An interview with Miss Manhattan Inga Schlingmann
Q: What did you feel like when you won Miss Manhattan?
A: I was completely in shock when I won. I honestly couldn't believe it. I thought that there were so many gorgeous, talented, ambitious, and smart ladies that the winners were really unpredictable. I felt extremely honored that I won.
How did my friends and family react in the days following: "All of my friends were so excited about my win. It was a bit shocking to see so much support. My colleagues/Americorps members were also so wonderful about it all. My platform, which is contingent with the work I'm doing for Americorps, made this win that much better! I'm pretty sure my parents are still in shock, although it will sink in when my Mom brings pictures into work. I look at Miss Manhattan as a shared title because I don't know if I'd be where I am without all the help that I've received." Q: What special preparations did you make prior to the pageant? A: Honestly, I didn't do "that" much. I bought a dress with the help of my mom (I call it Barbie's dream dress because of the color and the large, plastic, rhinestones). I wasn't the most keen on it, but I needed a dress and with an Americorps stipend I didn't really have many options. Plus, I like making my mom happy and she loved the dress so I was happy to oblige. And besides, how often will I be able to wear a dress like that?"
In regards to my platform, resume, and interview prep my boyfriend and I spent many nights talking about it. At work, I would have lunches with friends where we spoke predominately about world issues and those that we were facing at home. My talent was really all Mary No (youtube her at maryno33..she's phenomenal). She choreographed it and taught it to me. She's seriously gifted and I'm so lucky to call her one of my friends." |  Q: Is there anyone you'd like to thank?
A: I was never really good at these because I hate the idea of possibly missing someone. (So, I'm going to make this specifically in regards to pageant preparation so I don't continue on and talk about my kindergarten teacher who taught me to write). I'd like to thank:
(1) My family (both immediate and peripheral) for their undying and unconditional support. A special thank you and sorry for Amy (my cousin) and her fiancee (Shawn) for having to miss their wedding because I'll be competing for Miss New York. (2) Matt for constantly telling me that I'm capable of doing wonderful things in this world, for letting me tap (and scuff up) his hardwood floors so I could practice, and drumming out my tap beats so I could clean up my tap routine (3) Mary No for the incredible tap routine she put together. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have won without it. (4) Katie, my co-worker, for teaching me more about reproductive health and discussing politics over tea every morning at work (5) Sergio and Jennifer for helping me build my confidence as a community health worker and thus a much more efficient Miss Manhattan. My interview had its basis in their teachings. (5) Community Health Workers + Americorps Members for believing in me and giving me that boost when I was feeling insecure. (6) Lastly, my friends (too many to name because I consider so many as my friends) for supporting me, but I would like to especially say thanks to Lauren for coming to the pageant. It was really wonderful to see you in the audience. Those that said prayers for me at night, or thought about me on March 8th, thanks. I love you guys. I've got a lot of love to give. |
