Rachel Epperly Interview
Miss Ohio Teen USA 2007
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Ohio Teen USA pageant?
I had a friend who also went to my high school. She was involved in a couple of different pageants and she suggested I try them. At first I just took it as a compliment, but over time I looked into it and decided to try them.
What was going through your head when your name was not announced as the 1st runner up at Miss Ohio Teen USA 2007?
I was praying so hard that they wouldn’t say my name then! I don’t think I thought about anything! I remember saying I could not even think because I was so relieved, excited, and overwhelmed. I just freaked out for five minutes. But the waterworks started when I saw my parents, sister, and friends because they were the ones who knew how hard I worked.
Would you please tell us a bit about your 2 mission trips to Mexico?
I took the first trip when I was about 14. It was the most changing experience for me prior to pageants. I went to the city of Anapra, which is just across the border from Texas. I was privileged to work with a doctor who also came on the trip, weighing and measuring patients. The people that I met there and the things I saw affected me so greatly that I had to go back. Two years later I got the chance to go again. This time I went to Door of Faith orphanage and bond with some amazing kids and help out the staff there.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Teen USA?
My most memorable moments would have to be the ones I spent in rehearsal with all the girls. We had great times doing all the fun activities and going to restaurants and to Universal Studios, but the goofy hours spent in rehearsal were the best. Literally it felt like I had 50 friends instantly just because we all had so much in common. I especially bonded with Caitlin Klug (Michigan Teen), Jena Sims (Georgia Teen), Katie Coble (North Carolina), Taylor Kearns (North Dakota), and Kelsie Sinagra (Pennsylvania).
Who would be your role model and why?
I would have to say I have a couple of role models. One is my best friend Jessica because she is the strongest person I know with a smart head on her shoulders, she gives me quality advice. My mom is the one who is always pushing me to be the best, and encouraging me. And…Megan Fox, not really because she’s a role model but because I think that she is so gorgeous that she inspires me
What have you been up to since your reign as Miss Ohio Teen USA ended?
I am currently attending THE Ohio State University, majoring in Nursing. I also work at Abercrombie and Fitch, and Ohio State’s Dental Offices. Other than that I just have fun! I hope to compete in Miss Ohio in the next couple of years…so keep watching!
I had a friend who also went to my high school. She was involved in a couple of different pageants and she suggested I try them. At first I just took it as a compliment, but over time I looked into it and decided to try them.
What was going through your head when your name was not announced as the 1st runner up at Miss Ohio Teen USA 2007?
I was praying so hard that they wouldn’t say my name then! I don’t think I thought about anything! I remember saying I could not even think because I was so relieved, excited, and overwhelmed. I just freaked out for five minutes. But the waterworks started when I saw my parents, sister, and friends because they were the ones who knew how hard I worked.
Would you please tell us a bit about your 2 mission trips to Mexico?
I took the first trip when I was about 14. It was the most changing experience for me prior to pageants. I went to the city of Anapra, which is just across the border from Texas. I was privileged to work with a doctor who also came on the trip, weighing and measuring patients. The people that I met there and the things I saw affected me so greatly that I had to go back. Two years later I got the chance to go again. This time I went to Door of Faith orphanage and bond with some amazing kids and help out the staff there.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Teen USA?
My most memorable moments would have to be the ones I spent in rehearsal with all the girls. We had great times doing all the fun activities and going to restaurants and to Universal Studios, but the goofy hours spent in rehearsal were the best. Literally it felt like I had 50 friends instantly just because we all had so much in common. I especially bonded with Caitlin Klug (Michigan Teen), Jena Sims (Georgia Teen), Katie Coble (North Carolina), Taylor Kearns (North Dakota), and Kelsie Sinagra (Pennsylvania).
Who would be your role model and why?
I would have to say I have a couple of role models. One is my best friend Jessica because she is the strongest person I know with a smart head on her shoulders, she gives me quality advice. My mom is the one who is always pushing me to be the best, and encouraging me. And…Megan Fox, not really because she’s a role model but because I think that she is so gorgeous that she inspires me
What have you been up to since your reign as Miss Ohio Teen USA ended?
I am currently attending THE Ohio State University, majoring in Nursing. I also work at Abercrombie and Fitch, and Ohio State’s Dental Offices. Other than that I just have fun! I hope to compete in Miss Ohio in the next couple of years…so keep watching!