Nicole Herrera is the new 2020 Miss Clarendon Teen. Nicole sat down for an Editor’s Office Interview to discuss pageantry, and what drives her.
Editor, Jake McElveen: You are now the 2020 Miss Clarendon Teen, when did this all start for you?
Nicole Herrera: About 3 years ago, I was brought into the Miss South Carolina Teen organization by surprise. It just all became this whirlwind, and I got sucked into the pageantry world. Now, here I am.
E: When you say you were brought in by surprise, what do you mean?
N: I was doing a talent show for a friend of mine, who was already a title holder at the time. I got up and sang, and then got off stage when her directors approached me. They told me to do the pageant, and I didn’t know what to say, so I just agreed. About a month later, I got a call. They told me that the pageant was on that Friday, and that I was going to be in it.
E: Are you from Clarendon County?
N: I’m actually from Myrtle Beach.
E: Did you do pageants at a younger age?
N: Not at all, I never even thought about it until I was on stage.
E: How old are you?
N: I am 16.
E: So, what’s the next step in the process?
N: Miss South Carolina Teen is coming up in the summer, but the next step is really physically and mentally preparing for that. Hopefully, after that, is Miss America’s Outstanding Teen.
E: What else are you involved in through this organization?
N: We do a lot of charity work. The children’s miracle network is a big proponent of the pageant system, so we do a lot with them. We also have our personal platforms, which is our personal motive.
E: What is your personal platform?
N: Mine is “Talk don’t act,” which is preventing suicide and raising mental health awareness.
E: That is extremely important. What made you choose that as your platform?
N: Basically, I have had my own struggles with anxiety. Seeing others who struggle with the same thing, that don’t have the access that I do, is heartbreaking.
E: After this, do you plan on coming back for the regular Miss Clarendon?
N: Definitely, if not next year then soon after.
E: Okay, last question. If you could rate your experience with Miss America so far, how would you rate it?
N: Honestly, 10/10. I have made so many friends, and I am so grateful for that.
