Hey
friends! It’s about time I get back to
this beautiful thing called blogging.
Here in North Carolina we have about an inch of snow on the ground. This warrants snow days, and to me, that’s a
perfect excuse to make some tea and update you on my life. I realized that post Miss New Jersey week, I
took a nap that lasted approximately three days, and never updated my blog to
express the many thoughts that come with the end of pageant week.
(On top of napping, I also donated my hair and ate this beautiful ice cream sundae...#priorities)
My first
year at Miss New Jersey in June of 2013, I placed 1st runner-up and
was absolutely ecstatic with my placement.
I had never guessed in a million years that I would place in the top
five with women I had looked up to as role models the previous year. My second year at Miss New Jersey in June
2014, I placed 1st runner-up again.
This time, while extraordinarily grateful for my successes during
pageant week, I felt feelings of disappointment that had not been present the
year before. While in 2013 I ran to meet
my fan club with the biggest smile on my face and was greeted by shrieks of
excitement, in 2014, I felt meek when walking to meet my family and was greeted
by sympathetic hugs and comforting words.
How is it that one year can change the way both contestants and audience
members feel about the same placement?
Simply put, my expectations changed over the course of a year. While I
was proud to have held hands and to have shared such a special moment with our
beautiful Miss New Jersey, the smallest part of me felt the sting of
defeat.
Contrary to popular belief (looking at you, Richard Krauss), hand placement above or below your fellow contestant's hands does not have an impact on the outcome. Shoutout to Cara and Cierra for being such lovely ladies and letting me share your crowning moment with you!
(2013 left, 2014 right)
Here’s what
I’ve learned through my multiple experiences with being 1st
runner-up: perspective will make or
break your pageant experience. I have
found that there is a healthy balance between determination and humility that
all pageant contestants and humans in general should strive to achieve. Don’t get me wrong- I have never and will
never expect to win any pageant title or job position. I have learned through the Miss America
Organization that it is healthy to have high expectations, but even healthier
to accept when those expectations are not met.
This year,
I was named Miss Gloucester County 2015.
To represent a county that has grown me to be the person I am is such a
blessing. It has been an honor to serve
my community and team with various organizations such as Toys For Tots and
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as an ambassador for service, awareness
and education. I have traveled to
numerous elementary schools and clubs to educate students on the importance of scattering
kindness in their homes, schools, and communities. My pageant sister, Kelcie, has become one of
my very best friends, and together with our directors, we have cultivated a
family. We’ve bonded through community service,
appearances, grueling gym sessions (thanks, Training Aspects!), and of course,
shopping! Altogether, 2015 has treated
me unbelievably well (15 is my lucky number, after all).
We hugged for a solid few minutes when we we were crowned...that'll happen when your friend becomes your sister.
If you're wondering what's going on in this photo...we have the same good side.
"Team Brenna" never ceases to amaze me- in full force even at a local pageant!
Reflecting
on my many years of pageantry and this year in particular, I am reminded that
regardless of placement based on the opinions of seven judges, I am
tremendously lucky. While I am working
my tail off to be my own version of Miss America, I see now that this alone is
good enough for me. Who knows? Maybe the third time really is the
charm! I suppose we will have to wait to
find out. Until then, be sure to follow
my social media accounts to stay up-to-date on my service endeavors and pageant
progress:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Keepcalmandvolunteeron
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KCandVO or @kcandvo
Instagram: http://instagram.com/keepcalmandvolunteeron/ or @keepcalmandvolunteeron
Follow Kelcie and I as we represent Gloucester County and South Jersey at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Gloucester-County-Scholarship-Organization/111062678922833
Instagram: http://instagram.com/missgcandmisssj or @missgcandmisssj
It’s been
quite the year already, but I’m confident that the best is yet to come (even if
that means temperatures higher than 60 degrees)! One thing that will never change is my
excitement for Miss New Jersey week. The
past few years I have had a perpetual countdown on my phone all year long,
beginning the day after each Miss NJ week ends.
Did I mention we get to live by the beach for a week?
It’s a gigantic slumber party with fellow rhinestone loving, fake
eyelash wearing, talented, fabulous women, okay? 110 days if you were wondering ;)
All my
love,
Brenna
