Miss California week is finally here! With all of the exciting things that have been going on in my life currently (graduating from Flight Attendant Training, moving to my base in Washington, D.C., and starting a new career), it really snuck up on me!
With that being said, I’m going into this week of competition with a different perspective than I normally do. About a week ago, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get the ten days off from work that I needed to compete, especially as a new hire. But I believe that everything happens for a reason, and to make a long story short, I was granted an exception by my managers to be able to participate in this experience that I have actively been preparing for since October, and really since I started competing in pageants when I was thirteen.
That’s why I’m taking a new perspective. I’m truly not here to win or to to even make the Top 15. Of course, that’s the outcome I want. Given that I was so uncertain that I would even be here, my goal is to be present. To reconnect with friends and make new ones. To do the best I possibly can by being 100% myself. There was a time when my identity revolved around my success in pageantry. For once, I can honestly say that, crown or not, my identity will not change. I’m happy with where my life is now and where it is going. And truly, that makes me feel like I’ve already won.
For everyone who has asked me how to watch Miss California, the live stream is free this year on misscalifornia.org!
I will be competing in my private interview on Tuesday afternoon, talent on Wednesday evening, swimsuit and evening gown on Thursday, and on stage question on Friday. A new Miss California will be crowned on Saturday!
You can help me earn a spot in the Top 15 by voting for me here in the People’s Choice Competition.
All proceeds go towards the scholarship award for our new Miss California!