I find it extremely difficult to explain personal experiences in relation to Challenge Day. Each time it has been full of self-discovery, awareness, friendship, knowledge, power and change.
I actually decided to go last minute and am thankful that United Way of Utah County helped me to use extra money I had fund raised for challenge day last year for my expenses. I went to Concord California alone and learned a great deal about traveling and myself while. I attended a three-day workshop called Next Step, for people that have already participated in a Challenge Day and want to do more. I wish that every person that has participated in a Challenge Day could participate in a Next Step!
I went with intentions to create relationships with the staff at the Challenge Day headquarters and to obtain tools that would enable me to better spread my message to teens in Utah. What I did not know was that this experience would be much more about improving myself than teaching others how to do so. The three days were full of deep connection, unifying activities and lots of hugs and tears. I was exhausted! My emotions were stretched as far as they could go and yet I still had room to stretch and grow.
I left Next Step with a strong connection with the cofounders; Rich & Yvonne Dutra St. John, a new family of people from all walks of life, tools to take back into my life to improve my self so I can live life each day 100%, and ideas on how to spread the be the change movement simply by being an example of change in everything I do.
I love each person I came in contact with at Next Step and am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and boarded that plane alone. The stories of these people have forever changed me… I love all of you who shared this incredible weekend with me- Thank You!!!
Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen
October 3rd
What well rounded teens we have in Utah! This year’s contestant’s talents, maturity and poise were as impressive as the Miss Utah contestants! I had a great time performing and co-emceeing with Kayla Barclay. (Miss Utah 2008) It was also the first time I have seen her since I won back in June because she has been one busy girl! It was great to get some advice for her in preparation for the next few months. Meredith also did a fabulous job performing and emceeing.
Our new Outstanding Teen is Marissa Nielsen from Cache Valley!!! She has the most beautiful voice and a platform that changes lives. (buddybox.org) I am really excited to spend the next nine months of my service with her and will miss Meredith, but know she has greater things in her future! (P.S. I didn’t get to take a picture with Marissa that night because they whisked her away to the judges right after she was crowned, but don’t worry- there will be many pictures of us together in months to come!)
Although this event was not an official Miss Utah appearance, I want to share it with you because it was exciting! Several days prior to the lottery, I sat down with my parents to look at the difference competition sequences for each group. I also called several past Miss Utah’s and people for advice so I would completely understand how this worked.
At 2pm I logged on with my mom and we waited for Utah to pop up on the screen. Right before they began the lottery, my mom said, “What are you going to choose if you’re first?” I just laughed and told her I had a few ideas but didn’t want to get my hopes up because I never had luck with these types of things. As the first three names popped up, Tennessee, UTAH and Connecticut, we both said, “That’s us!” Before I knew it, all of the adrenaline that had been built up was over, and I had my spot. Whew! That was such a relief! Then I sat watched the rest of the contestants choose their spots, hoping my friends would be happy about their placements too.
Well, competing at Miss America in just four months is becoming a little more of a reality now.:) If any of you are interested, here is my competition schedule~
I was so excited to not only do my first elementary school assembly today, but to also travel to Gunnison for the first time! I know I’ve driven past this town countless times, just never noticed it.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous about my assembly because it was my first time to test out my assembly presentation on Being the CHANGE. I shared stories from my childhood, performed on their piano, and had volunteers help hold bright green letters that spelled the word change, as we went through an acronym created to help kids remember how easy it is to Be the Change. It was a fun interactive experience and the kindergarteners ate it up as much as the 6th graders did. I had so much fun with them and can’t wait to do more appearances similar to this one, because my platform is what I will look back at years down the road.
A weekend at Utah’s Special Olympics
October 16th & 17th
This opportunity will remain one of my favorite experiences as Miss Utah. On Friday evening I went to the opening ceremonies, where some 400 plus athletes entered the Huntsman Center in teams representing cities, counties and universities across the state. I stood in a long line starting at the entrance of the Huntsman center and welcomed each athlete individually with a smile, high five, hug or even a curtsy. This experience was heart warming as the excitement these athletes brought into the gym spread like electricity to each volunteer and parent in the audience. I watched several of the athletes help to light the torch and later participated in the opening ceremonies program with a few comments about my platform. I then officially opened the Fall Olympic Games!
I spent Saturday morning with some of the athletes at the bocce (baa-chee) ball competition. This sport was new to me too- it’s a combination of bowling and croquet. The athlete’s skill was quite impressive and I learned a lot from their optimism, teamwork and sportsmanship. I had fun cheerleading for team members, and signing a lot of autographs. I did not want to leave this weekend of events that has forever changed me.
Boo! At Hogle Zoo!
October 24th
This was by far my favorite Meadow Gold Appearance yet because of the crowds of people, having Marissa’s company, and because I love Halloween! Although the morning was a bit chilly and at times we kept our toes close to the space heater next to our stools, the excitement for Halloween made the time pass by quickly. I’ve never signed so many autographs in my life! It was fun to promote the Miss Utah Organization and our most valued sponsor, Meadow Gold at the same time.
I only wished I could have worn my costume!
November/December/January events!
These past few months have swept by with the holidays and constant Miss America preparations taking place. I had a whirlwind of events that took place that I could not pass by sharing with you. Some highlights since my last entry were; the Children's Miracle Network Torch Relay in Salt Lake City, speaking at graduation summit assembly at Kearn's High School, attending and performing at Utah's Chapter of the Best Buddie's fund raising event called dancing with the starzz, meeting Jeanette Herbert; volunteering at the Festival of Trees, Utah's first lady, and meeting with Governor Gary Herbert and Head of Education Christine Kurl about my platform.
