Wow! I can't believe it is June and I am in the midst of preparing for my farewell pageant. The journey to Miss America has taught me so much, and to know that I accomplished my dream is amazing. The journey has been full of emotional struggles and successes, blood, sweat and tears, sore muscles, tired feet, long hours, lonely car trips, crazy reality tv moments, amazing friendships, and events that I will never forget. God paved the road and led me through the speed bumps, curves, hills, and straight-aways, and His plan has been far better than anything I could've imagined!
A small recap of what I've done this year.... 63 platform appearances, 14 events with Children's Miracle Network, including establishing a formal partnership/working relationship, was part of a reality tv show, spoke about my faith on several occiasions, was a guest at Senator McCain's Election night watch party where I was interviewed by media from around the world, gave the Keynote address at Buena's 2009 graduation ceremony, and made over 230 appearances around our state, traveling over 30,000 miles! I met some incredible women, made some great friends and will always think back on this year with fond memories! To know that a dream 12 years in the making has come true and is about to end is so bittersweet! Its going to be tough to close this chapter in my life....to put the dance shoes and costumes away.... to pack the gowns and swimsuits up.... to mark competing at Miss America off my list of things to do in my life..... no doubt there will be tears. But its been a great ride and I know the tears are not of sadness, but rather they are tears of accomplishment, gratitude and happiness. Tears that represent the payoff of all the hours in the gym, studio, classroom....all the doubters who were wrong (not just this year, but every year since I was about 10), the personal triumph over low self esteem and self-doubt that came as a result of listening to the doubters for so many years..... Just tears that will represent all the emotions I've experienced along the way.
But as this chapter ends, I also know the next chapter that opens will be full of new experiences, new dreams, and new goals. Starting when I get back I will be leading a non-profit and we will start the process of filing for 501c3 status. I will be speaking about my faith at a conference for Christian athletes, and in July, I will start my career in Public Health, as a curriculum development specialist with the Arizona Nutrition Network. I will also start thinking about getting married to Adam, the most amazing guy who has been by my side through all of this! And of course....spending lots of time with my pups, Mollie and Bruce (and Wrigley!). I'm looking forward to UA football and basketball games as a normal spectator, normal work week hours, a steady income, and life as an ordinary person outside the spotlight! I'm also excited to travel more....Vegas to see B Mills pitch, LA to see Jess and Chris, NYC to see Maria and Tim again, and Abq to visit mom and dad! There's so much life yet to live and I am excited!!!!!!
So yes....closing this chapter will be emotional. Its an end to a very long journey, knowing that the mission was accomplished! But it's also the beginning of a new journey....one that looks like it will have just as much excitement as the road I'm leaving behind!
I look ahead knowing no matter what path life takes us all down, we always have a rearview mirror full of memories, a path before us to travel, and a lots GPS navigators called friends! Thanks to everyone who's been a part of this journey!
Now...on to the next chapter, right??!!
You are such an inspiration to everyone.
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