Hancock also encountered some negativity on campus following gher bid to be the next Miss America. While waiting in line in the pizzeria one night, she stood behind two women scrutinizing her glamour shot on the wall.
"Oh, I hate that girl," one apparently said to the other. Hancock was taken aback; she didn't even know them.
"You put yourself in the spotlight, and you have to deal with criticism," she says.
During her year as Miss Massachusetts, Hancock--an environmental science and public policy concentrator--campaigned for environmental protection and youth motivation. She plans to remain in Boston next year after graduation to look for a job in environmental political advocacy. In the more distant future she hopes to pursue a career in broadcast political journalism.
And as far as pageantry is concerned, Hancock is still toying with the idea of entering another competition; officials at Miss USA-Universe have contacted her about an appearance on their circuit.
"I loved being Miss Massachusetts before," she says. "It meant a lot to me, and I'd love to do it again."