Aly Olson has a wonderful singing voice, a talent she’s honing in the University of Iowa’s School of Music. But she hopes her spoken messages promoting service and inclusion resonate Sept. 14 as she competes for the title of Miss America.

Olson, a senior from Des Moines, is pursuing a bachelor of music in vocal performance, along with certificates in music education and performing arts entrepreneurship. At the UI, she has been involved in various activities and causes, including the LeaderShape Iowa Institute and the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The 21-year-old is taking a year off from the UI to fulfill her duties as Miss Iowa, but will return next year.

Olson answered questions for Iowa Now before heading off to Atlantic City to compete for the Miss America title.

Why did you decide to attend the University of Iowa?

The University of Iowa fully embraced me every step of my journey as a Hawkeye: I received a Presidential Scholarship, met my voice professor Stephen Swanson, and was invited into the UI Honors Program community —all before beginning my freshman year on campus. Since becoming a Hawkeye, I have made amazing connections with faculty, administration, and with other Hawkeyes across the state and the country.

What organizations and programs are you involved with at the UI and why?

As a music student, much of my time is spent singing in the University Choir, in UI Opera Productions, and the all-female a cappella group Take Note. I have also worked with the University of Iowa Foundation through the Student Philanthropy Group, which has allowed me to advocate for the UI to donors and alumni in appreciation of all the support the university has given me.

I have also participated in Walk It Out, the multicultural fashion show on campus for two years and served on the executive committee my junior year, which allowed me to serve my passion for diversity and tolerance.

I work for the UI Honors Program as a living-learning community programmer for Daum and Centerstone Residences, as well as served on the Educational Policy Committee for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee for CLAS, graduated from LeaderShape Iowa, served 30 hours in Detroit with UI Alternative Spring Breaks in March 2014, and spent January 2013 on a UI study abroad trip to Brazil where among other things I learned to samba during Caranaval. Essentially, I have spent my three years at Iowa soaking up as much of the Iowa experience as possible (and sleeping very little!).

As a student leader at the UI, why do you think it’s so important to get involved?

Getting involved has allowed me to explore my interests and practice my passions. I have learned just as much from being a featured performer as I have from sitting in the audience of other UI productions, just as I have learned so much from meeting more of my fellow Hawkeye students and listening to the stories of alumni who have come before me. Through my university involvement, I have built an amazing support and resource network that is supporting me even as I venture beyond the university as well as filling my life with excitement and growth through these experiences.

What attracted you to the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program?

Four years ago, I was Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen, essentially the “little sister” to the Miss Iowa Program. I felt like “Miss Iowa in training” during my year of service and discovered that the Miss Iowa and Miss America Organizations are the best self-improvement courses: I have become a better cook, had a forum for speaking publicly about my opinions and experiences, traveled the state, sang for thousands of people, and built confidence in myself. I have also learned the importance of service through being involved with the Miss Iowa Program: being Miss Iowa is not about being a “queen” but about taking the crown off to place on the head of a little girl to make her dream come true.

How does it feel to be representing Iowa at the Miss America competition?

I truly love my state—from the Iowa State Fair to the UI/ISU rivalry to the corn fields in between. This state has given me all of the experiences and relationships necessary to become Miss America. A Miss Iowa has never won Miss America, so I aim to change that this year. If I do not become the next Miss America, I will be able to work as Miss Iowa until June, an opportunity to allow me to fall further in love with this state and its people.

Your platform is “Do One Thing,” which is designed to encourage conversations about diversity. Why did you decide to focus on this area and why is it important to you?

As a Caucasian woman from the Midwest, I have often been challenged about why I care about diversity and inclusion. I argue that this conversation is pertinent to all of us. As our state and the UI continue to become more diverse, I want all generations to be equipped with the skills to embrace others so that learning and growth are accomplished. This journey begins with simple actions every day, and I invite us all to #DoOneThing.

How has your time as a student at CLAS prepared you for what you’re experiencing now and for what lies ahead?

Being a CLAS student has allowed me to develop a passion for learning across multiple disciplines and through a variety of forums. For example, as I have read up on alternative fuel sources to prepare for my Miss America interview, I am able to connect back to my Introduction to Earth Science class. Beyond appreciating the expansive horizon of learning, I have been exposed to so many wonderful teachers and friends who are supporting me on this journey as Miss Iowa.

I plan to finish my Bachelor of Music after this crazy journey is done. I then predict that I will pursue an MBA and a career in arts administration.

Best memory so far as a Hawkeye?

There are so many to choose from, but my experience serving as an Executive Board Member for Walk It Out Multicultural Fashion Show 2014 was especially rewarding. My team and I poured hours of love and labor into creating a show focused on promoting the many beautiful cultures at the UI. The show was an amazing success and has taught me so much about how to be a leader and connect with Hawkeyes who are immensely different from myself and from each other.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Vote for me to be America’s Choice by Sept. 12 by visiting www.missamerica.org/vote/default.aspx. Also, tune in to ABC on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. CDT to see me compete for Miss America.