My first few weeks as Miss Deaf NC

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to my blog! I hope this is an opportunity for you to read and keep up with me as I take on this journey of being Miss Deaf North Carolina! How I got here you may wonder...here's my story!

Back last semester (I'm a Junior at Gardner-Webb University), I was waiting for my videophone to be set up. Jerry Jenkins came at last to set up the VP and when he tested it, he called his wife. She saw me and later asked Jerry about me. Senette, Jerry's wife, is the Pageant Director. She contacted Lynn Dey who is also a teacher here at GWU and asked her to ask me if I would like to be in the pageant! I've never before been in a pageant and I was thrilled for the opportunity! Its funny though because 2 days earlier I was watching an MTV show called "Made" about a tomboyish girl that wants to become prissy and win/be involved in a pageant. My roommates and I started discussing if we'd be involved in one if we were ever given the opportunity. My other roommates were like nah...I said "sure i wouldn't mind because it would be fun!" Never on earth did I think I'd actually be given that opportunity so soon!

Months before the pageant I shopped, worked on talent and platform and at last we arrived at pageant weekend! We were to arrive 2 days earlier so we can rehearse and get to know each other. There were 2 other girls as contestants (Elizabeth Sterling, and Shamica Calwell). They were sweet girls and I absolutely had a blast with them as we prepared for the pageant.

As the night of the pageant arrived, i was even more nervous. I had butterflies in my stomach and didn't want to eat much! That afternoon prior to departing for Lenior-Rhyne College (where the pageant was held) we had private interview with the Judges. I was so nervous but I did well. We left for LRC and prepared for our opening act and relaxed until the curtain opened! I was shaking the whole time (but others told me you couldn't tell) *WHEW* lol. I was so nervous until about 1/2 way through my platform speech "Building the bridge between Deaf and Hearing worlds". After that I felt fine. I loved every minute of the pageant!

When it came time to do our final walk and let the judges votes come in I felt confident for having participated in this amazing event! Senette came out to talk about Miss Congeniality award. I was shocked to hear when my name was announced! WOW! that was amazing to know that others view me as "Miss Congeniality" too bad i didn't say anything about "World PEACE!" haha!

They announced the 2nd runner up=Shamica Calwell and then they announced 1st runner up=Elizabeth Sterling and then me as the winner! WHAT?! I'm the winner!? wow I was in shock. I didn't think I'd cry if I won but I did...its amazing how far I've come!

After the pageant there were TONS of pictures and family/friends congratulating me. I was starving by this time and wanted to EAT! haha my nerves died and i'm hungry~ We go back to the hotel for pagent reception and hang out til close to midnight. finally my family and my boyfriends family and a few of my close friends went out to Waffle house for a late night run! I gotta love it when I'm with those I care the most about because it's just amazing!

As the excitement died down I realized I was exhausted...little sleep and lots to do with not a lot of caffeine really wears you down! The next morning I met with the families again and had breakfast before departing to head back to school. Soon after I arrived back people were stopping me and saying congrats and scheduling me for newspaper interviews. MADNESS! haha. I interviewed for the Shelby Star and the GWU newspaper "The Pilot". Both articles have been published and my mom sent out newpaper press release to the local area newspapers in the Raleigh area.

I'm very excited about the upcoming journey! I've been working with Senette on my schedules and I can't wait to meet new people and inspire others. God Bless you all and I love you! will be more updates later with pictures:)

*HUGS*