CB Loves Elizabeth Ivezaj, Miss Michigan USA 2014!

How does it feel being Miss Michigan USA 2014?

Being Miss Michigan USA is such an honor. Through this journey I have met so many wonderful people. I feel so blessed to be given this opportunity and the year so far has been such a great learning experience and also so much fun.

List three adjectives that best describe yourself.

Three adjectives to describe myself would be determined, independent and friendly. I say determined because I always give my best when striving to achieve a goal and remind myself that staying focused is one of the key components to success. Next independent, I have a good work ethic and prefer to take care of things on my own. I feel that being independent really helps a person’s maturity. Lastly I listed friendly because I can get along with just about anyone :)

If you woke up tomorrow gained any one ability or quality. what would you want it to be?

If I could gain one ability it would be to read and speak several languages.

When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, what do you see?

I see a person who is eager to face the day's tasks and put my best foot forward.

How do you handle peer pressure when it goes against your values?

I think it is so important to stay true to who you are especially under pressure and be confident enough to stick to your values even if it means going against the crowd.

Do you have any vices?

One vice I have is snacking late at night especially with sweets!

Do you feel that being beautiful gives you certain advantages in life that less beautiful people don't benefit from?

I would say that inner beauty and education are the two most important advantages in life we can benefit from.

How far are you willing to push yourself to achieve your goals?

Setting goals and pushing yourself to achieve them I feel is important but also not losing sight of who you are in the process is just as important. How far I am willing to push myself would depend greatly on the compromises I would have to make.

What special charities, causes, or groups do you support any why?

One of the charities I support is the Pink Ribbon Girls. The founder Tracie Metzger was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30 and since her survival it has been her mission to create an organization to help women of all ages fighting the battle. Tracie not only provides education and awareness but also services for the women through all stages of their battle. Her services include meals, house cleaning, and transportation to appointments. This organization is so near and dear to me I think Tracie is doing such a wonderful job helping women and I feel honored to be a part of it.

Why do you think that most Americans are ignorant of world geography?

I think that in America we do not place enough emphasis and importance on world geography.

There have been issues with budget cuts in arts education. Is this area of education necessary for personal growth?

Absolutely, in my opinion arts education is extremely important. It is a great form of self expression and every child should have the chance to participate in art early on in life.

What is your position on same-sex marriage?

I believe that everyone should have the right and opportunity to marry whomever they choose.

Do you believe that racism is still a problem today?

I believe our society has greatly overcome issues of racism; however, there are always improvements to make.

What are some measures that we as a society can take to overcome the pressures that the media places on a young woman’s body today?

I think we need to encourage the fact that women come in all shapes and sizes. There is no perfect way to look and the more we encourage this diversity the more we can take some of the pressure off of young women who strive for the ridiculous images the media place.

Why do you want to be the next Miss USA?

I want to be the next Miss USA because I would love to use it as a platform to make a difference in the lives of women around the world. With my major in women's studies I strive to serve as a role model and advocate for women's rights. Being a part of the prestigious Miss Universe Organization is a dream come true and gracing the stage at the Miss Universe pageant would be life changing.