The workouts took a lot of energy, but Turner kept at it. "Wearing a swimsuit on stage is a good incentive for exercise," she says.

The 21-year-old also discussed current events regularly with a local attorney, who helped her keep up with the world and articulate her thoughts on issues.

Turner gave the job her all, and says she had a good time.

"It was a one year commitment and I don't think I would have appreciated it as much if I hadn't know that it was limited to just one year. I am very thankful to have that year to look back on," Turner says.

Clarissa J. Ngo '97, Turner's suitmate since sophomore year, says her friend's celebrity status made daily life at Harvard a little more exciting--and more lonely.

"She always had these exciting stories when she came home from events, and she is a very good storyteller," Ngo says. But with so much going on, Ngo says, "[Turner] was just here less."

Miss America Pageant

Before her two-week stay at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, Turner and the 49 other state winners spent four days vacationing in Orlando, Fla., the home of Walt Disney World.

"We got to cut to the front of all the lines!" she says.

One of Turner's most vivid memories was performing a piano solo before a live audience of hundreds and a television viewership of 40 million.

As she walked off the stage, Turner says, she knew she had nailed the piece. "It was a tremendous rush."

"All of my friends, all of my family members and an additional couple million got to share that with me," she says.

Though she was in the spotlight, Turner never lost touch with her humble beginnings.

"When people get to know me they see that I am sincere when I tell them about how I viewed the year," she says. "I meant what I said when I talked about wanting to be a role model for people."

"I wanted to tell people next year I won't have this, but what got me here will still be with me, the characteristics and commitments," she says.

Turner says she thinks the speaking skills and confidence gained during her reign will prove valuable when she begins a career in business or government after graduation.

Turner says she'll continue holding the same ideals that helped her win the contest. And while she has reached celebrity status on campus, she says life will return to normal, with plenty of time for studies, campus tours and singing with the Radcliffe Pitches.

"I am so happy to be a senior and to be just a student," she says.