Miss VT in NYC!

What an incredible weekend I just had, Vermont!

I woke up at 3:30am on Saturday morning to make it to the airport in time for my 6am flight to New York City! My mom and step-dad joined me on this journey and I am so thankful for their support and great sense of direction—without them traveling with me, I know that wouldn’t make it far out of the JFK airport. Coming from Vermont, where our biggest city of Burlington only has, what, 30-something thousand people?—the city is bit overwhelming, but it’s exciting! We traveled all over the city, and it seemed like we took every form of transportation that day except for boat. I had my first subway experience, and it wasn’t all that bad--except for the fact that the line we thought we were traveling on switched halfway through (luckily there are plenty of cabs in the city!) We did so much walking throughout the day that when I ordered a BBQ pulled-pork sandwich with fries at the Hard-Rock Café, I did not feel guilty!

The purpose of the NY trip was to learn the choreography for my talent routine that I will perform at Miss America! I met with my incredible choreographer, Shea, and her assistant Lael, for five hours and had an absolute blast! I love my dance and cannot wait to perform it on stage! (after I work on perfecting it of course!) I head back to NYC in December, and I’m already excited to see the Christmas lights and decorations that the city has to offer.

Our first mission when we arrived in the city was to purchase a pair of dance shoes—but not just any dance shoe…I went to La Duca where I got a pair of shoes from a store that the majority of Broadway stars purchase their shoes from! I am very happy with my purchase, I feel like I could be on Broadway when I wear these shoes, and what is even more impressive is that I did not get a single blister after dancing in them for the first time!

After that mission was accomplished, my parents and I wandered around the city, mostly the Times Square area, and we saw Radio City Music Hall which was in the process of being set up for the MTV VMAs. (It’s weird to think that just 24hours later, the controversy with Taylor Swift and Kayne West occurred. And while I’m talking about the VMAs—I definitely did not get inspired by any of Lady Gaga’s outfit choices, so no worries about my Miss America wardrobe! haha)

While in the city, we got stuck on the side of the street while a parade passed by, twice. Two parades in the same area in one day. I also almost got sideswiped by several couples wearing “Dash for the Diamond” T-shirts—which apparently was a NYC version of the “Amazing Race” where couples were racing to win the diamond engagement ring of their dreams. Gotta love NYC!

I really had a great trip to New York. I love all of the fashion, lights, and tall buildings. But, at the end of the very long and exhausting day, I was really happy to breathe in the crisp fresh Vermont air and sleep in my own bed at home. What a day!

On Sunday, I attended the final day of the “Miles for Wishes” event sponsored by the Make-A-Wish-Foundation. Over the course of 2 days, Vermont participants walked/ran 20 miles in order to raise money for the wonderful charity. I had the privilege of standing at the finish line, where I got to cheer on the runners and present them with a medallion as they crossed the line. I have a hard enough time running 3 miles—I was so proud of everyone who spent their weekend devoted to this charity and conquering some major mileage. The Make-A-Wish-Foundation of Vermont will be celebrating their 500th wish on October 17th. That’s absolutely incredible! I hope to partner with this organization throughout my year. I was truly inspired.

I am currently back at school, writing from my on-campus apartment. On Friday I head down to Framingham, Massachusetts (only a half hour away from my college) to attend the New England MAO Conference. It will be wonderful to reunite with my New England Miss America sisters, and Miss America Katie Stam! I also look forward to seeing several of the wonderful young women who participated in Miss Vermont this year! I recently looked over the itinerary and this weekend is going to be filled with many exciting opportunities and information! Can’t wait!

I had my first spinning class today, and that really wiped me out. Time for bed!

Have a wonderful week, friends!

~Laura

I just had to include this photo of my Grandpa and me! Grandpa--you are such a major role model in my life. Thank you for telling me I look like Miss America!