Miss Minnesota Travels: February 2007

I’m no stranger to competitions. My viola and I have performed in front of judges since I was in 6^th grade. And though I’ve been blessed with considerable success over the years, I’m also no stranger to losing.

Is it disappointing? Yes, sometimes.

But throughout the years, I have found that my preparation for a competition and my interest in the outcome are inversely proportional. When I haven’t done my very best, I somehow want the judges to say, “That’s okay. You were good enough.” When I’m fully prepared, I am at peace with the outcome whether I emerge victorious or not.

Life is in the journey, not the destination.

Shinichi Suzuki, founder of the Suzuki Method, wrote in his book Nurtured by Love: “Until we die, we should spare no effort in turning our weaknesses into merits. It is pleasant and interesting work.”

Over the past 13 months of my involvement in the Miss America Organization, I have done just that. I am now healthier – physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually. I am more confident as a speaker and as a performer. I have a greater sense of who I am and how I can serve others through my talents. And I will continue to develop all of this not only throughout the duration of my year as Miss Minnesota but for the rest of my life.

I will forever cherish the 10 days I spent in Las Vegas. Words cannot express my gratitude to everyone who helped us throughout the week, from the hostesses and production crew to the hotel employees and the Miss America staff and Board of Directors. I am honored and humbled to be a part of the Miss America Class of 2007, and I can hardly wait to see where we all end up 20 years from now.

More immediately, I am excited to continue to be Miss Minnesota for the next 5 months. Regardless of who the judges chose or didn’t choose as Miss America, I still represent this program to everybody with whom I come in contact.

I am proud to carry that responsibility.

On a lighter note, here are some photos from my last few days in Vegas - I'll publish more as soon as I get them!