There She Is... Miss Michigan Amazing

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a beauty queen. I wore my mom's dresses and walked around my room with building blocks in my socks - my own creative version of heels. I saw the beauty in every pageant I watched and believed that having a crown made you beautiful.

At the age of 22, I was finally brave enough to pursue one of my childhood dreams. This past weekend, I competed in my first pageant. I represented Ann Arbor in the Michigan Amazing Girl pageant. I spent weeks resisting delicious cookies (but eating chocolate instead...) and hunting down the perfect outfit for the competition. I went into it with the mindset that it would be a good experience and just one thing I can finally cross off my bucket list. Little did I know, it would be a weekend filled with life lessons and the moment that would start the next chapter of my life. 

Just like the photo below, the pageant was a complete blur. There were three parts: an opening number, my model wear, and of course, the infamous evening gown. It went by so quickly that before I knew it, I was on stage awaiting the announcement of our next Miss Michigan Amazing.

The moment when my childhood dream came true.

I was so overwhelmed with happiness and excitement when my name was called that I barely remember the crowning moment itself. I vaguely remember being surrounded by the past queens with flowers, a plaque, and of course, the crown. I took my first walk as Miss Michigan Amazing and I think I took a fairly short one, because all I wanted to do was jump up and down and squeal. The best moment was feeling the embrace of my fellow Miss queens, all of whom I admire. Needless to say, the crowning moment was truly a dream come true!

I am honored to be representing an organization dedicated to the individual development of girls and young women in public relations, public speaking, volunteerism, and community outreach. This organization proves that holding a title is more than just a crown, it's about making a difference in your community. I am ready to take on the role of Miss Michigan Amazing and be the role model that I always saw in pageant queens. I can't wait for the adventures to come and the memories I will make with my sister queens! Here's to the newest chapter of my life, and I invite you all to take this journey with me.

My Sister Queens <3