WOW. This past week has been so full of excitement, emotion, and energy as I met the other incredible women competing for the title of Miss America. I am still in complete shock and gratitude that I have this opportunity to compete for my dream job, one I have dreamed about for many years.
I remember the moment I truly decided I wanted to be Miss America. I watched a Miss America pageant on youtube, burst in to tears and told my mom "I'm going to compete for Miss America someday". She laughed at the time, but I proved her wrong ;)
I arrived in Orlando this past Tuesday, excited about the journey ahead. These women would no longer be girls I've seen on Instagram, we were now going to really meet each other. It's such a beautiful thing to finally get to put a name to a face and get to know the real person. Within the hour, I was eating dinner with a few state title holders. Every girl I have met this week has been so kind and welcoming to each other. So many hugs and squeals as we met for the very first time.
This week we had so much time to hang out, get to know each other, and cheer on our sweet teens as they competed for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. I am so unbelievably proud of Taylor and all she accomplished this week. She looked stunning in every phase of competition and represented us so well.
On Wednesday I was able to pick out my very own Sherri Hill gown to be worn during the closing number on finals night. I am so thankful to Sherri Hill and their continued support of the Miss America Organization. To top it off, I met Sherri Hill and Savvy Shields all in about two minutes while trying on gowns! Talk about a whirlwind experience!
Thursday was filming day for me and oh my goodness it was a blast. I don't want to talk about it too much, but I will say that I had the time of my life and can't wait for you all to see what we accomplished! Some of the production guys mentioned bringing me a taco souvenir to Miss America, so I think we can be friends :)
Friday just might have been my favorite evening. It was the first MAOTeen Miracle Danceathon. Y'all, I danced. That night was an absolute blast, and all #forthekids. We played games, I showed off my impressive cookie eating skills, and made a special 3 year old little friend. I don't think I've every been to a better dance party. The night was so successful, as we raised $37,000 for Children's Miracle Network.
Saturday was the moment I think all of us have been waiting for, Miss America Orientation. We learned more about this incredible job, what our time in Atlantic City will look like, and about some of the sweetest CMN Hospitals Miracle Kids. I cried basically the entire time as this experience became very real. I'm really doing this...I'm really going to compete on the Miss America stage. I have been given an amazing opportunity...and my goodness I don't want to waste a single second.
I am so grateful for this past week, the beautiful women I have met, the sponsors who have spoiled us, and my moment meeting Savvy Shields. I've been asked if Savvy is just as amazing as I thought and the answer is YES. She's kind, she's funny, confident, and gracious. She is exactly the kind of woman I strive to be, and the perfect Miss America. My next stop is Atlantic City to see if this KS gal can fulfill her dream. I don't know what this next chapter holds, but I am at peace. I know God has a perfect plan. Savvy shared an amazing quote with us this week, one I plan to keep in my heart through this process:
"If it's your time, there is nothing you can do to stop it. And it's not your time, there's nothing you can do to make that happen"
So I will continue to work hard, but also trust time. Because I will be graced with many moments in life, and I am completely confident in God's perfect time. He doesn't ask us to take over, simply trust him.
Lots of Love,
Krystian Alisha
