Interview with Miss Ohio National US 2009, Brittany Eckstrom

How did you feel when you were announced the
representative for the state of Ohio?
This is actually my first pageant, so I cannot explain how
excited I was (and still am)! But, if I could begin to explain it, I
would definitely say that I am so proud to have my work qualify me to
be a delegate. When I first received my letter, I was so excited that
I was almost doubting that it really was true! Then the reality of it
all hit me; “WOOHOO!”

What do you feel is the most important quality
in a Miss National US?
I think that Miss National US should be herself. Through this
process, it is very easy to get caught up in portraying who you think
others want you to be. I feel that it is very important for her to be
genuine and true to who she really is inside.
What do you wish to accomplish with your title?  
I really want more people, especially my age, to get involved
with volunteering. It seems like many people in America use the excuse
that they “don’t have time to volunteer.” I want people to be able to
realize that there are so many ways to get involved, even if it’s only
helping out with Sunday brunch at church. I’m hoping that I can help
people to find options to help the people around them, even in little
ways.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I’m a musical theater major at Kent State University,
which takes up so much of time! If I’m not on stage, rehearsing,
memorizing lines, or learning a new song, I love to go to the plaza at
school with my friends and get coffee or just walk around campus with
my boyfriend. I also LOVE to bake cookies in my dorm kitchen with my
best friend Erin.

What would you say is your most prized possession?
My great grandma gave me a bag of rocks when I was younger.
Yes, what a stereotypical silly thing for a grandmother to do. Well, I
thought that it was just something silly that she was doing, but then
she explained these special rocks to me. These little white pebbles
belonged to her sister, who just happened to love traveling. When her
sister was younger, she traveled to Jerusalem, and brought back these
rocks for her. My grandma loved these rocks, and I think that is why
they mean so much to me