Miss Alabama

Canden Bliss Jackson

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Haha...Well, a few summers ago, my friend and I (Mom tagged along too) went shark fishing with a friend of the family off the coast of Gulf Shores, AL, which is only about 25 minutes from my house. We had to dig through a dumpster at the local marina to find "chum" (dead fish heads) to throw out for bait...Can I say, YUCK? Haha, but it was actually really fun just laughing at ourselves as we picked up stinky fish heads out of the garbage. But the story doesn't end there. We anchored out a mile offshore and started throwing out the "chum". It was already pretty late at night by the time we got out there and a storm had started brewing out in the gulf. Lightning was popping all around the boat and the waves were sloshing water up into the boat as it rocked from side to side. We ended up having to go to a nearby marina and wait for the storm to blow over us. We waited and waited for hours and then went back out. Within a couple of minutes of anchoring again, we reeled in a 6 foot bull shark! AHH! We pulled it up into the boat and I got to touch it. We got an 8 foot shark on the line after that. We got back to the condo at about four in the morning but it was so much fun and so crazy I almost can't believe I did it! The night was one I know I will never forget.

If you could have lunch with any one (1) person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Michelangelo. Michelangelo Buonarroti is, to me, the most brilliant artist in history. His works are inspiring and uplifting, as well as harsh and serious. He tried so hard in his pieces to convey a sense of alternate reality that is mystical, yet, at the same time, real and true. I had the amazing privlage to visit the Sistine Chapel when I was traveling in Italy two summers ago. I had just finished reading the book, "Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling", for my AP European History course, and could not wait to see the story in real-life. I admire so much his passion, dedication and persistence throughout his life. I love the spirituality that comes out in his work. It is obvious when considering the subjects of his work, that he was close to God during all the troubles he faced. Lunch, of course, would not be formal enough for such a grandiose artiste, nor would lunch be enough time to pick apart such a complex and magnificent mind. Lunch, if it was all I could ascertain, would be a picnic, perhaps on a hillside overlooking the Roman Forum, or in the Vatican Courtyard admiring some of his smaller pieces. Maybe we would walk through the chapel with our necks tilted backwards as he tells me all the little stories that no one knew. One mural of the Sistine Chapel will forever be in the back of my mind; Paradise and Purgatory. The beauty and magnificence of God's angels' ascension into Heaven is contrasted by bitter agony and pain of hell. Just to be able to sit with this man for hours and just stare into his eyes and admire them as he did his own work would be a dream come true. If time was short, all that is really needed to say is, "Thank You". I would thank him for leaving me, and the rest of the world, with such remarkable works of art, and insight into all the talent and creativity that God blessed him with.

Please list any Honors/Awards you have received in the past 2 years.
Miss Alabama Teen USA 2007
Recognized Wofford Scholar
UDA All-Star/Jr. and Sr. Year
Recognized by the Alabama House of Representatives and the Governor Bob Riley for my dedication in working with teens children and for being a good role model and an "Outstanding Alabamian"
Nominated and asked to be a student ambassador for People to People '05, '06, and '07...
Nominated to attend a leadership conference on Medicine, and another on Law, in Washington D.C.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
Speaking to Middle Schoolers on self-esteem. My middle school years were miserable and I hated myself because everyone seemed to-but now that I have found my own confidence and strength, I want to share it with those who think they are unworthy and alone.

Name one personal accomplishment (IN ADDITION to being a State Titleholder) that makes you especially proud.
The fact that I am confident in my own skin and uphold my moral standards and religious beliefs even though I am persecuted, quite often, for having them. In this world we live in today, it is hard to hold on to innocence. I am proud that I have found a way to not only hold onto it, but to share the freedom in it with others.

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