Brittany Pjetraj Interview
Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2008 (1st runner up @ Miss Teen USA 2008)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss South Carolina Teen USA pageant?
I chose to compete at Miss SC Teen USA because it was the prerequisite to my ultimate goal to be Miss Teen USA. I did not compete out of selfish ambition; I did not wish to glorify myself. As a rising freshman in college, I simply hoped to be a role model for the entire nation. The underlying motivation behind my year of pageantry was to secure a national title that would provide substantial opportunity to impact my peers, community, and nation in a positive manner.
What popped into your head when you were called as the 1st runner up at Miss Teen USA?
Honestly, I don’t remember any exact thoughts in that specific moment. The moment itself is suspenseful, even surreal if you will. What I do recall is not necessarily coherent thoughts, but rather an acknowledgement of reality. I remember hearing the name of my state called by the announcer, which meant I was first-runner up. I embraced this moment with a bittersweet heart; I advanced so far, yet did not reach my goal. However, I knew I prepared and competed to the best of my ability and hoped I made my state and supporters proud. In the moment I wished the circumstances would have led to a different result, but I now accept this shortcoming with gratitude, firmly believing that the Lord works all things together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss South Carolina Teen USA?
The year I spent representing South Carolina was blessed beyond measure. Countless memories will forever be cherished within my heart. Most memorable, though, occurred while in the Bahamas at the national competition. Earlier in the week, while every contestant attended a cocktail party, a security officer approached me and asked me to follow him. I was escorted to the outskirts of the event where I met a little boy named Noah who was from my home state of South Carolina. It was then that I was told he and his family were at the Atlantis so he could swim with the dolphins during his Make-a-Wish trip. He asked to take a picture with me, to which I eagerly agreed. I then was able to coordinate a group picture for him to take with all the contestants. Seeing the joy on his face and the happiness this small gesture brought him will be something I always remember. He and his family were scheduled to leave the Bahamas before the final competition, but were able to extend trip to support me as I vied for the title. I felt immeasurably honored to represent him and the rest of South Carolina that night. Looking out into the crowd and recognizing my family and close friends sitting with him and his family was the perfect reminder as to why I was on that stage: to love others to the best of my ability.
What is your role as a coach in The LEAP Foundation?
As a coach at LEAP, I lead and maintain responsibility for a group of 10 high school students during a week long camp aiming to prepare them for college and career success. It is amazing; everyone able should go!
Will we see you in another pageant in the near future?
Near future? Not likely, considering I still get asked if I am seventeen :-)
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign ended as Miss South Carolina Teen USA?
I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree and am pursuing a career in medicine.
I chose to compete at Miss SC Teen USA because it was the prerequisite to my ultimate goal to be Miss Teen USA. I did not compete out of selfish ambition; I did not wish to glorify myself. As a rising freshman in college, I simply hoped to be a role model for the entire nation. The underlying motivation behind my year of pageantry was to secure a national title that would provide substantial opportunity to impact my peers, community, and nation in a positive manner.
What popped into your head when you were called as the 1st runner up at Miss Teen USA?
Honestly, I don’t remember any exact thoughts in that specific moment. The moment itself is suspenseful, even surreal if you will. What I do recall is not necessarily coherent thoughts, but rather an acknowledgement of reality. I remember hearing the name of my state called by the announcer, which meant I was first-runner up. I embraced this moment with a bittersweet heart; I advanced so far, yet did not reach my goal. However, I knew I prepared and competed to the best of my ability and hoped I made my state and supporters proud. In the moment I wished the circumstances would have led to a different result, but I now accept this shortcoming with gratitude, firmly believing that the Lord works all things together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss South Carolina Teen USA?
The year I spent representing South Carolina was blessed beyond measure. Countless memories will forever be cherished within my heart. Most memorable, though, occurred while in the Bahamas at the national competition. Earlier in the week, while every contestant attended a cocktail party, a security officer approached me and asked me to follow him. I was escorted to the outskirts of the event where I met a little boy named Noah who was from my home state of South Carolina. It was then that I was told he and his family were at the Atlantis so he could swim with the dolphins during his Make-a-Wish trip. He asked to take a picture with me, to which I eagerly agreed. I then was able to coordinate a group picture for him to take with all the contestants. Seeing the joy on his face and the happiness this small gesture brought him will be something I always remember. He and his family were scheduled to leave the Bahamas before the final competition, but were able to extend trip to support me as I vied for the title. I felt immeasurably honored to represent him and the rest of South Carolina that night. Looking out into the crowd and recognizing my family and close friends sitting with him and his family was the perfect reminder as to why I was on that stage: to love others to the best of my ability.
What is your role as a coach in The LEAP Foundation?
As a coach at LEAP, I lead and maintain responsibility for a group of 10 high school students during a week long camp aiming to prepare them for college and career success. It is amazing; everyone able should go!
Will we see you in another pageant in the near future?
Near future? Not likely, considering I still get asked if I am seventeen :-)
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign ended as Miss South Carolina Teen USA?
I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree and am pursuing a career in medicine.