MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT PAGEANTS

I didn't really know what I liked about pageants until I won Miss Iowa Teen USA in 2007. I knew that I liked meeting new people and that I liked the opportunities that they offered. But when I won Miss Iowa Teen USA I really found out what makes pageants so important to me and why they meant so much to me.

In high school I was really involved, I was in a lot of clubs, a bunch of sports, and volunteered for the American Red Cross and ElementorReads. I loved being a peer educator for the American Red Cross as well as helping out with other events. I also loved ElementorReads (even though I HATE HATE HATE reading) because I liked knowing that I was making a difference in the lives of kids in my community, by getting them caught up with reading and spelling.

During my reign as Miss Iowa Teen, I worked with my new organizations. Each found a place in my heart. I worked with JDRF, The American Red Cross, Best Buddies, MDA, and many other organizations. I met so many people and children that were more than wonderful!

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)  is the world leader for research to cure type 1 diabetes. "Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump - each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation."

While I volunteered and made appearances at this event I was given the opportunity to meet with several children and adults with diabetes. I made so many lifelong friends, and these people showed me to appreciate what I have in life. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to live with diabetes everyday of your life.
 
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization that lets volunteers create one on one friendships with people who have  intellectual and developmental disabilities. People from all 50 states volunteer for Best Buddies as well as people on 6 other continents. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute services to the community that equate to more than $170 million USD.
 

I worked with Best Buddies a lot throughout my reign. My Best Buddies name was Ashley and she ran track in the Special Olympics. However, I can't find a picture of her. I have one of one of the kids I met while out in California while other contestants in Miss Teen USA played kickball with them.
 

Here are a few pictures from other various events that I volunteered with and with people that have all made an impact in my life.

 
 











Through working with these organizations and meeting such wonderful people, I have learned to appreciate what I have and the life that I have. I try to not take things for granted and appreciate everyone that I meet for their unique self. These organizations have changed my life and I just hope I was able to change the lives of others as well.