Interview with Miss Kansas National US 2009, Carlanda McKinney

What do you wish to accomplish with your title?

Honestly, I want to be an inspiration. I know that may
sound cliche and cheesy, but I know of so many
people who come from similar backgrounds as mine
and never really have anyone to look up to.
I want to help at least one person see that there is
a much bigger world out there than what you can
see out of your window and that opportunity is everywhere.
You just have to look for it.

As a titleholder you're considered a role model, 
who do you look up to?
The first person that comes to mind is a friend of mine I met about a
year ago. She is 27 with an AMAZING job, an MBA and owns a beautiful
home. She just got married about a month ago and is basically doing
many of the things that I see myself doing in the next five years.
I say this because I think it is important for people to have "real
life" role models. Those who aren't "celebrities", but are just as inspiring.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
SLEEP! Seriously, with everything I do in a day, from class to
working out to having TWO jobs, when I get a minute to relax I
usually end up falling asleep. But, on those rare occasions when I
have spare time and I'm not tired, I like to do "at home spa
treatments". Bubble bath and candles...yessss!

What do you feel is the most important quality in a Miss National US?
The ability to be universal; to relate to all types of people, from
all walks of life, no matter what their race, sex, age, religion,
political affiliation etc. For people to be able to look at her and
feel as though she is someone they could run into in the supermarket,
or that she could be a friend their daughter meets in college.
Someone people would feel comfortable with their children looking up to.

What are you looking forward to the most come pageant week?
I am a very social person, so I am really looking forward to meeting
all of the other delegates. I can't wait to sit down and talk to
everyone and find out all about them. I'm sure that some lasting
friendships will be formed while we're there!