Monday, June 28th 2010
My first official week as Miss Utah has been an interesting and exciting adventure to say the least. I must say I have a lot of people to thank for their support and love. Everyone, including friends, family, and the Miss Utah Board, have been so supportive and patient with me. I have already learned so much and I have already come to appreciate the Miss America Organization more than I formerly had, which is hard to say because this organization has the potential to empower people.
I was able to meet with Gary who is the director of marketing at Meadow Gold. We had lunch and discussed my platform of civic engagement. I was impressed that Gary really believes in this organization as I do. I know it has the power to bring about social change and really help women become their best selves. I have been able to put myself through school thus far through the Miss America Organization and thanks to Gary and Meadow Gold I will be able to continue to do so.
I have had a couple interviews with the press and some fun times meeting different news anchors and reporters. I had my first appearance as Miss Utah at Thanksgiving Point. It was an event sponsored by Meadow Gold. We had a blast handing out ice cream and taking pictures will kids. I was also joined by Marisa, Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen. It was fun getting to know her. She and her mother, Maria, are very dynamic. They both have so much to offer and most importantly Marisa has been raised to be a genuine person. This may seem like a simple trait, but it is hard to come by. I am impressed that someone at her age is comfortable in their own skin.
Shortly after the event on Saturday I flew out to Washington D.C. for a conference with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. I have had the opportunity to see some of my good friends and learn a lot about the special relationship that Israel has with the U.S. AIPAC is also an organization that empowers students. It is one in which students can learn about something they are passionate about. This in turn can bring about immense opportunities because AIPAC puts so much emphasis on their student programs because they know that we are the future leaders of this country. This belief spurs the empowerment of students because they feel an immense responsiblity to be engaged domestically and abroad. I also got to have a nice chat with many of my "mentors" Amy Berelowitz and Jonathan Kessler, which is always fun. Amy and Jonathan are amazing examples of people who "give back" to this country and it is something that I hope to instill in others as my year goes on.
I have had a great time conversing with students and AIPAC leaders about my platform out here and I have come to some great conclusions. We used a group brainstorming method out here that I am anxious to come home and use to generate ideas for my platform! I will be home Tuesday night and it will be time to hit the ground running:)
Meeting little fans, signing autographs and drinking lots of Meadow Gold milk...what a great way to spend the day at Thanksgiving Point!
