Interview with Miss Central Plains Earth – Amaya McGough

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey it’s been amazing getting to know fellow queens from across the globe.

What made you enter pageants ?

A few years ago, I received an invitation in the mail to apply for the Miss Colorado Teen USA pageant. I had never done a pageant before then and I decided that this might be an opportunity to try something new for me.

Can you tell us about your journey so far ?

My first time competing in a pageant was November in 2018 for the 2019 Miss Colorado Teen USA title. Before then, I had no knowledge or experience with anything related to pageants. I ended up making the top 15 in the final show, which was a shocking, yet amazing feeling. The following year I decided to compete for the 2020 title and made the top 15 again. Now, I have been a delegate for the Miss Earth USA organization since January 2020.

What made you decide to compete in the Miss Earth USA Organization?

I chose the Miss Earth USA organization because of their unique and specific platform on environmental awareness.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

Pageants have taught me the importance of self-love, perseverance and the value of stepping out of my comfort zone.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My platform is to raise awareness on the importance of recycling. I chose this platform because my parents raised me to recycle and I want people to understand that when we throw something out it doesn’t just disappear; it ends up in landfills, and this pollutes our environment.

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title is to one day have the title of Miss Earth.

If you were to win what would it mean to win Miss Earth USA ?

To me, winning would be amazing because I would get to promote my platform on a national level and represent the USA at Miss Earth.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens ?

My advice, stay true to yourself and always find something positive to take away from pageants.

What have you been doing in the run up to the final of Miss Earth USA ?

I have been getting involved in my community by reading books about recycling to elementary students and I’ve also participated in park cleanups.

What’s your favourite ever appearance ?

My favorite appearance was going to an elementary school to read and talk to the second graders about the importance of recycling. It was really special to see how enthusiastic the kids were by the end.

How has the lockdown due to covid 19 effected your pageant journey ?

It has been difficult since there are not many opportunities available and I’ve been trying to do my part by staying home as much as possible. Hopefully in the coming weeks I will be able to get out and do more.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

A good pageant role model is someone with a positive attitude, who has perseverance and most importantly, supports and empowers other women.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

Evening gown is my absolute favorite because I love dressing up in a gown that makes me feel beautiful and confident. Also, seeing all the other girls in their unique gowns is something I always look forward to.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I try to stay in the moment as much as possible to keep my nerves under control. I focus on something other than how nervous I am. I found that there already so much to remember (i.e. hitting the mark, timing, posture) that it usually keeps some of the nerves out of my head.

Social media links:

Title holder instagram: @misscentralplains

Personal instagram: @amaya.mcg

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your title, system and platform for my pageant lockdown project. I wish you all the best at the final of Miss Earth USA. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.