It's hard for me to comprehend that three weeks ago, my world changed. I had finished my interview, the first night of prelims was wrapping up, and I was headed to visitation. I felt confident, but never had any clue what would happen on Saturday night. The following two nights I did my best and kept pushing myself with less and less hours of sleep. I received gifts like it was my birthday everyday and I carried a teddy bear around with me because I needed something to remind me of home.
I loved every minute of it.
Watching girls getting called out for the top 10 was one of the largest emotional roller coasters I've ever ridden. In fact, I had counted myself out and then at #9 they called my name. My knees have never quaked more in my life. An eerie sense of peace crept over the initial shock and it was off to the races. I hate to run over the events that happened on and off stage, SO a quick shout out to my AMAZING dressing room that had things ready and waiting for me when I came off stage. Also, they Sally Hansened (yes, that became a verb) me and gave me one HECK of a tan. Thanks to Betty for being my chili dog, Adeline for inspiring me with a great voicemail (I went out there, did my best, and had fun), and the laughter that came from the amazing hostesses.
At the end of it all, there I was, standing face to face with the reality that no matter what the outcome, I could be Miss Georgia. Holding hands with one of my best friends, talking non-stop, feeling like my heart was in my butt. Hearing my name called for first runner-up was like an out of body experience. Maggie's face is something I will cherish forever, and looking to the crowd I knew that this was the way things were meant to be.
I've enjoyed my years in and out of the pageant system. There is no doubt in my brain that I was there for the right reason at the right time. Statistically, I shouldn't have even been in the top ten since 4 other girls from my group were called out before me. I then defied the odds a second time by making the top 5. But looking back on my life, that's what I've done. I've defied the odds.
At 11 years old I lost a brother and had a father with a degenerative brain disease. I should've grown up an emotional wreck. At 14 I lost my father. According to every possible statistic, I should've fallen back into my hole and clung to depression. At 17 I had my soccer scholarships and chances ripped away by a torn ACL in a freak accident in the first game of the season. I continued to play and still got offers. At 20 I had a tumor removed from my breast. Yet I still pushed away pity and depression and shared a message of hope.
Every day I defy the odds by smiling, laughing. and LOVING. By all accounts I should NOT be the person I am today. I didn't do this all by myself. I reached (and still continue) to reach out for help. Somedays, I just go home and cry. But everyday I wake up is a day that I can change the world. This year I decided to try and change the world thru pageants and I did. I have received contact from people nation-wide about how my platform has impacted their lives and THAT is what's important. I would have loved to have won Miss Georgia, but the messages I received post-competition remind me that it's not about the crown, It's about the person that's underneath it.
At the ripe age of 22, I am saying goodbye to the competition side of the pageant world. (Barring the very large chance that Maggie wins Miss America and I become Miss Georgia.) I have defied the odds there. For me, there is a whole different world that is calling my name. Science. For me, science is the escape from the world where I can imagine anything and everything at the same time. It's the place where I enter and 12 hours pass by like 20 minutes. Call me a lab rat, but I like being one.
I am a scientist. I am a pageant queen. It looks like the odds could actually be in my favor.
Live Today.
I loved every minute of it.
Watching girls getting called out for the top 10 was one of the largest emotional roller coasters I've ever ridden. In fact, I had counted myself out and then at #9 they called my name. My knees have never quaked more in my life. An eerie sense of peace crept over the initial shock and it was off to the races. I hate to run over the events that happened on and off stage, SO a quick shout out to my AMAZING dressing room that had things ready and waiting for me when I came off stage. Also, they Sally Hansened (yes, that became a verb) me and gave me one HECK of a tan. Thanks to Betty for being my chili dog, Adeline for inspiring me with a great voicemail (I went out there, did my best, and had fun), and the laughter that came from the amazing hostesses.
At the end of it all, there I was, standing face to face with the reality that no matter what the outcome, I could be Miss Georgia. Holding hands with one of my best friends, talking non-stop, feeling like my heart was in my butt. Hearing my name called for first runner-up was like an out of body experience. Maggie's face is something I will cherish forever, and looking to the crowd I knew that this was the way things were meant to be.
I've enjoyed my years in and out of the pageant system. There is no doubt in my brain that I was there for the right reason at the right time. Statistically, I shouldn't have even been in the top ten since 4 other girls from my group were called out before me. I then defied the odds a second time by making the top 5. But looking back on my life, that's what I've done. I've defied the odds.
At 11 years old I lost a brother and had a father with a degenerative brain disease. I should've grown up an emotional wreck. At 14 I lost my father. According to every possible statistic, I should've fallen back into my hole and clung to depression. At 17 I had my soccer scholarships and chances ripped away by a torn ACL in a freak accident in the first game of the season. I continued to play and still got offers. At 20 I had a tumor removed from my breast. Yet I still pushed away pity and depression and shared a message of hope.
Every day I defy the odds by smiling, laughing. and LOVING. By all accounts I should NOT be the person I am today. I didn't do this all by myself. I reached (and still continue) to reach out for help. Somedays, I just go home and cry. But everyday I wake up is a day that I can change the world. This year I decided to try and change the world thru pageants and I did. I have received contact from people nation-wide about how my platform has impacted their lives and THAT is what's important. I would have loved to have won Miss Georgia, but the messages I received post-competition remind me that it's not about the crown, It's about the person that's underneath it.
At the ripe age of 22, I am saying goodbye to the competition side of the pageant world. (Barring the very large chance that Maggie wins Miss America and I become Miss Georgia.) I have defied the odds there. For me, there is a whole different world that is calling my name. Science. For me, science is the escape from the world where I can imagine anything and everything at the same time. It's the place where I enter and 12 hours pass by like 20 minutes. Call me a lab rat, but I like being one.
I am a scientist. I am a pageant queen. It looks like the odds could actually be in my favor.
Live Today.
