years and I was missing the pageant world! Mostly I wanted to get back into doing more charity work and wanted to reconnect with old contacts from my Miss USA days. Mrs. America was a completely different experience but it turned out to be one of the best things I had done because of the people that came into my life because of it.
What have you been up to after your reign as Mrs. New York ended?
So much! I teach yoga in NYC and have been doing some modeling and traveling. I continue to work with the Miss NY USA organization, mostly with the recruiting team. The inspiration from meeting the girls has motivated me to start my own non-profit called One Girl. Our mission is to be of service directly or in partnership with others (community based organizations, city agencies, schools and corporations) to reach as many girls and young women as possible, to have a positive impact on their development. Basically we're in the business of changing the world, one girl at at time.
I had the honor of meeting and getting to know Jaclyn Nescheiwat, Miss New York USA 2004. She encouraged me to enter the pageant. When I began to explore it, I knew I wanted to use the opportunity to be more involved in my community and to find my passion in life. I was also at a point in my life where it was tie for me to do something that I never would have done. It was the right time for me to take a leap and do something that scared me.
Tell us about the gown you chose to wear for the evening gown portion of Miss USA.
I was introduced (by my amazing trainer Justin Popovics) to the designer Marc Bauer. He lent me my stunning silver gown. As a New Yorker, I wanted to wear something unconventional, fashion forward and that truely expressed me. I felt so glamorous in that gown. I wish I still had it!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA.
There are so many moments that I hold so close to my heart, and it's hard to pick just one. But there was nothing like that moment when I was standing on the stage during the live telecast, knowing my family and friends were there and so proud, and the stage lights went on and I felt completely full of love and inspiration. I felt the most myself at that moment. I still get chills when I think of it.
Tell us about your experience on the TV show, "Fear Factor".
Fear Factor was probably the most fun and crazy thing I had ever done! I remember the moment right before I was about to do each of the stunts thinking, "What am I doing here? Can I do thins?" And then, from somewhere deep inside, I just went for it. It's such a metaphor for life, sometimes, you gotta just close your eyes and jump into the unknown.
Why did you decide to crossover and compete in the Mrs. America system?
It had been about 5 years and I was missing the pageant world! Mostly I wanted to get back into doing more charity work and wanted to reconnect with old contacts from my Miss USA days. Mrs. America was a completely different experience but it turned out to be one of the best things I had done because of the people that came into my life because of it.
What have you been up to after your reign as Mrs. New York ended?
So much! I teach yoga in NYC and have been doing some modeling and traveling. I continue to work with the Miss NY USA organization, mostly with the recruiting team. The inspiration from meeting the girls has motivated me to start my own non-profit called One Girl. Our mission is to be of service directly or in partnership with others (community based organizations, city agencies, schools and corporations) to reach as many girls and young women as possible, to have a positive impact on their development. Basically we're in the business of changing the world, one girl at at time.