people
INTERVIEW WITH
Nia Sanchez
strong independent woman that
has a positive outlook on life.
By Kenneth Isom Barnes
You have lived through some difficult times
in your life including a period living in a shelter
when you were a child. How do you think that
experience shaped your childhood and adult life?
My life experiences have made
who I am today. I’ve learned so
much and
grown
to be
a
Did that experience leave you with
any sense of anger or resentment?
No, I’ve always had the mentality that
I can shape and determine my future.
When I was growing up, my mom would
tell me that it’s possible to be molded
by my surroundings, or I can choose
to change my life for the better. I’ve
always chosen positivity and growth.
I hope not to pry too deeply in this topic, but how
does one overcome the unfairness that life can bring?
I think that overcoming unfairness has
to do with how you overcome challenges
mentally. You can let it get you down, or
choose to see those challenges as steppingstones to move you forward in life.
Do you believe it possible that someone
could go through so many tragedies that they
become unable to love or to be loved?
No, never! We were created to love
and to be loved. I actually have that as a
quote on my “about me” section of my
Instagram. I am a person of faith, and I
believe every person was created perfect
in the image of God. There is love and
forgiveness in the world, I feel like at any
time in our lives, we can choose to start
over and create the life we want!
Changing topics, your paternal
grandfather is Mexican. How has
México, Mexican culture,
Mexican-American culture
shaped your life?
I started really
learning about my
family and culture
in my early teen
50 Food Mexico and Me Special Edition 2015
years when I started going to our huge family
gatherings! I feel lucky to have that Mexican
American culture and am very proud of it!
Do you like Mexican food?
No, I do not like Mexican food.... I love it!!
Have you ever attempted to cook some of
México’s more exotic dishes? I’m not quite sure
what would exactly qualify as an "exotic
Mexican dish" but I love to make Enchiladas!
Sounds delicious, I wanted ask about
your year as Miss USA. How has it been?
My year as Miss USA has been so much
fun! I feel very blessed to have my title,
and I’ve tried to live fully in every moment.
Being Miss USA is a full time job that has
provided me with many opportunities for
my future. I am now ready to transition into
my next job, but I’ve loved this past year.
What are your plans afterwards?
I have a few things planned after Miss
USA, first and most exciting, I’m getting
married! As far as work, I hope to be working
in the entertainment industry as a television
host. I am also working on a blog that I hope
to have up with in the next two months!
Okay, my last question is about “haters.” It seems
anyone who even attempts to achieve something
attracts negativity from others. Do you have a theory
as to why this is? Unfortunately, I feel like this is
common in our world. People see someone
succeeding and try to tear him or her down.
My best advice to someone that has “haters,”
is to surround yourself with positive friends
who are also motivated. You and your
friends will lift each other up and empower
each other to do bigger and better things!
It has been a pleasure speaking with you.
www.mexico.is