My friend Miss Teen USA Stormi Henley, me, Patrice

Where do I even start??? The pageant itself was incredible. It was thrilling to watch live from the seats in the theatre at Planet Hollywood. Within minutes before the show, the celebrity judges were walked in and Donald Trump went on stage to give his welcome. It was so different watching the pageant after having been a contestant. I remember only 2 years ago watching Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008 (and one of my biggest role models) get crowned Miss USA 2008 from my house. I looked to the girls who represented each state as if they were true celebrities, people who simply didn’t live normal lives. Before I knew it I was crowned the next year and could hardly believe it. I still held Crystle Stewart in celebrity status, but didn’t think of myself differently at all. It took a few appearances to begin to realize that some people might view me slightly differently as well, but that’s something I still don’t fully grasp. Anyway, after having competed myself, I looked at this year’s contestants simply as sweet girls who are having an opportunity of a lifetime. I was able to meet several of them during rehearsals, and they were as sweet and down to Earth as can be.

I also got the opportunity to talk to the newly crowned Miss USA, Rina, after the pageant. I was blown away when I approached her for a photo and she recognized me, referring to how she watched videos on youtube the night prior to make sure she was completely ready for what this day brought. It caught me by surprise by how this (tiny!), sweet girl, took time out of being pulled left and right for photos to talk to Patrice and I for not only a photo opp, but for several minutes. While speaking, I was trying to find out about how she felt about having to instantly move away from home and all that was to come. The only response displayed was her extreme excitement about everything that was unfolding. She made the point that winning our country’s title is one of the toughest compared to the other countries since women treat their bodies here differently than other places across seas. She was just glowing realizing she just received that coveted title.

Miss Florida Teen USA 2010

Kindra Clark!

If you watched the pageant, you may have noticed that Kindra Clark, Miss Kentucky USA 2009, was shown a million times! She did SO, SO good! I couldn’t have been more proud of how she performed. She looked gorgeous, her hair was amazing, and she stayed true to herself. I’m so thankfully Kentucky was represented so prestigiously while standing true to her grounds. She didn’t just perform well during the final performance, but during her whole 2 week stay while competing. Her photos were flawless and she reported her interview and prelims going very well. If you missed prelims, there should be clips of them on youtube to view Kindra competing. If one needs a positive role model, check out miss Kindra for a good example to follow.

After the pageant I also had the opportunity to meet some of the crew, the host, previous title holders, 2010 contestants, and even current teen title holders. I caught eye contact with Miss Florida Teen USA 2010 long enough for her to mouth across the room that she wanted a picture together. When we went to take the photo, she explained to me how I am on her inspiration wall at home. She explained how she had an exercise to make a board of things/people and etc. who inspired her. I was speechless when she told me I was on the board. It’s so easy to not realize a difference one is making but it’s so refreshing to hear that I’m at least making somewhat of an impact on someone I’ve never even met. This isn’t necessarily a pat on my own back, it was just eye-opening. Thank you Miss Florida Teen USA 2010 not only for letting me impact your life, but encouraging me while you thought I was encouraging you.

Miss USA 2010