UMass Amherst Alumni Association
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Alumni Profile - Alicia Zitka '07
She may be a new to the runway, but
Alicia Zitka ’07 has always possessed the poise, talent, and dedication to service to make her a perfect Miss Massachusetts 2008. Zitka won this title, a preliminary to the Miss America Pageant, as a first-time entry to the program this past June. The Miss America organization is the largest source of scholarships for young women in the country, and promotes volunteerism by participating in the National Day of Service and many local community service events. In this interview Zitka shares her experiences and insights on participating in this unique program.
How did you become interested in the Miss Massachusetts and
Miss America pageants?
I became interested in pageants while I was in college. I was looking for different ways to obtain scholarship money to further my education. The Miss America organization sparked my interest because it involved many of my lifelong passions including education, community involvement, and the performing arts.
What was your first pageant?
My first pageant was the "Miss Western Massachusetts" pageant, which was a preliminary to Miss Massachusetts. I didn't know what to expect when I entered and I was blown away by how accomplished, talented, and intelligent the young women were, who were involved in the pageant. I finished as 1st runner-up and learned a lot about myself and the organization.
How did you select your platform?
I chose my personal platform, "Building Self Confidence in Children" after witnessing my peers making destructive decisions because they wanted to fit in or feel better about themselves. That's when it occurred to me that self-esteem was responsible for so many problems in our society such as violence, self-image distortion, and depression. To promote my platform, I focus on talking to children and adolescents about setting goals, having healthy role models, and thinking positively.
To promote the Miss America organization's national platform, The Children's Miracle Network, I am committed to visiting Children's Miracle Network hospitals across Massachusetts and speaking about positive thinking. I also raise funds and awareness for the cause by participating in numerous events, including the annual Radiothon and Telethon. The children that I visit are an inspiration because they are courageously facing some of life's greatest challenges. I am honored to be involved in their lives and admire their spirit, optimism, and bravery.
What is your schedule like, as Miss Massachusetts?
My schedule as Miss Massachusetts is exciting... I never know what to expect! I have been very busy with media interviews, as well as paperwork and preparations for the Miss America pageant. I have been making numerous appearances throughout Massachusetts, which requires me to basically live out of a suitcase... but I am enjoying every minute of this experience. It is a blessing!
What is your regime to prepare you for the Miss America pageant in January?
My preparation is just beginning... So far, I have been collaborating with the Miss Massachusetts Board of Directors to finalize paperwork for Miss America. In addition, I now have a personal trainer, hairstylist, interview coach, and clothing sponsor to help me to prepare for the Miss America pageant.
What are your goals after the Miss America pageant?
After the Miss America pageant, I want to continue to promote "Building Self Confidence in Children" and the Children's Miracle Network. I also look forward to attending graduate school to study broadcast journalism, in hopes of one day becoming a broadcast journalist or a host of my own television show. I also want to remain involved in the performing arts by dancing and modeling.
Can you provide a few thoughts about UMass Amherst experience?
My education at UMass prepared me for the real world by exposing me to many different people and ideas. UMass taught me to be ambitious when setting goals and dedicated to achieving them. At UMass, I found my voice and learned how to use it to make a difference in society.
Read more about Miss Massachusetts 2008
By Elena Lamontagne
7/30/08
