Vanguard

Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Lifestyles

Miss USA 2008 Jessica McCray flashes a crown-worthy smile after winning the competition on Oct. 27. McCray is now preparing for the Miss Alabama competition, which is set to take place in June of next year.

On Oct. 27, the University of South Alabama, along with the men of Pi Kappa Phi, crowned USA sophomore Jessica McCray as the University's new Miss USA. Though McCray has been a tad bit busier than usual since being crowned, the pre-professional studies major and USA Prowler made time to sit down with me and talk about her latest accomplishment.

The Vanguard: So, it seems like it was just yesterday when I was interviewing you for the Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant, which was a great accomplishment all itself, and now you're Miss USA! What were you feeling that night when they were about to announce the winner? Were you confident you were going to win? If not, who did you think was going to win?
Jessica McCray, Miss USA: As the awards were being announced, which seem as if it was taking longer and longer the closer they were to announcing the winner, I just remember my stomach twisting as I was standing on stage smiling and clapping for each award winner. No, I was not confident to winning, due to the fact that there were so many talented, beautiful and intelligent girls in the pageant, and all of them were just wonderful girls.
V: I'm sure winning the title of Miss USA was an amazing feeling in itself, but how was participating in the competition as a whole?
M: It was all so exciting, from day one of turning in the application to my ongoing preparation for the Miss Alabama Pageant.
V: The strong possibility of starting a NCAA Football program at USA is one of the hot topics on campus, as well as in the community right now. As Miss USA and simply as a student, how do you feel about all of the football hoopla?
M: I certainly appreciate that we are finally going to have a football team here at South! I feel that the football team would achieve the goal of having more students coming to the games and supporting the team as well as other sports.
V: You are now an icon in the public eye at USA and a role model to new students who will be coming in the future. What female has been a positive role model to you?
M: My mom is definitely my role model. She's such a hard worker and a major supporter in my life, along with my family. She doesn't want anything but the best for my sisters and myself, and I appreciate everything she does for me no matter how big or small. She is the foundation in my life, and I love her dearly.
V: Being that you are an African-American, the African-American population at USA is somewhat looking for you to continue showing how successful minorities can be at this university. Do you feel any pressure from this at all?
M: No, I do not feel any pressure being a minority because anyone can make a mistake and ruin their reputation as a title holder, whether minority or majority. Just look at Tara Connor, Miss USA 2007. I am Miss University of South Alabama, meaning that I not only represent the minority but also the majority.
V: Okay, let's stop being so serious. I want people who have never met you to get to know a little more about you. So, what's your favorite movie of all time? If you can't choose, list about three.
M: My favorite movies of all time, I do believe, are "Poltergeist I-III" and "Nightmare on Elm Street." Weird, I know, but I am a major horror movie fan.
V: Well, there's a shocker! Why those?
M: When I was younger, I would watch those movies every single time they came on television, as if it were the first time I had ever seen them, and I still do to this very day!
V: What's your favorite night-time snack?
M: My favorite night-time snack is any junk food that is available! I'm not too picky.
V: What do you like to do in your free time?
M: I like to take naps because I don' t get very much free time and go back home to Mount Vernon and visit my family.
V: You can often be seen dressed quite trendy walking around campus. Where do you like to shop?
M: I love to shop at any of the outlets, especially on a cool spring day.
V: I know you're only a sophomore, but your determination and drive to be successful can be seen by anyone. What are your plans after graduation?
M: I am majoring in pre-professional studies now, so hopefully after graduation I will be accepted into medical school.
V: What's next on your agenda as Miss USA?
M: As Miss USA, I will now prepare to compete in the Miss Alabama Pageant in June.

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