Monday, July 25, 2011 marked the beginning of a week filled with long exhausting days, memorable appearances and most importantly amazing people. As I landed at the O’Hare Chicago airport early that Monday, I had no idea what was in store for me. I was excited, anxious and a bit nervous for the upcoming week at the Miss Teen International pageant.
Day 1 – orientation - It was thrilling to hear about the remarkable young ladies I would be spending the next week with. As each contestant spoke about her hometown, it was astonishing how much I learned about the world!
Day 2 started early with a day filled with appearances; it was possibly my favorite day the entire week! As I spent the day with my fellow sister queens touring Chicago and making appearances at the John Hancock Observatory, Lincoln Zoo and my personal favorite, the Boys and Girls Club, it was very refreshing to simply relax and do what I love best – impact children.
The next few days were filled with long rehearsals, which seemed exhausting at the time but now looking back, I realize those were the best moments shared with the other contestants. We laughed and joked backstage and really spent that time bonding with each other. This gave us the opportunity to get to know each other better and really share with each other our purpose and platform. I am so proud that so many young ladies, just like me, are truly making a difference in this world. The rehearsals flew by and before I knew it, I was dancing the production on stage with all the astonishing contestants. Thursday night preliminary competition quickly turned into Saturday night finals and I was thrilled to be called into the top 10 finalists who would continue on that night.
The night went by quickly and Sunday morning I checked out of the hotel, proudly leaving Chicago as a top 10 finalist in such an honorable competition. My blistered feet are symbols of a great week filled with memorable experiences and amazing young ladies!
I was very honored to be a special guest at the Dallas Medical Spa’s event on August 18! It was great to be in such a beautiful spa with my amazing sister queen, Miss Texas International, Kelli Ansley. It was refreshing to talk to women from all over Dallas about skincare and other beauty tips! The event featured a wide array of aesthetic procedures, door prizes, food, drinks and just a nice evening for women to get away and relate with each other! I am excited to work with the beautiful Carolyn Hulse, Spa Manager, and the Dallas Med Spa in the future. Dallas Medical Spa is an extraordinary sponsor of the Texas International Pageants and right down the street, lucky me! 
