Kristina Ayanian Visits Section 36!

Photo by
Stephanie Vegliante Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Kristina Ayanian is passionate about thinking globally, a talented pianist, and the current Miss Boston. I was thrilled to be able to visit with her to discuss those topics, and more!

So, let's see what happens when Kristina Ayanian visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Boston crown?

I was so overwhelmed by the support from my family and friends who were waving their hands and cheering for me every time I stepped on stage. They showered me in hugs and flowers after I was crowned. I returned home to pack my bags for a work conference in New York bright and early the next morning! Always on the grind and I’m loving every minute of it!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Boston?

I hope to lead by example. My goal is to help at least one person to find their personal passion project and share their message to the world. I am currently in the process of organizing a Freedom Walk on the Freedom Trail. I aim to unite our community and facilitate social interaction about topics that impact each individual. We unite by sharing our differences and are more alike than we think. By sharing our stories, we will create a ripple effect in communities across Massachusetts, and beyond, to take action in their communities.

As a former Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding teen, do you think that experience will help you at the Miss Massachusetts competition?

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Version 2.0 Productions

My experience competing in the Miss America Organization since I was 15 has helped me in every chapter in my life. Competing and holding a teen title has given me the confidence to live every day with an imaginary crown on my head – from college to the real world and everything in between. I am so excited to compete for the state title in June!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Global Citizenship”?

From a young age, my mom has taught me the value and importance of giving back to our community. I was shocked to learn that our national volunteer rate is currently at a two-decade low. At the heart and soul of my social impact initiative is recognizing that we all play a vital role in creating a culture of humanity and keeping our world sustainable for future generations. Global citizenship starts at the local level – turning the water off while we’re brushing our teeth, making recycling into a habit, holding the door open for the elderly, and using our voice to spread recognition about issues we are passionate about. These are all examples of small steps we can take every day to create a domino effect that will grow to a national then global level. I created the #GlobalCitizenshipPledge and the @CommittedGlobalCitizens Instagram and Facebook page, where I share quotes and stories from global citizens and hope to inspire others to take action. Follow me to take the pledge!

As a talented pianist, what do you like most about performing on stage?

My favorite part about performing is making people happy. When I see a piano in hotel lobbies, in shopping centers, in homes, or on stages I naturally gravitate towards it and start playing. I can’t help myself! Music helps me unwind and mastering new pieces brings a smile to my face. I like bringing that smile to others when I perform.

What is your personal fitness routine?

First and foremost I eat healthy and avoid processed foods.

Photo by
Stephanie Vegliante Photography

I change my fitness routine every gym session, especially for cardio. I rotate between running, jump rope, biking, and the elliptical. I enjoy lifting weights, but since I’ve been dancing from 2 years old, my legs are my strongest muscles and I pride myself on leg days.

Who’s your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

David Ortiz has been an iconic figure in my life since I was a little girl. I grew to admire him even more as I became older because he was more than a legendary baseball player; he was a Boston hero. He brought everyone together during a time when the city needed it most and that resonates with everyone – not just sports fans.

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game at Fenway, who would you bring with you? Why?

My mom’s company has season tickets, and every year when it’s our turn to go to a game, we bring someone who has never seen the Sox live. Nothing compares to seeing the smile on people’s face, both old and young, when they walk into Fenway Park for the first time. I’ll continue to do the same any time I have an extra ticket.

Is there a feature or activity at a game at Fenway that you’d especially like to experience?

I’d love to sing our National Anthem in our historic park or throw a first pitch!

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Those would be wonderful opportunities!

As usual, I want to thank Kristina for visiting and for sending along the fantastic pictures that accompany the interview. They make the post so much better.

As Kristina continues her time as Miss Boston, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account and Facebook page, as well as her personal Instagram account. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on everything she’ll have going on. You should also check out her Committed Global Citizens Instagram and Facebook pages to see all the amazing things happening there.

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Massachusetts title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Kristina, and good luck!

Madison Cota Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Madison Cota is a vlogger, a Red

Sox fan, and the current Miss Boston! She was nice enough to visit with us not long after winning her crown to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m awfully glad she did.

So, let’s see what happens when Madison Cota visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Boston?

I was absolutely blown away when I was announced Miss Boston 2018! I believed in myself and my abilities - but there were so many other talented, intelligent, and driven young women on the stage with me as well. I am beyond grateful that the judging panel saw something in me that spoke to being a successful Miss Boston, and one who could make an impact.

I didn’t even consider the idea that I might walk away with the title, so I hadn’t made any grand plans. I went to a favorite hole in the wall burger joint of mine with my friends and family, had a burger with all the toppings I could fit on it, and then enjoyed a much needed full-nights sleep!

You’ve had pageant success before, having been crowned both Miss Vermont USA and Miss Vermont Teen USA. What made you decide to compete in the Miss America Org at the Miss Boston competition?

I can’t say I’m surprised by this one! I came to the Miss America Organization in a very organic way - I never set out knowing this was my end-goal. I started competing with other organizations during my sophomore year in high school. It began as a way of proving to myself that I was capable of achieving a goal, but turned into an experience much more meaningful than just that. My roots in pageantry are something I will cherish forever as a period of invaluable growth into the woman that I am today, and something I would never change about myself.

Last fall, I took an honest appraisal of my situation in terms of my education and career goals, seeing as I was entering my senior year of college. After a phenomenal and educational internship experience in an Interior Design firm, I decided that was the direction I wanted to take my career in. Simultaneously, I became aware that in order to reach the level of success I desired for myself professionally, I needed to study interior design and architecture in greater depth. I also felt a nagging feeling that I had more to give—that I was doing a disservice to my community by not advocating and sharing my personal experience with food allergies and sensitivities.

Competing in the Miss America system through the Miss Massachusetts programs has enabled me to address and advance all of these objectives. I can propel my education forward, actively pursue my career ambition, and educate my community about the stigmas surrounding dietary restrictions. This opportunity has been the intersection of all of my passions in one perfect storm.

What portion of the upcoming Miss Massachusetts competition are you most nervous about?

I can’t say that the nerves have hit me yet! I’m enjoying the process of organizing and preparing for each phase, getting to know my fellow local titleholder sisters, and diving into the work of being Miss Boston by getting out and getting involved in the community. I’m a firm believer that being Miss Massachusetts is a job that requires a specific mentality. I’m working to grow into what I believe is a true manifestation of who Miss Massachusetts is, so that regardless of the outcome I walk away from this year a more educated and connected person than I was when I began.

You recently started your own vlog. What can you tell me about “Life of Mads”?

Life of Mads has been one of the most exciting, albeit scariest

adventures I’ve ever embarked on. It’s not easy to bare your imperfections and insecurities in front of a global audience—but it’s also one of the most meaningful and freeing decision I’ve ever made. Millions of people across America suffer from food allergies and sensitivities, yet it is still considered a taboo subject that often isn’t believed as legitimate and is a subject of ridicule. I hope that by baring my experiences, and things I’ve learned along the way I can provide a sense of community and make the experience easier on people who are going through the same trials and tribulations that I have.

How did you select your platform, “Food Allergies: The Internal Struggle?

For a long time I hid my sensitivities and reactions to food triggers because I was embarrassed about how people who perceive me once they knew. However, my food sensitivities have significantly influenced my life and overall lifestyle—quite frankly they make me who I am. Statistics show that millions of others also suffer from similar conditions. I came to the realization that it was my duty to share my experience, in order to help others through similar situations—and most of all provide good laugh about the day-to- day hilarity that inevitably ensues from coping with these conditions. I’m a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine.

What is your favorite part about performing your talent, tap dance, on stage?

I absolutely loved my tap dance at the Miss Boston competition—it was exciting, energetic, sassy, and made me feel free in a way that only dancing ever does. I’ve studies so many styles of dance over the years, but I always come back to the pure, unadulterated euphoria I feel in my heart when I get to connect to the music and to the lyrics.

Is there a feature of Fenway Park that you’d like to experience?

Is it cliché to say the first pitch? It’s something that I’ve loved watching since I was a kid, and I think it would be the most incredible experience to be able to do it myself - maybe this year could be my year!

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I’m not sure if he’s my favorite yet, but I’m definitely most interested to see how the season shakes out for J.D. Martinez. There’s been quite the hype around getting him to Boston in the first place, and then consequently how he’ll fit into the lineup. We definitely need a good bat, and I’m keen to see if he can execute.

How do you think the Red Sox will finish the 2018 season?

I’m optimistic for our boys this year! Last year we laid a solid

foundation for ourselves, and now with a couple new additions to the roster I think we have the makings of a successful year. As an athlete myself, I can appreciate the fire that is lit after not finishing a season the way you wished, and I know they’re coming back ready to prove themselves.

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Definitely agree! I think they're ready to show the world what they can do.

As always, I want to thank Madison for visiting. She is the first Miss Boston to visit with us, and it just seems natural to have her visit. I also want to thank her for sending along the pictures that accompany the interview. They always make for a better post!

As Madison continues her time as Miss Boston, I encourage you to follow her on the official Facebook page and website. I also suggest you check out her vlog "Life of Mads" whenever you can!

And, of course, I want to wish Madison luck this summer when she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown. Section 36 visitors have performed well at that competition, and it would be amazing to have another one come out on top!

Thanks again Madison, and good luck!

Carly Fisher Visits Section 36!

Photo by Robby Trottier

Section 36 has another visitor! Carly Fisher is my youngest visitor to date. The current Miss Boston's Outstanding Teen will be competing next month for the title of Miss Massachusetts' Outstanding Teen! She took a break from her preparations to talk with us about her time as Miss Boston's Outstanding Teen, and of course the Red Sox! I'm really glad she did.

So, let's see what happens when Carly Fisher visits Section 36!

What made you choose to compete for Miss Boston’s Outstanding Teen?

I've grown up around the Miss America Organization. My mom used to volunteer with a local pageant and my entire life I idolized the title holders and all that they were able to accomplish. When I had the opportunity to become I title holder myself, I couldn't pass it up.

With appearances and interview requests, how do you make sure your duties as Miss Boston’s Outstanding Teen don’t interfere with your schooling?

Carly (left) and her sister pose with Wally in 2011

Schooling always comes first. I go to a college preparatory catholic high school, so some of my classes can be demanding. Before I commit to an appearance or interview, I make sure it can fit into my busy schedule with school and sports commitments.

I love that your talent is “speed painting.” How did you decide

on that?

I've been sketching and drawing for as long as I can remember, and when I decided that I wanted to compete in the program, I found a way to bring that talent to the stage.  I painted Audrey Hepburn when I won Miss Boston's Outstanding Teen.  I'm painting another famous actress for the state pageant, and I'm really excited about that!

Your platform is The Martin Richard Foundation. What drew you to that choice?

In 8th grade I was at a leadership conference through Project 351 where Bill Richard (Martin's dad) spoke to us about Martin's message of "No More Hurting People. Peace". His message stuck with me,  leading to my involvement with the foundation.  I've run several fundraisers for the foundation, but what I enjoy the most is talking to young students about promoting projects they can do to help spread Martin's message of peace and keep his memory alive.

What lessons from the Miss Boston's Outstanding Teen competition can you bring with you to Miss Massachusetts' Outstanding Teen?

I've definitely learned to keep moving forward. I made a few mistakes on the day of the Miss Boston's Outstanding Teen pageant, but instead of getting nervous or giving up, I kept doing everything to the best of my ability that day. I hope the mistakes decrease at the Miss Massachusetts' Outstanding Teen pageant, but if they do happen, I know how to handle them and persevere.

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

Carly in the cage, taking her cuts

Like a lot of people who are fans of the Red Sox, my favorite player had always been David Ortiz. Now that he has retired, I'm going to have to watch this season closely to find my new favorite.

I hear you’re a big fan of 70’s music. The Red Sox tend to play a lot of that genre at Fenway, especially with “Joy to the World” being played after victories. Which 70’s song do you think would be fun to hear at the park?

"September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire should be played at Fenway. It's such a  great song that you can't help but sing along to, and September is always such an exciting time in baseball.

I'm guessing this will be the first season you can remember where David Ortiz isn't on the Red Sox. What's your favorite David Ortiz memory?

Even though the most appropriate language wasn't used, my favorite memory was when Ortiz showed his love and passion for our city after the Boston Marathon bombing during his speech at Fenway.

How do you think the Red Sox will do this season?

Like any loyal Boston Red Sox fans, I think they can win it all this year!

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Hard to argue with that!

As always, I want to give a huge thank you to Carly for taking the time to visit with us. Another big thank you to her for providing so many wonderful pictures to go along with the interview. They definitely made the post much better.

Be sure to keep track of Carly on the official Miss Boston's Outstanding Teen website and social media accounts:  Instagram and Facebook!

Thanks again for the visit Carly, and Good Luck next month!