What a Weekend!

They say an idle mind is the devil's workshop. Well, I must believe that wholeheartedly and this past weekend was certainly proof. It consisted of three interviews, singing the national anthem, competing in a pageant and taking a road trip. And I'm sure I'm leaving something out. You might ask why I decided to undertake so much in one little weekend, and for good reason. I honestly could not tell you, except that a world of opportunities simply fell into my lap on that particular weekend and I rose to the challenge. 

Friday

10:30 a.m. The weekend began with an interview. George Mason University has an incredible Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, which offers several alternative breaks throughout the academic year. If you aren't familiar, an alternative break is a service-learning trip taken by college students to counter the "traditional" summer, winter, or spring break. Instead, the trip focuses on a social issue like poverty, literacy, or in my case, disaster relief. I believe my life is about making a difference in the lives of others, so an alternative break has always been part of "The Plan." When I received word that a group was traveling to New Orleans, I knew my time had come. We are partnering with Operation Nehemiah, a non-profit, faith-based, family-oriented organization whose mission to to help "rebuild the walls of people's lives." 

This is my favorite line, but this opportunity couldn't be more appropriate at this stage of my life. I've never been to New Orleans before, so the cultural experience alone is one that I would enjoy. You can imagine that I wasn't required to do much handiwork the past 21 years, and there's a first time for everything. I conveyed all of this in my interview with the trip leaders, and crossed my fingers that it was enough to get me a spot on the trip.

Find out more about CLCE here:

12:30 p.m. I had made my way to Alexandria for the Friends of Rocky Versace Veterans Day program. A couple of weeks prior, I was invited to open the program with the national anthem as Miss Alexandria. Despite the time crunch of the day, I knew this was an opportunity I didn't want give up. And I'm glad I didn't. To say that I was inspired by the bravery Captain Humbert Roque "Rocky" Versace demonstrated as a prisoner of war (POW) in the Vietnam War is an understatement. Four times he tried to escape, but was unsuccessful. He was executed by the Viet Cong, but until his final days, he remained loyal and patriotic to the United States of America. To share in that moment of memory with Rocky's closest friends and his family is something I will never forget. And I am so honored to have been invited to attend. The men and women who fight for our freedom are truly heroes worth our respect. How proud I am to live in the land of the free because it's the home of the brave! Support our troops!

Me singing the Star Spangled Banner

4:30 p.m. After being stuck in traffic on I-66 for about half an hour, I finally made it to rehearsal for Miss Apple Blossom Festival on time (yay me!). I was so excited to be reunited with my Miss Virginia sisters and to meet more incredible young women. I also really wanted to win Miss Apple Blossom Festival 2012, but I had placed it in God's hands a long time ago. I'm a firm believer that what God has for me is for me and there isn't a thing anyone can do about it. I had been suffering cold-like symptoms for the past week and was losing my voice. Since my talent is vocal, I was beginning to worry. After a seven-hour rehearsal, I went home with my host family and my host mom made a bowl of chicken noodle soup for me. I am indeed lucky that I got the host family I did. I have known them a few years, as I was a National American Miss (NAM) state titleholder with the daughter, Olivia, in 2008. Diane and Olivia really welcomed me into their own and treated me like I was part of the family. Olivia even gave up her nice, comfy bed so that I'd have a good night's rest before my interview the next morning.

Saturday

7:12 a.m. When I woke up the next morning, my first thought was: I need to watch the news! If you didn't know, Miss America interviews on the local, state and national levels are HARD. Any topic you can and cannot think of is fair game and your responsibility to be prepared for. Talk about intimidating! I will say that I've learned there is no way to be prepared for everything. In some situations, you just won't know all the details. In my opinion, those moments matter more than the moments you are prepared for, for they show your poise and ability maintain composure. These are absolute necessities for the job of Miss Virginia. It was no surprise that much of what was being covered on the news was the Penn State scandal. There was also local news that I made note of.

12:15 p.m. I had a rather late interview time, which I had no complaints about and which also gave me ample time to not only get ready, but also take a trip to have my eyebrows waxed and get a pair of lashes from the CVS across the street. All of this was accomplished by noon and we left the house for my 12:37 interview time, arriving just after a quarter after. There I sat with a handful of contestants, some of whom had already finished their interview, and the others were awaiting theirs, like me. I find that time to be very instrumental in clearing my head of anything negative and really focusing on the task at hand. Just talking with the people in the holding room made me feel at ease and ready to show the judges what I'm made of.

12:37 p.m. I walked into the interview room, all smiles as usual and began my second interview of the weekend. I talked about my platform, Communication 101: Creating a Lasting Impression, and the negative impact social media is making on our communication skills. I also spoke of the benefits social media has afforded us, whether or not I thought Joe Paterno should have been fired, growing up with three brothers, and my trip to study International Public Relations in London last winter. After leaving the interview room, I felt really good about the picture I had painted for the judges, and couldn't wait for the show that night.

5:30 p.m. By this time, I was back at Daniel Morgan Middle School after quite an eventful Girls Day Out. To summarize, we met with our friends Tammy and Blaire (Blaire is also a former NAM queen) and went jewelry shopping, had a big lunch full of stories of pageant moms, adult bullies, and breakups, and Diane and I got pedicures while the others found retail therapy at the mall. 

7 p.m. The show got off to a great start with an exciting opening number and the Miss contestants proceeded to compete in on-stage question. You'd be amazed to see how much work each contestant puts in for about 3 minutes total of exposure on stage. And this organization certainly rewards us all for that.

All the contestants

Now, backstage before and during the pageant is where memories are made and where we bare all. Literally. We talked of marriage at a young age, the incident at Penn State, our thoughts on interview, and our thoughts on life in general. People often think that pageant contestants are catty, self-centered and not at all friendly with the other contestants. Some are, don't get me wrong; but through my experience, I have only run into a few like that. And none of them were at this pageant. Everyone was extremely supportive of all the others, their accomplishments, their goals and aspirations and, honestly, their ability to win the pageant. Because we know we are surrounded by incredible people like ourselves, we don't feel threatened, as so many people wrongly think we do. We also all have faith that things will turn out the way they should, because it's all in God's hands.

Opening Number

On-stage Question

Swimsuit

As Top 40 music blasted from my iPhone, we all felt at piece and capable of anything. Knowing that only one contestant is walking away with a crown serves two purposes: it pushes us to limits we may never have reached before because each of us wanted the job; and it reminds us that it isn't about the crown at all. Ok, so maybe it is somewhat about the crown. But realistically, we each had a 1 in 12 chance of winning. Doesn't sound tough, but it is. Eight of us had competed on the big stage at Miss Virginia, Miss District of Columbia or Miss VA USA. We were no amateurs. And I liked it that way.

Talent

Evening Gown

Awaiting the results

10 p.m. I didn't win Miss Apple Blossom Festival. In fact, an incredible young woman named Kourtney Ginn did. You may think I'm not, but I am so happy for her. This was her third time competing for Miss Apple Blossom Festival, and I guess the third time was truly a charm for her. I have no doubt that she will represent herself, the Apple Blossom Festival and the Miss Virginia and Miss America Organizations very well. Congratulations, Kourtney! 

Kourtney Ginn
Miss Apple Blossom Festival 2012

Sometimes things just don't happen the way you planned. In some cases, you think they turn out worse, but I think God answers all of our prayers in one of three ways: yes; not right now; or I've got something better in mind. In that, I found peace of mind at a time when I had so many unanswered questions.

Sunday

1:45 p.m. As you can imagine, I was exhausted after the pageant, so I rode back to Louisa with my mom so I could sleep in the car and got up Sunday morning to head back to Mason for my interview at 1:45. This third interview was for the position as an RA my last semester of college. Being an RA is a great leadership position and one that I can certainly learn from. In addition, it eliminates half my tuition because free housing comes with the job. That should make my parents (and their bank accounts) proud. In every interview, no matter what it's for, I always find a way to state that I believe my life is about making a difference in the lives of others, because, indeed, I do. This interview was no different and I think it went over very well. I shared my philosophy of an open-door policy regarding my residents and a willingness to be there for them in their time of need, be it good or bad. I'll find out the results mid-December and be sure to let you know.

2:30 p.m. With interview #3 over and enough time to catch a nap before work at 5, I checked my email to see if there were any updates. I was delighted to find that I had been selected to go on the Re-New Orleans alternative break trip! I couldn't have been happier, after a weekend that I felt was somewhat of a defeat. But I always say, "Every setback is a setup for something incredible." Without a doubt, this was.

5 p.m. As I sat behind the desk of the info booth on campus, I began reflecting on the weekend and looking ahead. According to StrengthsQuest, Positivity is my number one strength. I could easily have told them that without taking the questionnaire that dictated it; but in that moment, it warmed my heart to know that even a computer could find in me what I see in myself: a yearning for greatness and a willingness to stop at nothing to achieve it, despite all obstacles. 

I am already gearing up for my next local pageant and I wouldn't be me if I didn't give it my all. Until next time, this is my Scholarship, Service, Success and Style story. It shouldn't be too hard for you to figure out how they all fit :-)

Me at the After Glow party. I won a raffle!

Survival of the Fittest

I survived my first week of classes and my internship with Aflac with no major injuries or breakdowns. Not only that, but I survived two natural disasters: an earthquake and a hurricane. All in the same week. Time to celebrate!

We're celebrating the fact that my house is still standing. If you didn't know, Mineral is in Louisa County. Which means the earthquake's epicenter was in my hometown. Scary right? All the damages are pretty minor, except our poor garage is breaking away from the house somehow. (I have only a mental picture because I haven't been home since and have to rely on the descriptions of my parents.) I was thrilled to hear that my dog was alive and well, despite her room being a mess when my mom returned. But our schools weren't so lucky. Unfortunately, some were damaged so badly that the fall semester had to be put off until September 12. Furthermore, our high school (MY alma mater :-( ) has to be rebuilt. In a complicated schedule, the middle and high school students will all be having class at the middle school three days a week. Talk about intense! I am so glad that everyone is ok, though.

Damages to my high school :-(

On a brighter note, let me tell you that I feel so OLD this year. That actually wasn't so bright a note at all, now that I think of it. But it's like the freshman students have come and just taken over Mason's campus. The NPHC step expo was last night and I kid you not when I say I knew less people there than I did know. I passed many a stranger the hour and a half I was there. That's saying something, considering I've been here three whole years and met plenty people along the way. Maybe some of them left? Of course! They graduated. How could they? At any rate, this year will be about building new friends and making connections. And that's fine!

Since I don't start my PR internship until next week, my first day of classes was actually the most perfect day ever. I woke up at my leisure and didn't have class until 4:30pm. That class will give me life. I kid you and exaggerate not when I tell you I have the most amazing, accomplished, intellectually stimulating professor I could ever have this semester. And I have had some pretty darned good professors. But he beats them all by a landslide after just one class. As I was listening to his life story, I couldn't help thinking that he couldn't be telling the truth. I pointed this out to him, and he assured my classmates and me that he wasn't a fictitious person. So, of course, we Googled him right there on the spot. He wasn't lying. I don't want to reveal too much just yet, but let's just say he has great connections and we will have some very cool guest speakers visiting with us over the course of the semester. And you know I can't wait.

We all have that one class that we begin to dread after the first ten minutes. Found mine this week. Eureka! Not. Not only is the course itself going to be an extreme challenge and require a large amount of brain power (which I'm fine with as I'd like to consider myself a pretty intelligent person), but my professor will not SPEAK UP! At one point he said he was trying to speak up because a student mentioned she couldn't hear him. Five minutes later, I had to ask if he was still working on being louder because I still couldn't hear a thing. I swear he whispers. He then told me to come closer to him. And write on what, my thighs? Sheesh. I do have to take notes, you know. Oh and his lectures I could get straight from the book and not come to class, but we all know that's not such a grand idea. Plus, I like the people in my class. And when I can hear him, he's pretty funny. Actually, really funny. So I'll just make it work.

My other classes have proven not worthy of a mention at this point, as they were mainly syllabus-reading sessions this week. However, I must say that I am excited about all my classes this semester. Most are writing-intensive and I love writing; and many are PR courses, and that's my goal. I can't complain. I really can't complain about my internship with Aflac. At all. I'm interning in their human resources department, which is really cool because very few people get to be on the other side of the table during interviews and review resumes before deciding to offer someone a job. I am also working on promoting Aflac from a PR perspective. Still at the drawing board, but I feel I'm on the verge of something big. The skills I am learning will be invaluable, I'm sure of it. And to top it all, the pay and perks are GREAT. Accepting this position is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Quack!

Last night was also my dad's birthday, so I drove to Fredericksburg to meet my mom, brother and him for dinner. It was great family bonding time filled with many stories and laughs. I am so blessed to have the family that I do. And friends, too, but family first.

My parents and me at Miss Virginia 2011

Next week, the real fun begins. I have class, work and one of my internships every day. Some days I have all three! An idle mind is the devil's workshop, and as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Until next time, this is my Success story.

Senior Year: Part 1

Winter 2011: London PR study abroad

It both saddens and excites me to think that Monday is the first day of my senior year of college. I know this is cliché, but it seriously seems like yesterday that I moved into my residence hall freshman year. What's amazing is that the friends I made that year are still my friends today, and then some. I couldn't have chosen a better institution to receive my undergraduate degree from than George Mason University. I could go on and on about how great it is, but you’ll just have to come see for yourself. And if I had to do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing. Well, I actually might have dedicated one more minute to my cram and paper-writing sessions, but that's it. I really feel that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be now and I couldn't be happier.

Freshman year: 90s Party

That might be because the school year hasn't officially started yet. And let me tell ya--I am envisioning a semester that will be described as nothing less than intense. Think I'm exaggerating? I'm not. Let's start with 15 credits (which is normal, not an overload at all) and add a part-time job. Cool. Then sprinkle a PAID internship (God is good!) on top, with a side of another internship (when God's good, He's REALLY good!). Not to mention I am the Vice President of Akoma Circle, a mentor program for freshman and transfer students, and my duties for that will seemingly be endless. I somehow have to manage to find time to get mentally prepared for the upcoming local pageant season (my ticket to Miss Virginia 2012) and squeeze in a social life. Oh and my parents (for some odd reason) think I should come home to visit every so often. Bring on the busy! It's already been "broughten." And I wouldn't have it any other way. I can do this.

Sophomore Year as a Patriot Leader

Sophomore Year as a Mason Cheerleader

Junior Year: It snowed

Junior Year: Another Party

The memories I’ve already made really can’t be put into words, but if I had a thousand, these pictures would speak every word of them.

I’m still Delesia. My best friend then is still my best friend, my career goals are the same and I still have my head screwed on right (Why wouldn’t I?) So not much has changed. Except everything has changed. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is, but I do know that I have been changed for good over the past three years. Needless to say, I’ve had a lifetime of preparation, a great foundation, the best friends and family and I possess all the optimism in the world to get me through this challenging, yet thrilling semester ahead. 

Sophomore Year: The Blackout

I have so much to look forward to—what’s below is just a glimpse. They’re in no particular order, yet still in a particular order:

1.      My internships – there’s nothing like having experience in your field

2.      Wicked at the Landmark – saw it on Broadway my senior year of high school (how ironic!) and fell in love. Now I have to see it again, and this time I’m taking my parents. Shhh! It’s a surprise.

3.      Maegan’s Wedding – she’s been one of my closest friends since I moved to Louisa and she’s starting a new chapter of her life with the love of her life. I couldn’t be more happy for her

4.      Miss Virginia locals – it is part of “The Plan,” after all

5.      Memories – I know the memories I make over the next year will forever be etched in my mind and I can’t wait to experience them

6.      Classes – that’s what I’m here for, right? ;-) I commit to being a lifelong learner

I'm ready for this...I think?

Miss Virginia 2011. Made Top 11!

Disclaimer: Despite there being many pictures of me at parties, I really, truly, honestly did not party my life away. 

Until next time, this is my Scholarship story.