Miss Mississippi

Today, MAO CEO, Sam Haskell said, "Something that happened yesterday will take you into tomorrow." It is so true how things from our past shape our present and in some cases future. Growing up I was the victim of daily bullying because of a birth defect that caused my face to look a little different. I did not know then that I would be competing at Miss America, but oh, how that experience shaped my path to Atlantic City. To help cope with my own feelings of insecurity someone suggested I compete in the Outstanding Teen program and that started my platform, Mentoring Matters. Today, I use my platform to make a difference in the lives of children who might feel insignificant or ugly or worthless, and I help them see their own value and potential. Mentors play a vital role in the development of young people by providing a consistent source of encouragement and inspiration. I would not be where I am today had I not been bullied, had a mentor not stepped in, and had the Miss America Organization not provided me an avenue as a teenager to excel at something and make a difference. I am forever grateful to my mentor, Ms. Fearn for helping me see how much I had to offer others and to the MAO for investing in my development as a teenager and now as an adult.

On June 25, a dream came true when I was selected to be Miss Mississippi 2016. Paperwork for the Miss America Pageant started less than 12 hours later! Media events, paperwork, photo shoots, and a trip to DC for Miss America Orientation filled my first three weeks as Miss Mississippi. As I spent the next 6 weeks preparing for Miss America, I tried to focus on key themes mentioned during contestant orientation: Be yourself, Be authentic, and Stay true to who you are. I applied these lessons while I prepared for interview, selected clothes, and balanced the duties of being Miss Mississippi with preparing for Miss America. This is the greatest job, but it isn't always the easiest job. There have been hard days involving a ridiculous amount of squats in the gym or reading news stories that horrify you. But, those few hard days are overshadowed by the days I get to spend at Batson Children's Hospital or promoting my platform, Mentoring Matters. As I spend my last day at home before Miss America, I reflect over the last 9 weeks and know I have prepared to the best of my ability and am ready for the two weeks in Atlantic City. While being Mississippi's 5th Miss America would be incredible, I know that any one of these women would be an amazing Miss America 2017. I ask for your continued prayers as I leave for Atlantic City for peace and positivity. I will not be focused on the outcome but embrace the experience and opportunity. I hope I have made and continue to make Mississippi proud! #MissAmerica #MissMississippi #AdventureOfALifetime #DreamJob

Thank you, Mississippi, for thousands of bandaids that I was able to deliver today. The children of Batson Hospital thank you! @batsonchildrenshospital @cmnhospitals #MissMississippi Dress and jewelry by @deepsouthpout and @lovepoppyjewels

Mentoring assures young people that they have value. Yet 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a mentor. Wouldn't you like to be someone who helps change that statistic? "Be someone who matters to someone who matters." #MentoringMatters #MissMississippi #MissAmerica

Can you believe it? 3 more weeks!! Tune in LIVE September 11th. Only on ABC 👑😊#MissAmerica #MissMississippi #3WeekCountdown

Chief Bobby Bell has invested in the lives of youth for as long as I've known him. When I was growing up, he encouraged me and my peers to reach our goals, get involved, and to respect one another. Chief Bell endorsed my platform 9 years ago and has helped me spread a positive message of value and self-respect across our state. Thank you, Chief Bell for believing in our youth, and believing in me!

Staying healthy and fit can be easier thanks to some tips from my friend, Abby Fisher Downing, who is a role model to me. 1.) Stay motivated in the gym by reminding yourself that everyday is a chance to get better and fitter, and it helps to have a great group of friends working out with you. Always remind yourself that you have never ever regretted a workout and you always feel so much better afterwards. 2.) Are you an Olympics fan? Well, by just watching you can be motivated. Even though most of us will never be on that elite level, it’s inspiring to see people being their best and definitely helps you want to do the same. 3.) Let’s talk about the kitchen where many yummy temptations lurk. The key to staying motivated in the kitchen is being prepared. If you can meal prep all of your lunches and snacks for the week ahead of time, you’re much less likely to fall off the wagon and hit a drive-thru. Abby says, “I like to carry a piece of fruit or a Ziploc of almonds in my purse in the case of a snack attack!” “That awkward moment when you’re wearing Nike and you can’t do it.” Just remember… YOU CAN! Stay focused, set goals and don’t do it alone!

Singing…Its something I just love to do. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. In the shower, in my car, running down the street, down the isles at my local grocery store, and even sometimes in the rain 😊 . You don’t have to have anything special to do it. You just hum a tune and away you go. I can do it any where, any time and with any one. I can sing about anything. It is something I can work on and improve. But it’s also a stress reliever for me. When you get onto a stage, all the nerves drain from your body. It’s almost like, when you perform, you become another person. Actually, some research shows that endorphins are released when we sing. They’re our ‘happy’ chemicals. So, even if singing is not your talent, try it, find the perfect song and let loose. Happy singing!

Rock out your inner child and be thankful for everything that makes you you!

Get ready for the best day of the year!!! Thursday is #MiracleTreatDay!! I will be at the DQ in Pearl from 11-1 and then the DQ in Vicksburg from 3-4:30!! Please stop by and meet me and support CMN Hospitals! Every blizzard purchased will result in $1 being donated to Batson Children's Hospital! #missamerica #missmississippi #cmnhospitals #cmnh

I'm #InspiredBy a girl named Sarah Rodgers. Instead of having presents at her birthday party, she asked for her friends to bring Bandaids for Batson! Thank you for standing up and making a difference, Sarah Rodgers! #Service #HelpingOthers #MissAmerica #MissMississippi #ThankYou

I have been singing for as long as I can remember. While performance was a highlight, I was also thankful to use it as therapy during low points in my life! So for me talent is not just a song it's been my inspiration. #musictherapy #MissAmerica #MissMississippi

Yesterday, I spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Vicksburg, MS about my platform #MentoringMatters, all things #MissMississippi and my journey to #MissAmerica. #kiwanisclub

We made Dirt Pudding today at Kid's in the Kitchen! Thank you for having me. #MissAmerica #MissMississippi #mentoringmatters #kidsinthekitchen

“Be someone who matters to someone who matters.”

Laughter is the best medicine. I'm so thankful for @missamericaorg 's relationship with @cmnhospitals and for opportunities to make children like MaKenzie and Toni smile. #MissAmerica #MissMississippi #ilovemyjob #CMNH #CMN @batsonchildrenshospital #MAOAppreciation