An Armenian American , Zakarian was born in Amsterdam , New York and represented the state of New York at the Miss Teen USA pageant . Before then , she was a babysitter for Jessica Collins , Miss New York Teen USA 1988 and first runner-up to Miss Teen USA 1988 . During her interview , Collins called attention to this fact with Zakarian in attendance
Miss Teen USA 1988
Miss Teen USA 1988
Ruth Zakarian