The past month or so has been a complete whirlwind! I last left you all after Miracle Friday at the Columbus Regional Hospital, and I feel as though that was a lifetime ago!
My first appearance at the Miss Alabama pageant was completely unforgettable, but the weeks before the pageant were filled with hard work, practice, mock interviews, and continuous appearances. I have been so blessed to be surrounded by the most loving and supportive friends, family, and mentors. The numerous mock interviews and those who thought of the most difficult and tricky questions greatly prepared me for my Miss Alabama interview. It felt as though the entire process was a conversation rather than a stressful interview environment.
I also got a lot of practice with my twirling routine for the talent portion of the pageant, which is in my opinion, the most fun aspect of the experience! I performed at a baton recital with the Shelby Starlets in Alabaster, at Richland Elementary School in Auburn for their talent show, and at a Camp War Eagle pep rally for AU's incoming freshman! All of these experiences enhanced an aspect of my routine and gave me the opportunity to perform in front of all kinds of people. I am pictured below (just after performing) with one of the student's at the Shelby Starlet baton recital who has on an Auburn orange uniform!!
After preparing so extensively for all aspects of competition, there was still one daunting task in front of me- packing!! I had begun packing about a week or so before I actually departed for Birmingham becuase I was so worried about forgetting something for my first time at Miss Alabama! After countless lists and double, triple, and quadruple checks, I loaded up my car and met my family in Birmingham the night before I moved in to the AD Pi house at Samford.
Throughout Sunday and Monday, I stayed on top of the news and continued preparing for my interview on Tuesday afternoon. In between rehearsals, all of us either napped on the floor of the auditorium or studied notes quietly- these two days were filled with anticipation and excitement for me! I was looking forward to my interview so much that when Tuesday arrived, there was not a bit of me that was nervous. I was excited:
excited to meet these judges; excited to share myself with them; and excited for my hard work to pay off!
excited to meet these judges; excited to share myself with them; and excited for my hard work to pay off!
Not only did my interview go smoothly, I had fun in the process!! That became my goal for the week. Apart from wanting to become Miss Alabama, I wanted to learn, grow, and have fun!
After interviews, preliminary competition began! I began with evening gown on Wednesday night. It was a stress-free area of competition to begin my first night of my first Miss Alabama pageant with. I enjoyed the night and of course, performing and being on stage! And finally, I got to see my family and supporters that night after the show had ended. I am pictured above with my two sweer cousins who were my bigest fans! After several rounds of hugs, we departed again for the dorms.
Thursday night was talent and Friday night was swimsuit and onstage questions, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed and grew from each aspect of these days. I had let go of my worries and concerns and simply performed the best that I could. These days flew by, and before I knew it, Saturday had arrived.
I woke up that morning compeltely aware of what the day held. The luncheon was amazing and it was so enlightening to hear some past Miss Alabama's speak- I became overwhelmed with the love encircling all of us that day. The picture below is of my Aunt Cathy and myself at the luncheon. It would be the last time that I would be around this particular group of special young women and be able to enjoy the dynamic that we all felt. The new Miss Alabama was going to be crowned tonight. There would be surprises and there would be hurt feelings, and everyone was very nervous and unsure. But I was thankful with however the night played out.
This journey all began when I stepped out on a limb and explored a different side of myself. And it all started with a passion for learning, for serving others, and for the state that I love. Whatever was to happen that night was fine with me- I was already proud of myself!
When my name was called for the Top Ten finalists, I think I could have fainted from happiness! There were areas of my competition that I knew I could improve upon, and all I wanted was the opporutnity to do so. I wanted the opporunity to leave it all on the stage and know for a fact that I had done my very best.
And that is exactly what I did! I had an amazing night and enjoyed every second of it. None of it was taken for granted, and I know that the knowledge and tools that Saturday night gave me will supplement my actions in all areas of my life- it can only be described as unforgettable.
I could not have cheered any louder for the new Miss Alabama 2011, Courtney Porter! She represents such a brave and comforting spirit and will make a wonderful Miss Alabama. Her positive attitude and uplifting outlook only contributed to the energy of the week.
I am looking forward to a slightly calmer next couple of weeks of visiting with my family (above is a picture of my cousin and I the day after the pageant had ended) and some upcoming appearances as Miss Auburn University and being able to implement all I have learned from this past week into real life!
With Love & War Eagle,
Emilee
