Miss New York Newsletter

The first few months leading up to Miss America Live seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. It felt as though one second I was being crowned Miss New York, and the next I was flying to Las Vegas to compete for the title of Miss America! On January 17^th, my birthday, I flew to meet the other fifty- one titleholders for the experience of a lifetime.

Thanks to our Caribbean cruise and the two weeks filming the reality show in Los Angeles, the time in Las Vegas was a reunion of friends rather than a cut throat competition. One of the most amazing things about spending more time with the other contestants was learning how genuine and unique they all are. I had the opportunity to see how each and every girl had something special to offer. It was such a blessing for me to see and appreciate how different every one of the contestants was and at the same time to recognize how those differences are what made each girl extraordinary. Everyone had something valuable to offer that no other girl had. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time with these amazing young women. I have made friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. As a matter of fact some of us are already talking about a reunion! 

 My time spent in Las Vegas was filled with an array of emotions. When I was on the plane flying over the mountain peaks of Nevada, I was full of anticipation and curiosity. I had no idea what to expect during the next ten days.  One thing that I had been told was that it would be tiring, so I was bracing myself for exhaustion. The predictions were well founded. My day would start at 6am and I wouldn’t get back to my room until around midnight, only to get up the next morning and do it all again. During the first few days, we were so busy with rehearsals and appearances that I didn’t have time to process many emotions at all.

 Once competition started it was very surreal. When I walked out on the Miss America stage for the first night’s opening number, I was kind of in disbelief. I was on THE Miss America stage, the one that I had seen on television! I found myself wondering how on earth I had gotten to that point. It was very exhilarating!  I grew up as a performer in theater and dance, so I feel very comfortable on a stage with an audience, but there was something so special about being on this stage.

 Although I think that every aspect of competition serves a purpose, my two favorite events are interview (both private and on stage) and talent. I grew as an individual and I learned so much about myself through this process that I just wish that I could do it all again. Although I was thrilled to win my first year trying, I am sad that I can never compete again. I have had such a good time and met so many great people at the local, state and national level. I encourage all of you who are competing or considering competing to cherish every opportunity and every moment!

 I am so impressed with how talented, intelligent, dedicated and driven all the girls were. I think that it is a shame that the TV audience only gets to see the final night of competition. They miss out on getting to know just how great all the girls are.

Out of all the girls that I got to know, there were many that I felt would have made an excellent Miss America. They wouldn’t have made it that far if they didn’t have what it took. However, I couldn’t be happier with the judges’ decision to crown Kirsten. She is one of the most genuine and kind-hearted girls that I have ever met. Not only that, but she was on the blue team with me, so I might be a little biased …GO BLUE!!

 Perhaps it was because I didn’t have the time to stop and breathe or because there was adrenaline rushing through my body for ten days, but I didn’t feel the exhaustion of the hectic schedule until I got home on Monday the 28^th. After spending many hours in the airport due to a delayed flight out of Vegas, I arrived safely in Brooklyn at two in the morning. And then I think I slept for two days straight!

One of the amazing things about the experience of being Miss New York is the opportunities that come through the various contacts that you make. While I was in Las Vegas I made a job connection that gave me the opportunity to travel to Italy in late February. I have always had the desire to travel and to see the word, but I had not had the opportunity. So when I had the chance to go to Milan and Florence I was thrilled! It was wonderful to get a deeper sense of my Italian heritage. I was in awe of the mountains and rolling landscape and amazed by the beauty of Florence. There really are no words that can begin to do justice to the experience of seeing it in person. Rather than the trip getting the urge to travel out of my system, it only fed my desire to see the world. While in the past I assumed I would love traveling, now I know that I do.

Now that I am home and life has gone back to normal, I am spending much of my time traveling to schools all over the state doing presentations on making wise decisions, building character and finding a sense of personal value through serving others. I have also been enjoying attending the local pageants held throughout the state. It is so nice to catch up with some of the girls that I knew from last year and to get to know the new contestants. I especially enjoy watching the talent portion of competition; I love seeing everyone’s unique abilities….. During the last few months of my reign I hope to continue to impact the lives of others in a positive manner and promote the miss New York Organization.  I look forward to seeing you in July on Long Island!