Amy Spilker
Miss Nebraska USA 2012
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Nebraska USA pageant?
I decided to compete in Miss Nebraska USA the first time because I was looking for a way that I could push myself and grow as a person. Little did I know that it would be the start of a journey that would change my life forever. I never could have imagined that a pageant I signed up for on a whim would have such a big impact on the person that I am today and I will forever be an advocate for pageants and the springboard they provide for young women across the country.
You competed in the Miss Nebraska USA pageant 3 times before taking the title. What motivated you to come back and compete year after year?
I am a very competitive person with myself and every year I knew I had it in me to win. I went into my first pageant completely blind and knew nothing about not only about pageants but who I was as an individual. Every year I grew as a person and learned more about myself than I ever imagined. My first year I didn’t even hear my named called for the Top 10 so it was motivation every year to come back and prove that I could not only win the title but do the job well. Each year I got a little closer to the title and that only pushed me to work harder. I love the state of Nebraska and representing it this year has been a dream come true. Timing really is everything and I wouldn’t change how I got to this title for the world. Because it took me 4 years I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the title and never took it for granted. I won this year and was able to be my personal best because of it. This year I have been so incredibly blessed.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Nebraska USA?
This is a tough question! I have done so much this year and have had so many amazing opportunities. With over 30 appearances across the state this year I have met some truly amazing people. Something that I will always cherish is the friendships I have made. The Miss USA Class of 2012 girls will always have a special place in my heart. Our week in New York City as well our 2 weeks in Vegas will forever bond us. I was so fortunate to bond with so many amazing women that have so many of the same goals not only in our personal lives as well as professional. Going back to timing, this could not be truer. All of us won this year and were meant to go through this journey together.
Tell us about the work you do for the "Girls on the Run" organization.
I got involved with Girls on the Run of Nebraska in the fall of 2008. I loved this program because it incorporates both being active as well as helping young girls develop a healthy self-esteem. I was an assistant coach for 1 year and a head coach for 3 years. I love being a mentor as well as a friend for girls since it wasn’t all that long ago I was going through many of the same issues they are facing. Growing up with all boys I always wanted a little sister and this is the perfect place to fill that void. I was very fortunate to have positive women in my life as role models that influenced me but many of these girls need positive role models. Nothing is better than seeing a girl that doesn’t want to run and it’s a struggle for the first couple of weeks and then see her progress each week and cross the finish line at our 5K! I love fitness and encouraging today’s youth to be active!
Why did you decide to major in advertising and public relations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I always knew I had interest in business and mores specifically what made certain products and services more appealing than others. This led to my concentration in marketing and my full major in advertising. I enjoy combing them both since I get to work on the business side as well as bring out my creative side. I hope to one day combine my love of skincare and marketing to the health and beauty industry.
Lastly, what's in store for you after your reign as Miss Nebraska USA ends?
After my amazing year as Miss Nebraska USA is complete I will continue to pursue my education at the University of Nebraska as well as work for the local daily deals company Zing!Town. I plan to also continue modeling and stay involved in the pageant community. I hope to always continue my volunteer work and be a positive role model for others. I know that no matter where my life takes me and what my next goals are, my heart will always be in Nebraska and my year as Miss Nebraska USA will always influence me.
Thank you and God Bless
Amy Spilker
Miss Nebraska USA 2012
I decided to compete in Miss Nebraska USA the first time because I was looking for a way that I could push myself and grow as a person. Little did I know that it would be the start of a journey that would change my life forever. I never could have imagined that a pageant I signed up for on a whim would have such a big impact on the person that I am today and I will forever be an advocate for pageants and the springboard they provide for young women across the country.
You competed in the Miss Nebraska USA pageant 3 times before taking the title. What motivated you to come back and compete year after year?
I am a very competitive person with myself and every year I knew I had it in me to win. I went into my first pageant completely blind and knew nothing about not only about pageants but who I was as an individual. Every year I grew as a person and learned more about myself than I ever imagined. My first year I didn’t even hear my named called for the Top 10 so it was motivation every year to come back and prove that I could not only win the title but do the job well. Each year I got a little closer to the title and that only pushed me to work harder. I love the state of Nebraska and representing it this year has been a dream come true. Timing really is everything and I wouldn’t change how I got to this title for the world. Because it took me 4 years I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the title and never took it for granted. I won this year and was able to be my personal best because of it. This year I have been so incredibly blessed.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Nebraska USA?
This is a tough question! I have done so much this year and have had so many amazing opportunities. With over 30 appearances across the state this year I have met some truly amazing people. Something that I will always cherish is the friendships I have made. The Miss USA Class of 2012 girls will always have a special place in my heart. Our week in New York City as well our 2 weeks in Vegas will forever bond us. I was so fortunate to bond with so many amazing women that have so many of the same goals not only in our personal lives as well as professional. Going back to timing, this could not be truer. All of us won this year and were meant to go through this journey together.
Tell us about the work you do for the "Girls on the Run" organization.
I got involved with Girls on the Run of Nebraska in the fall of 2008. I loved this program because it incorporates both being active as well as helping young girls develop a healthy self-esteem. I was an assistant coach for 1 year and a head coach for 3 years. I love being a mentor as well as a friend for girls since it wasn’t all that long ago I was going through many of the same issues they are facing. Growing up with all boys I always wanted a little sister and this is the perfect place to fill that void. I was very fortunate to have positive women in my life as role models that influenced me but many of these girls need positive role models. Nothing is better than seeing a girl that doesn’t want to run and it’s a struggle for the first couple of weeks and then see her progress each week and cross the finish line at our 5K! I love fitness and encouraging today’s youth to be active!
Why did you decide to major in advertising and public relations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I always knew I had interest in business and mores specifically what made certain products and services more appealing than others. This led to my concentration in marketing and my full major in advertising. I enjoy combing them both since I get to work on the business side as well as bring out my creative side. I hope to one day combine my love of skincare and marketing to the health and beauty industry.
Lastly, what's in store for you after your reign as Miss Nebraska USA ends?
After my amazing year as Miss Nebraska USA is complete I will continue to pursue my education at the University of Nebraska as well as work for the local daily deals company Zing!Town. I plan to also continue modeling and stay involved in the pageant community. I hope to always continue my volunteer work and be a positive role model for others. I know that no matter where my life takes me and what my next goals are, my heart will always be in Nebraska and my year as Miss Nebraska USA will always influence me.
Thank you and God Bless
Amy Spilker
Miss Nebraska USA 2012