Katie Cooper Interview
Miss North Dakota Teen USA + Miss Teen USA 2006 2nd runner up
hy did you decide to participate in the Miss North Dakota Teen USA pageant?
I decided to participate clearly out of curiosity, and admiration.
When I was a little girl, every summer my Mom and I would sit down and watch the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants together! Anticipating the pageants all year long, it would finally come around and I’d get to watch my dream and future self, walk across that bright stage. I would picture myself gliding across stage in a classy, glamorous evening gown. While the audience would be star-struck, in awe, and lured into a beauty unknown to man. Nothing else in the world would matter at that moment, because all of America has their eyes on you, and only you. You’re given such a short amount of time to sell your heart to the World, and during that time you are impeccable.
**"Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people."**
- Mother Teresa
What was going through your head before you were announced as the titleholder of Miss North Dakota Teen USA?
Oh my goodness!... I totally didn’t think I was going to win! I was thinking about everything and anything imaginable. I was thinking about my basketball team, and whether or not we had won our first game of the year.. I was thinking about my family, & how badly my feet hurt! And how if I actually win this, how crazy and exciting my year ahead is going to be! But, I was more than ready for it
What was going through your head when you were announced in the top 15, in the top 10 then finally in the top 5?
And the journey begins; and the dream starts…..
Top 15- I was ecstatic! Being called into the Top 15 was the best feeling of the whole night…
Top 10- Wow, I didn’t think I was ever going to be called! I was the 9th one called out, and couldn’t have been more nervous!
Top 5- Yeaaahhh! I was the FIRST one called this time! Thank the Lord.. It was so surreal for me. A girl from North Dakota, making it this far?! I looked up at the heavens, and thanked God for helping me through everything and guiding my soul, and my heart into the right path of life
What was going through your head when you were announced as the 2nd runner up at Miss Teen USA 2006?
Honestly, I thought I was dreaming. That may sound a little cliché, but it’s so true! When I was standing there holding hands with North Carolina and Montana, I truly thought I was going to win.. My heart was beating so fast, and all I could do was smile. When I was announced 2nd Runner-Up- I was disappointed, but more proud. Proud to be standing up on stage, in front of the United States of America, representing North Dakota. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. For all the years I sat with my mom watching, and dreaming… It was finally my turn.
My dream had come true.
Who would be your role model and why?
I don’t really have ‘one’ true role model for myself. I believe that if you look up to one person, and you have your soul set on that person that you’re not being true to yourself. I have many role models in my life. But, I have come to know a great number of outstanding individuals, to whom which I have learned and attained many values and dazzling qualities. *So to put it short n’ sweet, I take a little bit of everybody with me.
;)
What have you been up to since you passed on your title?
Wow. It seems like just yesterday I was packing up and leaving for Palm Springs! Since I’ve passed on my title I have graduated from High School, done a little modeling, moved away from my home town ( & my dad! ) and went to College! My freshmen year of college was a blast! Now I’m saddened by the end of summer, and the beginning of a new school year. I have a great job where I work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week! And I’m still trying to keep active, and remain fit! I’ve always been a very active person, so it’s hard to get out of that phase that you’ve known almost all of your life (definitely not complaining, ha!). Lastly, I will be thrilled to tell you that my Mom and I have been ‘talking pageants’ again! And hopefully you’ll be seeing me on stage in just a year or two!
--------------------------------------------
Katie has been more than kind to share some of her favorite quotes:
"No one outside ourselves can rule us inwardly. When we know this, we become free."
- Unknown
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
"Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people."
- Mother Teresa
You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
-Wayne Gretzky
I decided to participate clearly out of curiosity, and admiration.
When I was a little girl, every summer my Mom and I would sit down and watch the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants together! Anticipating the pageants all year long, it would finally come around and I’d get to watch my dream and future self, walk across that bright stage. I would picture myself gliding across stage in a classy, glamorous evening gown. While the audience would be star-struck, in awe, and lured into a beauty unknown to man. Nothing else in the world would matter at that moment, because all of America has their eyes on you, and only you. You’re given such a short amount of time to sell your heart to the World, and during that time you are impeccable.
**"Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people."**
- Mother Teresa
What was going through your head before you were announced as the titleholder of Miss North Dakota Teen USA?
Oh my goodness!... I totally didn’t think I was going to win! I was thinking about everything and anything imaginable. I was thinking about my basketball team, and whether or not we had won our first game of the year.. I was thinking about my family, & how badly my feet hurt! And how if I actually win this, how crazy and exciting my year ahead is going to be! But, I was more than ready for it
What was going through your head when you were announced in the top 15, in the top 10 then finally in the top 5?
And the journey begins; and the dream starts…..
Top 15- I was ecstatic! Being called into the Top 15 was the best feeling of the whole night…
Top 10- Wow, I didn’t think I was ever going to be called! I was the 9th one called out, and couldn’t have been more nervous!
Top 5- Yeaaahhh! I was the FIRST one called this time! Thank the Lord.. It was so surreal for me. A girl from North Dakota, making it this far?! I looked up at the heavens, and thanked God for helping me through everything and guiding my soul, and my heart into the right path of life
What was going through your head when you were announced as the 2nd runner up at Miss Teen USA 2006?
Honestly, I thought I was dreaming. That may sound a little cliché, but it’s so true! When I was standing there holding hands with North Carolina and Montana, I truly thought I was going to win.. My heart was beating so fast, and all I could do was smile. When I was announced 2nd Runner-Up- I was disappointed, but more proud. Proud to be standing up on stage, in front of the United States of America, representing North Dakota. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. For all the years I sat with my mom watching, and dreaming… It was finally my turn.
My dream had come true.
Who would be your role model and why?
I don’t really have ‘one’ true role model for myself. I believe that if you look up to one person, and you have your soul set on that person that you’re not being true to yourself. I have many role models in my life. But, I have come to know a great number of outstanding individuals, to whom which I have learned and attained many values and dazzling qualities. *So to put it short n’ sweet, I take a little bit of everybody with me.
;)
What have you been up to since you passed on your title?
Wow. It seems like just yesterday I was packing up and leaving for Palm Springs! Since I’ve passed on my title I have graduated from High School, done a little modeling, moved away from my home town ( & my dad! ) and went to College! My freshmen year of college was a blast! Now I’m saddened by the end of summer, and the beginning of a new school year. I have a great job where I work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week! And I’m still trying to keep active, and remain fit! I’ve always been a very active person, so it’s hard to get out of that phase that you’ve known almost all of your life (definitely not complaining, ha!). Lastly, I will be thrilled to tell you that my Mom and I have been ‘talking pageants’ again! And hopefully you’ll be seeing me on stage in just a year or two!
--------------------------------------------
Katie has been more than kind to share some of her favorite quotes:
"No one outside ourselves can rule us inwardly. When we know this, we become free."
- Unknown
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
"Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people."
- Mother Teresa
You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
-Wayne Gretzky