Why Luck is Overrated

"I won’t wish you luck, because i think it’s rude to wish somebody luck on something that they have worked hard for.  So instead, may i say to you…may your results be a direct reflection of the effort that you have put."

           As I flipped my calendar to today’s date, I realized that it is March 15^th! Immediately my smile widens and I have a better hope for the day.  It’s not because I am traveling back to school (Lord knows the school work that awaits me has nothing to do with my smile).  It is for the sole reason that quite some time ago I decided to treat 15 differently than the rest of the numbers.  Back in 2009, I competed for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen.  Throughout the process the number 15 popped up in mysterious ways, causing me to call it lucky.  I was 15 years old, my Birthday fell on the 15^th day of the month, I was picked 15^th in the contestant lottery, the final night of the pageant fell on the 15^th of August…you get the idea.  

Ah, to be 15.  I won an evening wear preliminary award and placed 1st runner-up.  But was that because I'd deemed 15 a magic number? Let's hope not.

           While most people claim to have a lucky number and consider it fate or some kind of divine intervention, we never seem to question why we lean on numbers to give us an extra boost.  I certainly had never questioned this phenomenon until today.  

           Before this, I had been leaning on that lucky number 15 to make me feel more confident in a higher power’s plans for my destiny.  “Well surely 2015 is going to be my year.”  Did you know Miss Gloucester County is listed 15^th on the Miss New Jersey website (www.missnewjersey.net) list of contestants?  “It’s a sign!”  I think I’ve got news for myself and a large portion of society: it’s not a sign.  No number, lucky or unlucky, can change the results of hard work and cold hard determination. 

            After realizing this, I have decided that while 15 will always be special to me, it will not become a crutch on which to attribute my successes or blame my failures.  While I may let myself have a mental party when I notice the number 15 sneak into my life, I want to use it to better myself.  15 will no longer be my “lucky number,” but my motivational number.  On the 15^th day of each month I will make an effort to better myself in some way, not only as a competitor, but as a human being.

            With that being said, Happy March 15^th! Today I choose to focus on being more vulnerable.  As a self-proclaimed ice queen, I am known to keep my emotions at bay and my weaknesses private.  It wasn’t until my last choreography session that I realized this was holding me back.  While I may see my emotional “stability” as strength, the inability to express my emotions is holding me back from fully performing my Miss New Jersey talent selection.  Not only is vulnerability an asset to dancing, it is necessary to relate on the human level.  I have always stressed how important the ability to relate is for titleholders, but until today I have not realized the connection between openness and being relatable. 

Mackenzie and I made friends with our train conductor on the way to my choreography session in NYC! I am absolutely thrilled with my completed choreography.  Now, it's time to add a little emotion and passion for the final touches!

            For the rest of this month, I vow to be more open, expressive, and decisive.  Rather than being afraid to admit my weaknesses, I will accept them as part of who I am and work toward making my weaknesses my quirks.  Miss New Jersey is not meant to be a perfect person.  She is strong, flawed, genuine, and relatable.  Rather than making my goal perfection, it will be to embrace the qualities that make me Brenna.  I hope that these efforts, not the number 15, will help me to be a better me and a better Miss New Jersey candidate. 

One of my favorite shots from a school visit over spring break!  Talking with my Kindness Kids and answering their silly questions reminds me what it was like to be unafraid of failure.  As a 21-year-old, I look to them for encouragement!

          There is a place in life for hope and destiny, but these are not attainable without effort, drive, and vulnerability.  I cannot wait to update you on my new goals of finding a vulnerable part of me in this crazy life as Miss Gloucester County.  Please follow my social media platforms to stay up to date on this journey of self-empowerment and improvement!  

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

           All my love,

           Brenna

On 1st Runner-up-itis, Perspective, and My Countdown to Pageant Week

       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 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st 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

One Week to Go!

       One week from today, Miss New Jersey week will be underway!  I can't believe it.  These months of preparation have been so fulfilling, and I can't wait for the culmination in Ocean City!  Here's what I've been up to the past week since my last update…
   On Memorial Day, I had the pleasure of teaming with the Memorial Day Flower Foundation in leaving roses on graves of United States Veterans.  My Miss Seashore Line's Outstanding Pre-Teen and Teen, Emily and Gabi, joined me in memorializing our county heroes at the Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery.  The day became even more special when a gentleman visiting the final resting place of his father approached us with his sincerest appreciation.  My conversation with him was a reminder that the smallest acts of kindness can truly impact someone's life.

       The next day, I was finally able to take a trip to Ocean City for my first beach day of the summer!  While there, I couldn't stop thinking of how exciting it will be to share the very same boardwalk with the Miss NJ Class of 2014!

I couldn't help but snap a picture in front of our beloved Music Pier!! 

       Between gym sessions, mock interviews, talent rehearsals, and so much more, I was able to visit my friends at the Miracle League for another ball game!  I cannot explain how much I enjoy catching up with my "buddies" at each game.  They have such beautiful hearts and I feel so privileged to be part of their Special Olympics experience!  At this game, my fellow contestant and good friend Courtney was able to join!  We were also lucky to have had our reigning Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen, Sammy, with us!  I love getting to hear about Sammy's year thus far and her plans for MAOTeen--you heard it here first, she's going to do BIG things! :)

 My girl Elise is always first in line for a crowning picture :)

 Ella wasn't interested in holding my crown, but she was glad to shake my hand instead!

 I love leading the teams in the signing of the National Anthem!

Beautiful day for baseball :)

       To round out the week, I had the absolute pleasure of joining team "Fight Club" at the first ever Philadelphia NEDA Walk!  The National Eating Disorder Association provides support and assistance to victims of eating disorders and their families.  I felt so incredibly humbled and honored to walk for all of the amazing people I know who have suffered with a debilitating disorder.  

 HUGE shout-out to my beautiful best friend, Sarah, not only for being such an inspirational recovery warrior, but for being our team leader!  We love you! :)

Team "Fight Club" ready to take on the walk (and explore the venue--the Philadelphia Zoo :)!

       I was so glad to have been invited back to Centre City Elementary (my alma mater) to speak with some of my "Kindness Kids!"  These exceptional 1st graders truly have a grasp of what it means to be kind and selfless.  I read them my new book, "Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler!"

 Here we are taking a "selflessie" :)

As always, they have some rather interesting and unique questions for me!

       All in all, this has been such a productive, rewarding week!  I can't wait to see what the next 6 days have in store before it's officially here- Miss NJ week!!  Stay tuned for my last pre-pageant blog soon enough :)

Spring Update!

       Hi friends! Sorry for the delay in posting--as I'm sure you know, I have been as busy as ever this Spring season!  Since my last post, so much has happened!  I've officially made it halfway through my undergraduate career, amongst several other accomplishments.  Not only did I survive the semester, but I earned a Millis Scholar Athlete Award and a Gamma Eta Strive for Pi Award!  For now, I'll give you just a few highlights of this amazing semester.  For a detailed day-by-day run-down of the past few months, you can visit any of my social media sites!  The links are as follows:

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Keepcalmandvolunteeron
Twitter:       https://twitter.com/KCandVO
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/keepcalmandvolunteeron

       As all college students know, general education courses are often seen as something to dread.  For me, I've never looked forward to a math or science "gen-ed."  At High Point University, we are lucky to have several unique general education options that are enjoyable and relevant.  I chose to enroll in "Philosophy and Ethics of Education."  My expectations for this class were far exceeded as I was informed it is what we at HPU call a "service learning" course.  For 15 weeks, twice a week,  I visited Oak Hill Elementary School and taught a group of students about service.  Oak Hill is a Title One school where most of the children receive service rather than perform it.  Here are a few highlights from my time with the Oak Hill kids!

Their mascot is "Oakie" the Owl :)

 Our first service project was a donation to a nursing home! I cut the bottoms of water bottles to resemble snowflakes, and had the kids decorate them!  They learned all about recycling and the ability to brighten someone else's day through an enjoyable craft project!  

 For one lesson, we talked about the meaning of Volunteerism and read "The Littlest Volunteers."  We then completed a volunteer word-search and talked about how we can each become volunteers for our own communities!

 The "Rainbow Loom" bracelet trend is rampant throughout elementary schools everywhere.  For another service lesson, we made bracelets to donate to children in the hospital!

We decorated these foam shapes with "Get Well Soon" and "Happy Easter" messages before I left my student group for Easter Break.  While I was home, I delivered their creations along with flowers donated through my Children's Miracle Network Easter flower sale to patients at Inspira Hospital!

My sweet cousin Maddi joined me in delivering the goodies to Inspira!

To combine my own service with my Oak Hill experience, I donated ten boxes of recycled crayons that I had collected from Applebee's of Deptford through "Color My World."  I know I made an impact both during my semester, and after I left :)

       During my Spring Break, I was able to come home to New Jersey to kick-start my "Kindness Kids" campaign!  I visited my own 5th grade teachers Mrs. Dragon and Mrs. Connelly, to set up an awesome program.  I gave both classes a lesson on volunteerism and we completed a project to get their  service gears turning!

Thank you so much Mrs. Connelly and Mrs. Dragon for helping me launch this awesome program!

 

Since social media has become so prominent in young students, I decided to incorporate a short lesson on how to use social media positively!  Whenever the students perform a kind act or volunteer in some way, they add it to their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and use the hashtag #KindnessKids and #KindIsCool!  This has been a great way for me to connect with my friends while I'm at school. 

I took a photo of their crafts and posted it on Instagram while they finished up to show them how quickly you can spread a positive message and to encourage them to only use that ability to benefit others.

       I was especially excited to visit a first grade class at Centre City Elementary School to visit my very own teacher, Mrs. Spicer!  Speaking to young children about volunteerism is so refreshing and exciting. Watching them comprehend just how simple and fulfilling philanthropy can be is truly touching.  I read the students "The Littlest Volunteers" and joined them in coloring St. Patrick's Day cards!  I then donated the cards to the Gloucester County Serv-A-Tray program to add to their meals on St. Patrick's Day.

       Being a part of a sorority has given me the opportunity to spread my "Keep Calm and Volunteer On" mission even further!  As Philanthropy Coordinator, I have planned plenty of events and fundraisers to benefit JDRF!  I am so proud to have completed my first MAJOR fundraiser, "Twist Off."  It was a huge success and tons of fun!

 If you haven't heard of "messy Twister," this is the aftermath…

The winning team, "Kappa Alpha," after their victorious game!

       After finishing up my Sophomore year and returning home, the business didn't end!  I kept myself busy with plenty of service opportunities and pageant prep :)  Here are a few highlights of the month of May thus-far!

Miss New Jersey Golf Outing with my fabulous pageant sister, Anna :)  We were stationed at the free car hole!  Anyone who got a hole-in-one won a car.  Lots of pressure for us to be the witnesses ;)

A small piece of the Class of 2014 at the golf outing!

One of my favorite volunteer opportunities is being a "Buddy" for the Miracle League!  My cousin, Maddi, and friend, Hannah, joined me in playing baseball with the special needs students of Bankbridge school.

Another tradition I love!  I walked for the third time in the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Walk on the Miss NJ team!  Here a few of my pageant sisters and I took a pit stop for a photo-op with the Miss America statue outside of Boardwalk Hall!  

I visited the Woodbury Elementary school's "GALs" program to teach them how to be Kindness Kids! We made Mother's Day flower pots and I delivered them to the Ronald McDonald House of South Jersey.  Hopefully, the mothers residing at the RMH were able to find this small token as a reason to smile during their family's difficult time.

Thank you to everyone who helped make my "Zumbathon" a success!  I was able to reach my fundraising goal for Children's Miracle Network and have a great time :)

 Caroline, leader of the "People for the Poor" organization and I hit it off at this worth-while fundraising event!

 Donations benefit folks in shelters and at soup kitchens.  This little guy was eager to help :)

My Miss Seashore Line Outstanding teen, Gabi, helped me collect funds!

 My Princess friend, Becca, and I made a matching bracelet and ring at my pageant sister's CMN fundraiser!  Thanks, Anna, for such a fun party!

Showing off the bling :)

     Straight from the successful fundraiser, we took a spontaneous road trip to Staten Island to watch the final night of Miss New York!  Lindsey, Anna, Cierra, Courtney, and I had such a blast together--it made us SO excited for Miss New Jersey week!!

Jersey girls take Staten Island!

What's a road trip without a car selfie?

     The next day, with very little sleep, I traveled to the Seashore Line Resort for their beautiful Memorial Day ceremony!  I was humbled to sing the National Anthem and honor those who serve our country.  

 I placed a flag in the garden in remembrance of my Pop-pop who served our country in the Korean War.

I just love how the bagpipes truly top off such a touching ceremony!  Ron is my director Carol's son and is so very talented.

       Directly after the ceremony I was reunited with some of my fellow contestants for a pageant boot camp at Training Aspects - our Miss NJ fitness sponsor!  Thank you so much to everyone at Training Aspects for pushing us to our limits and making it so fun!

For some reason we decided to take a picture after our grueling work-out…lesson learned.

       Here's a sneak peak of my Miss New Jersey swimsuit, sponsored by Kandice Pelletier!  I can't wait to wear it in just 20 short days.  

       Besides Lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit, I have been preparing for my talent, interview, and gown presentation quite a bit!  It's crunch time and I couldn't love it more :)  To continue following my prep, be sure to follow me on those accounts listed in the beginning of this post!  I'll be updating frequently and can't wait to embark on this incredible journey :)