Lianna Hartshorn Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lianna Hartshorn is passionate about a healthy heart, a future doctor, and the current Miss New Mexico. I was so honored that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Lianna Hartshorn visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New Mexico crown?

After winning Miss New Mexico, I celebrated with my family and friends. They were the ones who supported me along the way, so the fact I could celebrate them on achieving my dream job was so surreal. I plan on continuing to celebrate my success every day by dedicating my time to my dream job, and savoring every moment I spend with my community and representing my state. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss New Mexico competition that will help you at Miss America?

During Miss New Mexico week, I got to meet so many beautiful, successful, and smart women around the state. What I learned during my experience is to be confident in the work I put in. I learned to trust in God’s wisdom, timing, and plan for me. I became so close with the girls I competed with, and I was happy to celebrate their successes, as they celebrated mine. I can’t wait to experience the sisterhood and make new friends at Miss America. 

What is something Kaitlin Kerl did as Miss New Mexico that you would like to emulate?

Kaitlin Kerl, my former Miss New Mexico, brought so much attention to STEM. As a fellow woman in STEM, I would like to continue her legacy to inspire fellow women and minorities to pursue STEM as well. I was also inspired by her use of social media to grow the Miss New Mexico Organization, and I hope to continue to use modern technology to grow the platform as well. Finally, even though she passed her title to me, Kaitlin and I still keep in contact. She is a beautiful woman inside and out and her love for the New Mexico community has made such an impact on my life and others. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “How to Start a Healthy Heart”?

I chose “How To Start A Healthy Heart” as my social impact initiative for many reasons. Initially, I chose it because my family has a history of heart health disease. Seeing what my family has had to go through because of their heart health, I started my journey to ensure I did not fall into the same fate. Through research, I learned that heart disease is the number one cause of death in America. I was also surprised to learn that most heart disease is preventable. Through dedication and research, I have become the healthiest version of myself, physically and mentally, and decided to share my knowledge and passion with New Mexico. Using my love for science and human health, I have been able to make appearances that teach students about the anatomy of the heart, how their habits affect it, basic CPR, and more. I hope to change the statistics, change America’s health habits for the better, and equip people with life-saving knowledge. 

You’re currently PreMed at NMSU. Where do you see those studies taking you?

I am entering my senior year at NMSU where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Being a woman and minority in STEM has not been easy, but I am blessed to have the opportunity to chase my dreams and put my intelligence to use. I aspire to become a medical doctor and specialize as a pediatric surgeon. Because of my involvement within the Miss America Organization, that dream becomes a lot more attainable through the scholarship money I have been awarded. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

In alignment with my social impact initiative and #missamericafit, I take my health very seriously. I go to the gym several times a week and ensure I am eating a balanced diet. I also take care of my mental health by ensuring I have enough time for myself and maintaining my relationships with my family, friends, and God. 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you be? Why?

If I could be a Disney character for a week, I would be Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Fun fact, I have already dressed up as Belle many times to do readings for students. To encourage and instill the importance of education. I love Belle because she pursues her education, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

If you had an extra ticket to an Albuquerque Isotopes game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my cousin if I had an extra ticket to an Albuquerque Isotopes game! Zacchaeus loves baseball and frequently goes to Albuquerque to play. Though he is in middle school, he aspires to pursue college baseball. He works hard every day for it. 

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

I would love to open a baseball game by singing the National Anthem and throwing the first pitch! Showing my pride as an American by singing to such an audience would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

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Definitely an amazing experience!

As always, I want to thank Lianna for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Lianna during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Lianna, and good luck!

Kaitlin Kerl Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaitlin Kerl is passionate about getting women in STEM fields, a talented dancer, and the current Miss New Mexico. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm especially excited that she is our first visitor from the state of New Mexico!

So, let's see what happens when Kaitlin Kerl visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New Mexico crown?

After becoming Miss New Mexico, I celebrated by spending time with my family! 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss New Mexico competition that will help you at Miss America?

While competing in the Miss New Mexico Scholarship competition I learned to just enjoy myself. Instead of stressing about achieving perfection I continued to remind myself that I had already prepared for each moment and that my confidence and positivity would follow me on stage. I believe that while you are competing you must have an alternate goal besides winning, because ultimately there can only be one winner. For me it was challenging myself to enjoy my ability to perform one last time and that is exactly what I will be doing at Miss America!

What is something that Emma Broyles is doing as Miss America that you would want to emulate?

I love how Emma Broyles is so open to different types ofcommunity appearances. As a title holder in the Miss America Scholarship Organization, I have always kept an open mind when it comes to engaging with my community. From golfing to repelling down the side of a building I am down!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Building Bridges Through Inclusion”?

Building Bridges Through Inclusion is a movement I created to provide opportunities for growth and success amongst women in STEM. As a future architect I want to design a path for more women here in New Mexico to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. The name is also a play on words. “Building Bridges” is me using architecture as a way to encourage the “Inclusion” of more women becoming interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

As a talented dancer and gymnast, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I love performing on stage because I get to share the parts of me that make me unique while showcasing my hard work and dedication. I was a gymnast for 16 years and I have always loved being given the chance to show off a little bit and get the audience engaged in what I am doing. Performing my talent is an absolute blast and the energy from the crowd is always so electrifying and I love it!

You are working on an MA in Architecture. What drew you to that field?

I am currently in my final year in the Master of Architecture program at The University of New Mexico. I was drawn to architecture because it allows me to make a positive difference for future generations and the environment through design and digital fabrication.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would be Perry The Platypus because I think it would be super cool to be a secret agent and go undercover and I can make the same sounds he makes!

If you had an extra ticket to an Albuquerque Isotopes game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I could take anyone with me right now it would be my boyfriend’s grandma! She is always taking us to Isotopes games, and I always have so much fun. I would love to take her to a game for a change.

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

Honestly, I have been wanting to try the T-shirt canon since I was a kid! I would love the chance to give the fans T-shirts and maybe partner up with the Isotopes to produce a special design!

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A partnered t-shirt design would be a fun idea! 

As always, I want to thank Kaitlin for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Kaitlin continues her time as Miss New Mexico, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram. You should also check out the official Miss New Mexico website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

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

Thanks again Kaitlin, and good luck!