INTERVIEW: Miss Missouri Earth USA 2022

from Crowns and Sashes Magazine October 2022

Title, name & age?

My name is Robin Torres, I am 26, and I am Miss Missouri Earth USA 2022.

What made you enter pageants in the first place?

I feel like all good stories always start with a friend. My best friend had just begun pageants and was really learning exactly what pageants had to offer. As an enneagram 3, I naturally love to be an overachiever. The more I began to speak to her about my passions and life goals, she really zoned in on me needing to just open my mind up to see what pageants were all about. At that moment I thought to myself, I am a wrestling coach and don't do pageants. But I decided to take one Saturday to watch a few Miss USA past pageants and see what it could offer. I remember hearing Anea Garcia, Miss Rhode Island USA's story and thinking her story reminded me of my struggles and the adversities I faced growing up. Right there I knew pageants were past surface level and was ready to share my story too.

Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?

I started my journey actually not too long ago, in 2021 with the Miss USA system. After competing twice in Miss Missouri USA, I decided to branch out and try the Miss Earth system. Competing at Miss Missouri Earth was my third pageant ever, and I was crowned on August 13th, 2022, in Louisville, KY.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

The Miss Earth system caught my eye because it truly embodies diversity and inclusivity. When I first started my journey, I actually debated between the Earth system and the USA system. Since I am 26, I wanted to make sure I ended my pageant journey with no regrets. Knowing the Miss Earth system has been on the forefront of creating a trailblazing pageant journey for all, and shifting the mold and standard for titleholders, I wanted to be a part of something that great.

What is the best thing that pageants have taught you?

The biggest thing that pageants have taught me is that we are so much more valuable than we give ourselves credit for. In everyday life it's easy to say, "Am I worthy enough?" or "Do I deserve this?". However, when you start pageants, you really have to get comfortable with knowing your story, who you are, and what you have to offer. The woman who started pageants is not the woman with the crown today. There's been so much growth alone, in just recognizing that I am this successful woman with something to offer the world.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

My platform is called The Treasured Program. It focuses on assisting first-generation college freshmen through their college journeys, by pairing them with like mentors–ensuring higher retention rates and financial literacy. This platform became big on my heart during the pandemic, when I housed two collegiate athletes who didn't know where they would go with their university closing. They were stuck with trying to decide between paying for school and paying for the cost of living. It brought me back to when I was in college and was forced to make the same decision. Growing up as the oldest of nine, my family didn't have expendable income and so I wasn't able to afford both college and my regular cost of living all at once. So that summer both of those athletes lived with me, with only one guideline: I will pay for everyday living costs (food, housing, etc.), but you must work to pay off school. It made me realize that there are so many other first-generation college students who are facing the same adversities. With The Treasured Program, those students will have a mentor to look towards that can help them with those steps that will lead to graduation.

What’s your dream title?

Miss Earth is one title I am so excited to have the opportunity to hold. It truly would be an amazing endeavor. It would allow me to not only make an impact on my state, but implement change across our nation, across the board.

If you were to win, what would it mean to you?

Growing up and never seeing or hearing women with my story, this would be a win for not just 10-year-old Robin, but all the other girls who have felt that way before. As a product of divorced parents, a survivor of physical/sexual abuse and attempted suicide, a woman apart of the LGBTQ2+ community, a first-generation high school graduate and college student, and a female wrestling coach, I feel like I've been a case of "possible statistics" all my life. I want to ensure that girls, boys, men and women know that the adversities don't have to define you. They can always be the stories leading to your greatness.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists?

Everyone says this but being yourself is the best thing you can do. Being yourself and KNOWING yourself, is going to be what separates you from everyone else, because no one else has your perspective and insight. Taking that time to truly recognize your story, and your why behind it all is so crucial.

What have you been doing in the run up to your pageant final?

I was one of the last state pageants, so I really hit the ground running. I've been really working in my community, and with my overall state. I've been able to work alongside high schools, and in the small towns of Missouri and it's been amazing. Also, organizing my reign has definitely been a huge part of being a titleholder. Organization as a titleholder is SO IMPORTANT. When I don't have my crown and sash on, I am coaching wrestling, and helping veterans on their path to home ownership so I truly believe an organized queen is an accomplished one. I've also been working with my coaches, who are amazing, with getting to the smaller details before Miss Earth USA to make sure I'm ready for Florida!

What is your favourite ever appearance?

Recently, I visited the town of Augusta, Missouri for their Harvest Festival and it was such an amazing day. The town was so warm and welcoming. I had the privilege of helping with the children's events, joining in the parade, and got to tour the beautiful town and spend dinner at their Harvest Dinner as well. It felt so surreal because I was able to share my story, and the people of Augusta were so supportive. Small towns are like families, and I am so grateful I got to be a part of the experience.

What makes a good pageant role model?

I view being a good pageant role model like that of being a good big sister. Being authentic, supportive, positive, and uplifting can go such a long way. It's also being transparent and honest, social media creates highlights, and as a titleholder it's very important to show the world that everyone can have bad days. The last thing I would say is being actionable, doing for your community and those around you.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

Swimsuit is so fun and definitely my favorite! It's very sassy and has always allowed me to show my personality. I think it goes farther than the swimsuit itself, getting up there takes so much inner work and confidence to be comfortable on stage. It's why I've come to love it so much.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

Making a playlist is my immediate go-to! Like when I was wrestling in college, fun music has always been able to change my mood instantly and make me more excited than nervous. I'm also an extrovert so I get to shake it out when I talk to people. Being in the moment vs. in my head is always the best route to go.