It's already November?!

Hello Friends,

I cannot believe how quickly the time has been flying by! Miss America is right around the corner--there is so much to do, but I'm so ready for the time of my life! Miss America is the icing on the cake of an incredible year (and after the competition, I will be eating that cake!) My roommates love to bake cookies, brownies and all things delicious. I have strong willpower 50% of the time. But now that November is here, I'll try to minimize my intake on chocolate. Maybe.

Preparing for Miss America has been an amazing experience for me. I'm always asked about what the preparation process is like, and I think I disappoint people when I say that I just work on being the best Laura Hall that I can be. Perhaps that answer isn't as glamorous as expected, but there are a lot of aspects of pageantry that the general public does not know about--simply because you learn so much by actually going through the process.

Before I was crowned Miss Vermont, I had a notebook filled with writings that I titled the "Miss Vermont Plan of Action." Going into the competition, I had really thought about what I wanted to do with the title and how I would go about achieving it. I created dozens of to-do lists before I was even honored with the title, but because I spent so much time planning for my year, I already put myself in the mindset of being Miss Vermont.

Some of you may know that before I won the title of Miss Vermont, I competed in Massachusetts. In January of 2008, I decided to enter a local pageant in the city I attend college in hopes of gaining some experience with the Miss America Organization. I always knew that I would compete for Miss Vermont, and I had intended to compete in 2008. However, I won the local in Massachusetts and before I knew it, I was Miss Worcester County 2008 and off to compete for the title of Miss Massachusetts.

When I think about my experience at Miss Massachusetts and Miss Vermont, I shake my head in amazement at how differently I prepared for both competitions. For Miss Mass, I focused on the pageant itself. I tried to memorize interview answers to potential questions. I watched dozens of youtube clips to copy how other pageant girls walked. I tried to make an interesting talent routine by combining hip-hop with tap (a style I was not use to), and worst of all, I wore a pantsuit in interview. Nothing against pantsuits, but for me, that style is not my own. I focused far too much on being liked by the judges, that I forgot to focus on the aspects that I love about myself. I didn't let my true personality show. I covered up my goofy, dorky, energetic and sweet side by wearing clothing that I thought the judges would like to see, by performing a talent that I thought would impress the judges, and by attempting to always give the perfect answer. When I think about to June 2008, I laugh at how stiff and un-relatable I must have come across. I focused so much on the judges, that I did not focus on myself. I came to this realization quite quickly after the pageant ended. I was a non-finalist at Miss Massachusetts, but the knowledge I gained about myself was what was able to put me in the right mindset for Miss Vermont 2009. My journey at Miss Massachusetts really gave me a wealth of useful knowledge and I'm so grateful for the experience and the people I met. It was also nice to already be friends with one of my current Miss America sisters.

At Miss Vermont 2009, I felt completely calm and relaxed throughout the entire pageant weekend. I was able to really enjoy the experience and had the privilege of really getting to know the amazing girls that were also participating in Miss Vermont. I made friendships, I had fun and I never once felt like I was in a competition. It was a blast! I remember when I was at my first MAO state pageant in 2008, I felt overwhelmed and out of place. I focused on the things that I didn't know and the things that were out of my control. I psyched myself out because I learned that other girls had pageant coaches (I didn't know they existed), I psyched myself because I did not have a local director to help guide me along the process, and I psyched myself out because I had no knowledge of certain pageant secrets such as butt glue (haha I still do not use the product) or spanx. I let the things that I didn't have overshadow the things that I did have. At Miss Vermont, I focused on who I am, and what I am capable of. I focused on my potential to do great things and my passion for the Miss America Organization. It felt natural and enjoyable...and that has been what my Miss America preparations have been like as well!

For Miss America there are 5 phases of competition: interview, on-stage question, swimsuit, evening gown and talent. And while I have been doing a lot of various tasks to prepare for each individual competition--I have been focusing much more on the job of Miss America, and I have been incorporating Miss America into my every day life.

I am a college senior. I am a student leader. I am Miss Vermont. But most of all, I am Laura Hall. This year has been filled with lessons in flexibility and open-mindedness. I have relied on others more than I usually like to, but I've learned that that is not a bad thing. I have been sharing my year with so many wonderful people who have been reaching out and supporting me in more ways that I can count. I have learned a valuable distinction: I am not capable of everything, but I am capable of anything. I'm blessed to have so many people alongside me who help me achieve my "anything."

As a college student I tune in my inner Miss America by engaging in classroom discussions and focusing on getting a strong education. I have been speaking one-on-one with professors of all different disciplines as a way to surround myself with all various opinions on current events. I have also been thankful for the many professors who have sat in on mock interview sessions to help me present the best Laura Hall that I can be. I have enjoyed fielding diverse questions--and I have become strong at communicating my ideas because of all of the help I've received from the Assumption College community.

As the Senate Speaker for the Student Government Organization, I find myself exercising my leadership skills on a daily basis. I work on being a role model and a spokesperson for the student body which is a smaller-scale of exactly what I will be doing as Miss America. Because I currently am a college student as I prepare for Miss America, I am able to stay relevant to the college-aged demographic, which is one of our main target audiences for the Miss America Organization since all contestants are between the ages of 17--24. If I can balance all of these responsibilities, it is my hope that others will see that they too can do the same. I recently spoke with a college professor who was involved with pageants when she was in college but she had to quit after she found out how time-consuming it was. While it is time-consuming, I focus on how rewarding and enjoyable every experience I partake in is.

I am in Vermont every week (although I did just stay in Massachusetts for a solid 2 weeks--explanation coming up soon), and when I'm home I have a jam-packed schedule as I try to promote our organization at as many events as possible. While I'm at school, I continue to focus on my work as Miss Vermont as I schedule appearances, communicate with sponsors and plan up-coming events such as my send-off party on January 9th in South Burlington (save the date--more info to come soon!). I work on my platform and my non-profit organization that has extended from my platform.

Being on a tight schedule has taught me that I am more than capable of being Miss America. I have been balancing many different roles, but each role helps tie into the well-roundedness (is that a word?) and flexibility that Miss America needs to possess. I have always been a go-go-go type of gal, and one of the biggest shocks is that I have yet to become a coffee-drinker this year. I'm running on a natural high with my natural energy! I am so excited for the opportunity to be Miss America, and I'm working hard to shine as Miss America every single day, in everything that I do.

Wow--that came out much longer than I expected. In case you got lost in the jumble of words, I suppose my main point is that in order to prepare for Miss America, I have been focusing on how I can use my God-given abilities to be the best Laura Hall that I can be. Maybe I should have just wrote that to begin with.

Well Vermont, it's been awhile since I've updated on my adventures! I will try to keep the update brief as I fear your eyes will soon start to hurt from staring at the computer screen. Thank you for hanging in there!

On October 17th I attended the Assumption College President's Council Dinner for the alumni who have donated over $1,000 to our school. As an executive of the SGA, I was invited to attend along with my 4 other executive buddies. The dinner was wonderful and was a great networking opportunity. I had to be quick on my feet to communicate with people who I had never met, but ended up leaving with some new friends in my life. Assumption College's President, Dr. Cesareo, surprised me during his speech when he acknowledged my title of Miss Vermont to the entire dinner party. All of the sudden a spotlight shown on my face, and I was asked to stand up, where I received a very generous congratulatory applause from the Assumption alumni. It was very humbling, and I cannot thank Assumption College enough for their support!

On October 24th, I met with Alaina Mangano from Elite Dance Academy in Shrewsbury Mass to work on my Miss America talent. Alaina is the sister of Lauren Mangano who is the new local director for the Miss Worcester County Pageant--the title I held in 2008. It's wonderful to have the support from Massachusetts, and it's a testament of how the Miss America Organization is different from other pageant systems. Our volunteers support all contestants, which I truly appreciate as I balance my time between MA and VT. Alaina is such a talented dancer and has been amazing at helping me perfect my dance.

October 25th was a day filled with community service. The morning began by setting up a Halloween party for disadvantaged youth in Worcester. This event was sponsored by ODK--Omicron Kappa Delta, which is a national honor society that I am a member of. I had a blast playing Halloween-related games with all the children. I love every opportunity I have to work with youth. The event last for a couple of hours, and then I moved on to the next event...

Later that afternoon I helped execute the 10th annual Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at Assumption College. This is why I was absent from Vermont for two weekends in a row. The Student Government runs this event every year, and I'm proud to announce that we raised over $140,000 and counting at this event. It was such a beautiful walk, as each walker held a glowing balloon that filled the sky like lightning bugs and shooting stars. Beautiful. Powerful. Inspirational.

This past Thursday, October 29th, I drove back to Vermont after my 2:30 class ended, and boy was I glad to be home! There is no better air to breathe than Vermont air! It tickles the nostrils as my friend Erica would say! haha.

Friday, October 30th was a busy day with an early start. I was out the door by 7 am to drive to South Burlington to get to my Nonni's house. Nonni, as always, was my wonderful traveling companion. The day started with some beauty appointments (in other words, I got my eyebrows waxed and a spray tan) and then I went to meet with Kim DeBrul. Kim is a wonderful leader in the Vermont community and has volunteered to time to be my motivational coach as I prepare for the ultimate job. Kim is helping me reinforce the importance of a positive mindset, and has been helping me to visualize my goal. She and I have very similar ways of thinking and it's nice to have her to help keep me on the right track.

Vermont, I have a confession. I had a cheeseburger from Al's French Frys for lunch that day, and it was so good that I do not regret it! Al's is my absolute favorite restaurant and although it's not the best for a swimsuit figure...one cheeseburger now and then doesn't hurt. Right? Please say right. I also had some of their delicious french fries too. Yum.

After lunch Nonni and I went shopping at the University Mall, which just conveniently happened to be the location of my appearance for the night. I was invited to help out with the Night Before Halloween Mall Party, where an estimated 2,000 kids got to play games and trick-or-treat in the mall throughout the night. I was in charge of running the Spooky Bingo game which was a blast! I love playing bingo, and it was fun to be the announcer for the game.

While at the UMall, I met one of my mom's high school friends who generously gave a donation to support my year as Miss Vermont. It was wonderful to thank him in person. Being a young woman who truly benefits from the scholarships I receive, this donation was a huge relief for me--being Miss Vermont can be pricey at times. Thank you Dan for your support!

Saturday, October 31st (aka Halloween) was an extremely busy day! I got up early to go to the Red Clover Salon to get my hair done for my photoshoot with Wayne Tarr. Mary did an incredible job on my hair, but unfortunately it was so windy out outside, that by the time I reached the photographer, my hair had taken on a new style. Ohwell, it still looked pretty decent if I do say so myself! For the next 5 hours I had a blast working with Wayne and Sarah Cramton for our holiday photoshoot. It was funny dressing in Christmas-y apparel on Halloween. But I love being in the Christmas Spirit so the photo shoot was so much fun, but definitely exhausting. I cannot wait to see the results!

After the photoshoot my mom and I treated ourselves to dinner and then headed back to Nonni's house to sort through some home videos. TLC has asked each contestant to provide a home video of us performing our talent as a child. We ended up choosing a video from a dance recital in 1996, and we could not stop laughing at how I looked back then. Let's just say there is a reason why my mom calls me Laura Monkey. Thank goodness for braces!

I headed back to school yesterday, and immediately hit the gym and then filled some office hours in the SGA office. I have to have a minimum of 10 office hours a week so I try to fit them in whenever possible--even if it is a Sunday afternoon. We had a very productive meeting last night, and I'm proud to be a part of an organization that is so passionate about representing the student body.

Today was also very busy, but very productive! I sent out over 20 e-mails, I'm almost caught up on everything! I worked on my dance, and I had my good friend Tommy Sleeper edit my home-video which is now ready to be sent in. And, I'm now working on the World Record for longest blog entry ever!

I'm sorry for the delay in communication! I will try to stay on top of it better! It's been a busy year, but every day has been memorable and different! What a year!!

I hope you all had a Happy Halloween! Eat a couple of Kit-Kat Bars for me.

~Laura


photos to come!