Got Greek?

Interview with Katerina Dimitratos

smarudas | Apr 26, 2010 | Comments 0

The “Got Greek of the Week” interview with Katerina Dimitratos: Today, New Jersey. Tomorrow….

KATERINA DIMITRATOS, with her BS in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall firmly in hand, may have finished the first stage of fulfilling her dream of becoming a U.S. Senator one day — but right now she’s aiming to win another kind of competition this summer — to become Miss United States. Here are some excerpts from our “Got Greek?” interview with Katerina Dimitratos:

Q: You recently were named Miss New Jersey and are going to compete for Miss United States in Las Vegas this summer. That’s no small feat. Describe what it took for you to advance this far.

A: I was fortunate enough to attend Seton Hall and encounter great people, experiences and education. I’ve had a phenomenal support system within my family and friends where no dream is too big or unattainable.

I’ve always been able to speak well in front of an audience. I was the president of Seton Hall’s Hellenic Society and my BS is in International Relations and Diplomacy. The diplomacy program at Seton Hall definitely focuses on real life experiences where many professors are actually ambassadors, and there are also many study abroad and internship opportunities that emphasize independence and leadership.

I may not be the typical pageant girl. But I’m intelligent enough and have the drive to be a real competitor. It was at my undergrad graduation that the president of Seton Hall said “With intelligence you will get far in life; but with intelligence and character you will be unstoppable.” I definitely believe I bring both to the table.

Q: What led you to get involved in beauty pageants, and how old were you when you first started?

A: I was actually never really involved in beauty pageants! My first pageant, at the coercion of my twin brother Andreas, was the Miss Greek Independence Pageant in New York in 2008 when I was 22 years old. I thought I would give it a shot since a few friends were as well. But when I enter any contest, I like to excel and strive to be the best. At Miss Greek Independence, I placed as first runner-up. Sixteen beautiful and smart Greek-American young ladies were involved in the competition that year!

Q: What are you doing to prepare for the Miss United States contest?

A: Like I did with the Miss Greek Independence Pageant, I have been focusing on each element of the Miss US contest: the personal interview, the swimsuit competition and the evening wear segment. It’s amazing how well-connected the Greek community is. From one Greek to another, I have discovered multiple designers, coaches, trainers and reporters to help with the road to nationals! I really believe it’s an entire community effort – a New Jersey and Hellenic one. I only hope to represent both well!

Q: What drives you on a day to day basis?

A: I am a perfectionist! I do not waste my time on a task, project, competition or even an assignment in graduate school without having the best possible results in mind as my target.

Q: Dream job?

A: This has changed over the years. When I was younger, I always wanted to be president of the United States (my dad still reminds me of this). I would definitely love to eventually be a United States senator. However, my immediate goal and dream job is to be a lawyer for an international corporation dealing with sustainability, social responsibility and human rights issues.

Q: Favorite Greek dish?

A: This has to be the MOST difficult question! I don’t think I could pick one Greek dish. The question makes me think of Kefalonia and my grandparents’ house, where everything in Greece tastes better simply because of the surroundings you’re in.

Q: Is there a Greek-related object you own that you really value?

A: It’s a tie! In 2004, my cousins in Athens bought me a Panathinaikos jersey; and in 2008, one of my best friends from Athens bought matching bracelets for us from a shop in Chania, Crete where we were studying abroad with Georgetown University. Both mementos remind me of each of those summers spent with family and friends in Greece.

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Over the past year, we’ve been listening to students from one end of the country to the other... From Greek-American and Greek-Greek, to Greek- Irish, Greek-Iranian and even Greek-Chinese — they all say they’ve “got Greek.” Your voice belongs in this conversation. That’s why we’re inviting you to take the Got Greek? survey... [read more]
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The Next Generation National Research Study would not be possible without the continuing support of the Zapis Charitable Foundation, and the additional support of the Maliotis Charitable Foundation and others — along with the participation of the more than 50 Hellenic Student Associations and their leaders who have helped make this a truly national study. The Research Study would not exist without the vision and dedication of its creator and director, Stephanie Marudas, who has guided the Study from the outset, and marshaled the efforts of an outstanding team — including the Study’s lead academic advisor Queens College Professor Nicos Alexiou, Queens College graduate Mary Diaz, Queens College student Olivia Tousius, Northwestern Students Katerina Alexopoulos and Tania Karas, University of Pennsylvania graduate Chris Zervoudis, and the contributions of our advisors from around the country, including the initial guidance of the late Professor Charles Moskos of Northwestern University, and assistance from Professors James Dimitriou of the University of Southern California, Alexander Kitroeff of Haverford College, and Yiorgos Anagnostou of Ohio State University. Thanks to all of you!

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