With a title of Miss Utah, Sgt. Jill Stevens could have immense opportunities for fame and fortune through modeling, acting or any other type of career that would welcome such an achievement.  However, the 25-year-old has no immediate interest in these things as her first love is the U.S. National Guard. For her it’s preserving her country’s freedom that takes precedence.
It is this characteristic of Steven’s personality that made her an unusual choice as a Miss America contestant. This is because there is the stereotype that women who participate in these contests must be beautiful ‘weaklings’ who do nothing but strut in pretty clothes and wave their hands. In fact, Stevens herself even held such a belief, though it didn’t stop her from entering.
As Stevens became more involved in the beauty pageant process, she realized that the contests actually encouraged the ideals she was already used to when training for the National Guard. This included promotion of education, fitness and leadership. Beauty was only one element of the competition.
Stevens was a good candidate for Miss America because she did fit all of its ideals. In terms of education, the young woman had a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. In terms of fitness she was able to maintain a healthy weight through marathon running. For leadership Stevens has been active in generating funds and publicity for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. This organization is designed as a form of networking for families who have lost loved ones in the military.
