Students walking from class to class in Nelson Hall might pass Kaylee Schatz in the hallway without thinking twice.

Little do they know, she is Miss North Carolina International 2006 — and one busy girl.

“I’m a full-time student in real estate school, a fashion consultant part-time and I started a company about a year and a half ago,” Schatz, a junior in business management concentrating in marketing, said.

This is Schatz’s first semester at the University, as she recently transferred from George Mason University, and said, “I love State.”

“The professors here are great,” she said. “They try to get everyone involved, which was helpful.”

Caleb Netwon, an accounting classmate and senior in economics, said he had no idea at first that he was sitting next to “royalty.”

“She’s a very down-to-earth person,” he said. “My impression is that she’s very smart and on the ball.”

Schatz said she enjoys the sense of Southern hospitality she receives from fellow students.

“It’s a different world. I feel like people will wait 10 seconds to open a door for you,” she said. “They don’t keep to themselves as much.”

She also said she is glad to call the state of North Carolina home.

“I love North Carolina,” Schatz said. “I want to raise my family in North Carolina.”

Schatz’ mother said she isn’t surprised her daughter, the eldest of five, has excelled in the pageant circuit.

“She’s a real people person,” Tammy Calhoun said. “I’m glad to see her in the spotlight.”

The pageant, which took place about two months ago, consisted of interview, fitness, evening gown and fashion categories, excluding the traditional swimsuit competition often associated with such events.

“Rather than having swimsuit, there is fitness, which I like,” Schatz said. “I like the values of the pageant system. They really promote young women.”

In her free time, which seems to be rare, Schatz said she enjoys working out and playing soccer.

“I was in gymnastics growing up. They always tried to get me in dance classes growing up, but I’m not the most graceful person,” she said. “I belonged on the soccer field.”

With her work as an independent fashion consultant, Schatz said most of her advice involves accessories.

“Sunglasses can completely change your entire outfit,” she said. “Also, when you’re comfortable, you’re definitely cuter.”

Schatz, as the reigning Miss North Carolina International, will advance to the final competition in July, where she will face contests from other states, as well as other countries, such as Canada.

“I hope she goes all the way,” Calhoun said. “It’s not the winning but what she’s standing for.”

The platform Schatz is promoting while in office is entitled, “The Write Start: Battling Illiteracy Today, For Our World Tomorrow.”

“I believe education is the key to understanding. Understanding is the basis of acceptance. Acceptance helps build confidence,” Schatz said. “And confidence helps generate success.”

Calhoun said she is glad to see her daughter “open up doors” to such an important issue in the country today.

“She has great morals and values and can really express them in a positive way,” she said. “What she’s standing for is very sincere.”