With a bright smile on her face, Stephanie Tollefson was honored as runner-up at the 2008 Miss North Dakota pageant. It wasn't until December, when the former Miss North Dakota winner couldn't meet the requirements, that Tollefson was crowned as Miss North Dakota 2008.

Tollefson, 21, was born in Phoenix and grew up in North Dakota. She is living in Bismarck and attending the University of Mary, where she is studying pre-med.

Tollefson has been competing in pageants since she was 15. She was Teen Miss Northern Lights 2004, Miss Congeniality at the 2006 Miss North Dakota pageant and Miss Oil Country 2007. And throughout her years of involvement, she has gained experience for the biggest pageant of them all.

"I've always been involved with my school and community," said Tollefson. "Between 4-H club, sports and speech, I've learned how to be a good role model."

With the Miss USA pageant coming up April 11, Tollefson has been preparing for the big event.

"I've been doing a lot of modeling to prepare myself for stage, and I have also had many interviews, which has helped me open up when speaking with people," said Tollefson.

The Miss USA pageant differs from the Miss America pageant as it focuses more on public speaking, rather than a talent.

"I've been doing a lot of public speaking around elementary schools, but most of my speaking will occur after the pageant," Tollefson said.

Tollefson said she focuses her speaking on raising the awareness of healthy education and the prevention of heart disease. "Many students in high school and college need to learn how to exercise and stay healthy," said Tollefson. "I talk a lot about nutrition and ways to exercise for fun."

But for Tollefson, the pageant means more to her than a chance for public speaking. "Miss USA is a role model position. I have to go into the pageant with confidence and skills," she said.

And with a vast amount of experience, Tollefson has developed the skills and confidence for the pageant. Along with her previous pageant wins, she also has dedicated herself to volunteering and helping around the community.

The Miss USA competition will consist of interviews, evening wear and swimsuit wear.

Besides her obvious fear of tripping on stage, Tollefson has set herself apart from the superficial perception of Miss USA. "The pageant isn't about appearance, but what you can do with it," she said. "Passion is what makes the difference between making or breaking."

In the end, Tollefson said she hopes to make new friends, and open her mind about the views of each state.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I will come out of this pageant being proud of my accomplishments," Tollefson said.

The Miss USA pageant will air April 11 on NBC.