Top 10!

Wow, what a crazy few weeks I just had!! :)

First off, before I departed onto my Miss Ohio journey, I did two public appearances, and one private send-off party to prepare for the pageant. I planned a visit to a local senior center named Island Parkway Manor and sang for the residents there. I also spoke about my pageant journey and just visited with the lovely ladies who came to hear me sing. It was such a blessing to see their faces light up as I

visited with them.

I also had the opportunity to be interviewed by Rick Small, radio personality who DJ's on the morning show of Mix 98.1. He is such an enthusiastic person who truly supports me in my dreams for the Miss Ohio crown. He definitely brought

more hometown support my way through his zealous interview.

My Miss Ohio experience this year was absolutely FANTASTIC!

First off, I was paired up to room with Chelsi Howman, who was such a fabulous roommate! Not only was I pumped up for the competition by hearing her awesome banjo playing skills, but she had such a genuine, humorous aura about her, and we really got along well! She always made me laugh throughout the week, and I think we helped each other stay motivated for the big competition. This is a really awesome thing to be able to say, considering I was contestant #3 and she was #4! But we were so supportive of one another, truly! I think I was her biggest fan. :)

My chaperone was Sue Cleland and my hostess was Lori Stephenson, yet again. These two were utterly fantastic as well. So supportive and hilarious and uplifting, they definitely made my Miss Ohio much more enjoyable and helped me keep my sanity. :) Sue going out and buying my fake eyelashes, and Lori surprising us with an icecream cake truly made my week.

In bigger news, I made the TOP TEN!! What?! :) Yes, it's true!

The Lord has truly decided to shine on me this year. I may be as surprised as anyone, but I really worked hard this year, and set my hopes high. I kept my focus off of the other girls, and off of the negative websites, and off of being the best in swimsuit or in talent, and truly tried to tweak my overall appearance so I could project the best overall, consistent image of my true self, and shine for my Lord. He has blessed me so much in allowing me to be in the top 10. I am so proud of myself for all of the hard work I have done to get to where I am, and I am excited to continue working towards Miss Ohio 2012. :)

I already feel like a Miss Ohio because of two sweet girls who approached me after preliminary night 3. I thought I recognized them, and sure enough I did. They had met me at the Waterford Retirement Community when I went there as Miss Fallen Timbers last year for Miss Ohio Community Service Day. They helped me hold my microphone while I sang and played the piano. I remember they were in awe of my piano playing, and I encouraged them to take lessons! That was over a year ago, and now they approached me and told me proudly that they had both started taking piano lessons and had barely stopped playing since! I had made an impact in their lives! My platform was set into motion in a tangible way in that moment. :) These are the moments I cherish and live for.

At the end of the day through moments like these, I remember it isn't all about the crown. It isn't all about the number of awards you receive, or even how much money you attain. It isn't all about how many people understand why you succeed or why you fail. It is about the lives you touch while being a titleholder. Who knows what those girls are capable of in the realm of music, or beyond! Reaching people and making an impact; that is what it is all about.

God bless you all!!

(Check out my facebook, Envisioned Memories, and Ohio Media Group for pictures and videos of my journey) <3