CB Loves Charisse Haislop, Miss West Virginia USA 2014!
How did you get involved in pageants?
I got involved in pageants while in college. During high school, I was involved in a number of activities including cheer leading, swim team and various organizations and kept very busy. While in college, I found that there were not as many activities available and found myself wanting to be involved in something positive where I could work hard, set goals, and meet a lot of amazing people. Pageants was a great outlet to do that.
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
My friends would describe me as a person who is very focused, extremely loyal and great comic relief!
Define self-confidence.
Self-confidence is being able to be comfortable with oneself and one's abilities. It is not only self-respect, but also acceptance of who you are in your own skin – and being okay with that.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have three things with you, what would they be and why?
1. My iPad – you’re never alone as long as you’re connected. Skyping with my family, friends, and pets would be mandatory.
2. My Vitamix – because no matter what you put in there, it always comes out tasting delicious.
Name three things that you would never do.
1. Drugs
2. Compromise my character for personal gain
3. Become a pessimist
What makes you angry?
Seeing the commercial on TV with all the abused animals with the song “In the arms of an Angel” playing in the background. I get angry every time I see those poor neglected animals.
How do you handle a tactless person who makes his/her prejudices known in public?
I have learned that people like that are trying to attract negative attention. So I would pay them no mind.
If you could cure any disease, what would it be and why?
CANCER. I have been touched by this disease in so many ways it’s unbelievable. Unfortunately, my very best friend is currently in the fight of her life battling a very aggressive and rare type of cancer. I’m always recruiting for anyone who wants to join in on her prayer chain – her name is Taylor Jones.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I can thank my mom for this one – “Remember that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time.”
What does being an American
mean to you?
As Americans, we are presented with endless opportunities,
afforded to everyone, equally. Last summer, I watched a citizenship
ceremony, and witnessed a number of people become Americans. Seeing
and hearing their reactions, watching them give thanks, and celebrating in
their joy reminded me that we are blessed to be part of such a great country.
Is it acceptable for titleholder who is religious to share her
faith in public on appearances?
I do believe in our right to
freedom of speech as well as expression. If one's faith
is a very important part of who they are, then wouldn't it be dishonest of
them to suppress that side in hopes of pleasing others? I admire people who
can be themselves to the core and if their religion or faith is a part of that
core then they should not hide it.
What do you think was the most important discovery during the last
quarter century?
Personally, dry shampoo! I
don't consider smartphones a discovery, but more so an invention, so globally
speaking, I think we were all intrigued to discover that Pluto is no longer considered a planet.
What qualities do you think the perfect man should have?
What makes West Virginia unique from the other states?
The people! The people of
West Virginia have a unique sincerity and genuineness about them that I have yet
to find anywhere else. Example: I wrecked my car while traveling for work in a
very rural area of southern WV (12 miles from the Hatfield and McCoy trails is
what the sign I ran into said - to be exact) and I had no cell service. I hadn't
had cell phone service for a good 40 minutes and I knew I was stuck between a
rock and a hard place - literally. I started to panic as it started to rain,
and just like a movie, a car approached
slowly and rolled down the window and the kind West Virginians inside offered
their help. I was towed out of the ditch, had my tire changed for me, was able
to notify my family that I was okay as I was led to the nearest town to have my
car fixed. That is something I feel is so inherent to the hard working,
grateful and amazing people of my state. That's probably why I have never left
here. John Denver said it best, "...almost heaven, West Virginia..."
Why do you want to be the next Miss USA?
I think, like my fellow contestants, it's been a dream of mine
from childhood. That's where the vision started. Now, though, as a pretty accomplished
young woman, I feel I have so much to offer the Miss Universe Organization from
a business & branding standpoint. I am a business woman,
it's in my blood - both of my parents are business people; I think my ability
to have a business sense while maintaining my unique, bubbly & down to
earth self sets me apart. Women in this world are making great strides every
day and I think it's so powerful to see a woman in a leadership position who
can relate to so many people. I've worn many hats in my life & I wouldn't
mind adding a crown to that collection. I'm READY to take the job as Miss USA
and I think that's important.
FLAG OF WEST VIRGINIA
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PHOTO CREDITS: BENIZO, CHARISSE HAISLOP
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