A Week to Give

I will search no more, for I found myself in New Orleans a couple weeks ago during my spring break. What was I doing down there? Well, I was giving and the funny thing is I found myself by losing myself in the service of others. Gandhi coined that phrase: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." And that I did, because for quite some time, I have been pondering what on earth the dream job is for a girl of many interests like me. But in keeping with my own motto for life (which I borrowed from the late, great Whitney), "Each day I live I want to be a day to give the best of me," my dream job is simply: a day to give. Or days, rather.

I decided to venture to the Crescent City for various reasons, but the biggest being that I wanted the final spring break of my undergraduate degree to be about something and someone other than me. So often, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to slow down and enjoy it while we can. We're all guilty of it and we all can do something about it, so I did. I spent a day hanging sheet rock, another visiting the elderly, another assembling bunk beds at a homeless shelter, two more removing debris from a store badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina, and a week with some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet, all with the same mindset: a week of selflessness. I can't even begin to tell you how exhausted we were at the end of each day, but that exhaustion brought us happiness and peace of mind knowing we made a difference.

               

Although we were able to make a difference and change people's lives, our own lives did not go unchanged. Immersion in a culture quite unlike our own, complete with gumbo, jambalaya and po-boys, not to mention street musicians and even a night of Rock 'n' Bowl all really granted us perspective, which we all too often need. And I had more fun than I'd had in a long time, yet I'm usually having too much fun. That should tell you something. Grateful was our word for the week, and we all took turns writing down what we were grateful for each night in our shared journal: newly formed friendships, our physical ability to help others and the impact we could all feel, among other things. Without this time of reflection, I don't think we would have been changed as much as we have.

They say you should give until it hurts and then you give some more. Well, I'm living proof that it's frightening, yet incredible how true that is. And that is why (in a perfect world with a rich husband or an uncle who leaves me in his will or by stroke of luck, I win the lottery) I would spend my days giving back to those who so desperately need the beacon of hope I am sure I can provide. However, in this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life, I have been granted such an opportunity that is arguably better. That is the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Virginia and travel the state promoting my personal platform Communication 101: Creating a Lasting Impression and the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the platform of the Miss America Organization. It is a job that would require great sacrifice, drive, independence and a great deal of travel, but it's certainly one that would be worth it.

I think my alternative spring break in New Orleans is the best preparation I could ever get for such a role. In fact, it's the best preparation for leading a life free (or mostly free, who am I kidding?) of material desires and full of all that matters so much more. For all this, I am eternally grateful for my week to give.

I Will Always Love You

I was just six years old when The Preacher's Wife came out in theaters. My parents tell me it was the first full-length movie I ever sat through. I fell in love with Whitney Houston's character in that movie, her voice and her presence. Since that time, it's been my favorite movie, no matter the time of year. (It's a Christmas movie). And I still know all the lines in every scene. Go on, try me.



Long before the movie came out, I had declared Whitney Houston to be my favorite singer of all time. The first time I ever heard her on the radio, I was riding with my family back home after going out to dinner. I don't remember which song it was, but I remember looking out the window into the field we were passing with a clear blue night sky behind it and allowing her voice to consume me. I felt I had been taken to another universe entirely, a universe in which everything was perfect and there were no worries. I think I fell in love with the world of music that night. After asking my dad who she was, her name I never forgot.

My favorite song of all time is "I Will Always Love You" and that's usually one of the first things I tell people I meet. It's gotten me through many a heartbreak and breakup, not because I was in love with all of them, but because sometimes it's just time to move on, though you may wish that person joy and happiness and above all, love. Many days I listened to that song on repeat all day, simply because it's the kind of song that just never gets old. With that song, Whitney was able to take a country song and make it universal. I love that. I also love how she was told by her record label that having a song with an a cappella introduction wouldn't be successful. But she held her ground and that song became the best-selling single by a female artist. When something feels right to you, don't let anyone talk you out of it. That's what I learned from Whitney.

As you can imagine, there are numerous videos of me singing "I Will Always Love You" and other songs by Whitney. I, like many other little black girls, had dreams of growing up to be like Whitney. It is very likely that I will never achieve such success, but it's incredible how someone can spawn so much hope in so many with just her voice. Another favorite song of mine is "One Moment in Time." In the opening lyrics, Whitney sings, "Each day I live I want to be a day to give the best of me." That's my motto for life, my motivation, so much so that my license plate says, "ADY2GV" for "a day to give." She performed it live at the Grammys one year and I will never forget that. Her level of inspiration was and is immeasurable.

My Love is Your Love was the first CD I ever owned, given to me one Christmas by my parents, and to this day, there isn't a song of hers I don't know. In the title song of the album, Whitney sings, "If I should die this very day, don't cry cause on earth we wasn't meant to stay." She's right, but I just wish it hadn't happened so soon. I always thought I would meet her someday and maybe hear her sing my favorite song live. Hearing of Whitney Houston's passing brought me great sorrow and unexpected tears. I've never cried over a celebrity's death before, but if it ever had to happen, it would be for Whitney and Whitney alone.

When Whitney Houston sang "The Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV, the national anthem became a top ten single. It has since become a benchmark for future singers' patriotism and creativity in making the song their own. In my opinion, it has yet to be topped.

Everyone who knows me knows that when a Whitney song comes on the radio, there's no talking or singing around me, out of respect to The Voice. She was perfectly imperfect. I read somewhere that we're all fighting our demons and some of us overcome them, while others lose that battle. It would do no justice to history for me not to acknowledge Whitney's drug addiction, because it was pretty clear that she struggled with one. But that's not how I will remember her. Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." I do think I will remember every line she ever spoke in a movie and every note she ever sang. But I will remember how she made me feel most. Years from now when I have a family of my own, I hope my children are as much fans of Whitney as I will always be.

 

Whitney Houston, I will always love you.

Two Thousand Twelve

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Marsha Norman once said, "Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you." If that's so, I wonder what my soul is aiming to write about me. You see, I'm a big dreamer. And I am determined to make more of my dreams come true in 2012 than did in 2011. However, I am also a firm believer that what God has for me is for me. This has been demonstrated in my life many times over. I can dream as much as I want, but sometimes God just has something better in mind.

On-stage question

Luckily, this weekend, the Lord and I seemed to have the same thing in mind. I am thrilled to announce I was crowned Miss Chesterfield 2012 on Saturday, Jan. 7! I now have my "golden ticket" to compete for the title of Miss Virginia and the opportunity to impact lives all across this commonwealth. Miss Virginia has been a dream of mine for quite some time and this will be my third attempt at the crown. Hopefully the third time is a charm for me. Through my platform, Communication 101: Creating a Lasting Impression, it is my goal to encourage students to protect their image by ensuring they have positive attitudes and that they present themselves in such a way that they leave lasting impressions they are willing to live with. As Miss Chesterfield, and eventually as Miss Virginia, I simply want people to communicate with one another properly.

Miss Chesterfield 2012 Top 4

My princess, Angelina

I won't bore you with a spiel on how this is a new year so there will be a new me, because it doesn't take a new year to create an opportunity for a new start. Each new day is that opportunity. So seize the day!

Since my last post, I have been quite busy. In addition to winning Miss Chesterfield this month and placing 3rd runner up to Miss Arlington last month, I was able to take part in the DC Dance Marathon with two of my Miss Virginia sisters, Stephanie and Kourtney. The DC Dance Marathon raises money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), which is so dear to my heart. With more than 180 hospitals across North America, CMNH doesn't deny treatment to any child, whether or not his or her family can afford the medical bills. There were several featured guests, but the one who touched my heart most was little Olivia, born with a heart defect. For every trip to the hospital, prick and overnight stay, she receives a bead. Olivia, with 896 beads on her chain, has proven that she is a trooper and willing to fight for her life. I think we can all take a lesson from her.

Miss Arlington 2012 Top 5

The very next day, I was invited host the Junior League of Northern Virginia's (JLNV) annual Enchanted Forest and introduce the performances of the Adagio Ballet, Pirate Magic, and Ukulele Phil and the Hulu Kids. If you haven't heard of it, JLNV is an organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Enchanted Forest consists of a huge room filled with donated Christmas trees from local business and organizations. These trees are dressed up in a most unconventional way, themed for children, adults and even the homeless. My personal favorite, of course, was the tree donated by the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter of Fairfax. It was a pile of boxes stacked to resemble a tree and included the ingredients of a Thanksgiving meal for the residents. Whoever bought that tree donated the ham, turkey, macaroni and cheese and all other parts of a grand meal to the home.

(Note: these events occurred during a time when my camera was not cooperating so I have no photos of my own to share. Sad face.)

On December 30, I traveled to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) for Operation Welcome Home Troops. I am proud to be an American and was so excited to personally welcome some three hundred troops home right before the New Year. We often take for granted that these men and women risk their lives almost daily to fight for our freedom, but what they do is truly incredible. This was my first experience of this kind, but I hope to have many more. We could never thank them enough.

Support our troops!

My (now former) director, Kevin 

Did I mention I brought the New Year in in New York City? Yeah, it was awesome!

Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center!

Rayna, my Miss VA sister

The final semester of my undergraduate career is fast approaching and I say with conviction that I am ready for that challenge. Ask me what my plans are after graduation, and I may be evasive, but I do have a plan in mind. Grad school applications are oftentimes clutch. Look for updates on those and other exciting happenings in the near future. Wink, wink. As always, I trust God to lead me in the right direction. Until next time, I am a girl with dreams and this is my four points story.

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.