Meet The 2013-2014 National American Miss Jr PreTeen Josephine McDowell!

Meet Josephine aka Joey! 

NAM: How did you get involved in National American Miss?

Joey: I met a former queen, Kaitlin Jones at a national call.  She was Miss Texas Preteen at the time.  Kaitlin and her mom were so helpful and encouraged me to get involved with NAM. 

NAM: How did you prepare for the National Pageant?

Joey: We practiced one area daily.  My mom, dad and brother would ask me interview questions.  My mom would make me practice my introduction with strangers!  She’s crazy.  We would also watch previous NAM pageants we had on video or on youtube.

NAM: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Joey: My dad is a goofball and is always joking around with me.  He is always saying to me just have fun and do your best.  I can take this advice and use it in anything I am involved in.

NAM:What quote, motto, or scripture best describes you?

Joey: My mom and aunt are always saying “choose faith not fear.”  If I had fear then I would never try anything new.  I believe in the faith of God.

NAM:What are your plans for the future?

Joey: I am always changing my mind about what I want to do when I grow up.  I used to want to be a princess, a magician, a singer, a preschool teacher, a comedian, etc.  For now, I will wait on whatever comes my way because I am still young and have plenty of time to choose.

The crowning moment!

NAM: What activities are you involved in?

Joey: I play softball.  I play catcher and hope to do a little pitching this season.  I am taking jazz because I love to dance.  I don’t think I am very good at it though, but that doesn’t matter.  I love gymnastics and just learned how to do a round of back handspring! I want to take classes again!

NAM: What do you like to do for fun?

Joey: I like reading, playing games or swimming with my family, rollerblading, rock climbing, wakeboarding, skiing, modeling, riding bikes, playing at the park, hanging out with my friends, playing xbox, and much more.  I’m kinda of a tomboy at heart!

NAM: What is one item you can’t live without?

Joey: I cannot live without my new white, extremely soft blanket that my Gran gave me for Christmas.  It goes everywhere with me!!!

NAM: Who is your rolemodel?

Joey: My brother Dylan is my role model because he helps me with homework and plays with me.  Even though I am annoying (or maybe he is the one that is annoying), he quizzes me for tests and checks my homework.  He shows me how to play his xbox games and teaches me new wrestling moves.  

NAM: What is your favorite TV show?

Joey: I love the t.v. show iCarley even though the show ended.  I love Sam!!!  She is so funny  and she reminds me of myself!

Walking across the national stage!

NAM: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?

Joey: I lost my American girl doll, Caroline, in Costa Rica.  I got her for Christmas.  The funny part is that I don’t even know how I lost her!!!  Well, my mom didn’t think it was funny.  At least she is still on vacation and having fun.

NAM: If you had three wishes what would you wish for?

Joey: I would wish for a robot that does anything I want, The best phone ever (my parents won’t let me get one until I’m eleven!!!) and a bunch of money!Hey, I’m still young and can wish for these things!!!

NAM: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

Joey: I would go back to Costa Rica to find my American Girl doll, Caroline.

NAM: What is your definition of a NAM girl?

Joey: Awesome, courageous, funny, cool, sweet!!!  I think a NAM girl is someone who is sweet and encouraging!  

NAM: If you were stranded on a deserted island what three things could you not live without?

Joey: I couldn't live with out my family, my Vera Bradley purse and my friends

My family! 

NAM: What is your most prized possession?

Joey: My family is my most prized possession.  They have supported me for the last three years while doing NAM.   My family supports me in everything I do whether it is out on the softball field, helping me with homework or making me feel better when I’m sad.  They are my biggest fans, and love me unconditionally!!!

NAM: How would your friends describe you?

Joey: Funny, fun to play with, a great friend.  Well that is probably how I would describe myself actually.  My friends would probably say I am a CRAZY!!!

NAM: How are you making a difference in your community?

Joey: I have recently worked at a local food pantry and collected and donated blue jeans to youth in need.  With the help of a girlfriend, we collected jeans from my neighborhood.  I also helped collect blue jeans at my elementary school which were donated to another organization.  

NAM: If you could go back in time and be at any historical event what would it be?

Joey: I would be in the Olympics watching Shannon Miller, the gymnast.  I did a book report on her last year and she is the most decorated gymnast in history!!!

Having a blast in Cali!   

NAM: If you could go back in time and meet one person, who would it be and why?

Joey: I would like to meet Shannon Miller so she can teach me to be a better gymnast.  She is one focused person.

NAM: If you could be famous for something, what would you want to be famous for?

Joey: I would want to be known for being the nicest person to everyone in the world.  And sometimes that is hard to do!  

NAM: What is your favorite book? and why?

Joey: I love the book Wonder because it teachers you to be nice.  I could not put this book down.  It is probably one of the first books that made me cry!!!  I love reading.

NAM: Where is your favorite place to shop?

Joey: I love the store “Justice for Girls.”  I really don’t shop for clothes there.  I like all the other items they sell like journals, fake nails, jewelry, etc.  My mom makes me use my own money when we go there! 

NAM: Who is the most influential person in the world now?

Joey: I think Harry Styles is the most influential person in the world for his hair.  I LOVE his hair!!!  I really like their music too!

Texas girls at nationals! 

NAM: Who or what inspires you most?

Joey: Taylor Swift really inspires me because she is a great singer.  My mom and I went to her concert last year.  She was amazing!!!  I love her voice and I think she is a wonderful role model for girls. 

NAM: What have you learned about yourself since competing in pageants?

Joey: It has taught me not to be shy in uncomfortable or unfamiliar places because normally I’m not shy at all!!!  

        NAM: What advice do you have for future NAM girls?

Joey: Do your best and have fun.  NAM is a terrific organization for girls my age.  It has given me friends all over the U.S.  I have amazing older sister queens who I look up to and are great role models.   

      NAM: What things do you hope to accomplish during your year of service?

Joey: I can’t wait to make new friends and help encourage girls who are competing.  I hope to make them feel good about themselves!

NAM: What would you like to be doing 10 years from now?

Joey: I received a camera around Thanksgiving and I became obsessed.  So right now I want to be a photographer!!!  

My sister queens! 

NAM: If someone could live your life for a week, what would they find most interesting?

Joey: I have a very interesting and loud family!!!  My family is crazy.  I guess that is where I get it from!

NAM: What is the best compliment you have ever received? 

Joey: You are the sweetest girl ever!

Making an appearance in my community!

The 2013-2014 National American Miss Jr PreTeen!