Since my last blog was way too long, I have decided to break up my last week into several blog entries. I'm writing this before I even begin to type so that I remind myself that I cannot keep writing and writing and writing--although, I have so much to share. I'm very anxious to tell you about my incredible trip to South Carolina, but I think I'll start by going backwards and sharing yesterday's activities with you.
My mom, Nonni and I landed in Burlington International Airport around 10:30pm on Monday night--but it was close to Midnight by the time I arrived to our home in Vergennes and unpacked. Although I could tell my body was exhausted from all of our traveling, for some reason, I just could not sleep. Two hours later, I attempted to go to sleep, only to wake to the beautiful sound of my cell-phone alarm at 6am. I'm estimating that I had a solid 4 hours of sleep.
6am sharp, my jam-packed, fun-filled day began! I arrived at Nonni's house around 7:30 am, where she had me try on some appearance clothing that she altered for me. My Nonni wears many hats: Grandmother, Traveling Companion, To-Do List Maker, and seamstress (along with many other roles). I am so thankful for all of the help my Nonni has given me this year--being Miss Vermont would not be as enjoyable or smooth-sailing without her!
I spent the majority of the day at Chamberlin School--an elementary school in South Burlington. This was the first school that I've had to opportunity to visit as Miss Vermont, and this appearance was very special to me, as this was where I attended elementary school. It was so nice to return to the familiar and friendly hallways, where I had the chance to reunite with formers teachers. Mr. Bose, who was my gym teacher, presented me with a photo that he had of me and some of my friends when we were in first grade! It was so precious. I absolutely love Chamberlin School, and I as very impressed with the students I spoke with yesterday.
The school arranged for me to speak with each individual grade, kindergarten--5th grade. I love that my platform can be relevant to any age group, so I had fun spreading different messages to each of the grades. I'd like to share some highlights from my school visit:
*While speaking with the Kindergartners, I began by asking what each student wanted to be when they grew up. My plan was to take the occupations they gave me, and show them how they can start working towards this goal today by being a kind, respectful, and helpful student. As a sea of arms waved in the air, I heard students list out jobs such as a doctor, a teacher, a vet, a firefighter, a baker, and then all of the sudden, I heard the sweet voice of a young girl: "I want to be the tooth fairy!" That would be a great job, wouldn't it? She would probably get some great frequent-flyer miles with all that traveling!
The first grade I spoke with was 4th grade. The only teacher that I had at Chamberlin who still teaches at Chamberlin School is Mrs. Tan. It was great to be able to speak to her grade-level first. Towards the end of my presentation, I offer to answer any questions that the students may have. One of the funny questions that I was asked was, "how does your crown stay on"--my response: glue. But then of course, I tilted my head forward to reveal the real secret of how the crown stays on my head.
I was at Chamberlin School for 4 hours, but I wish I had more time! It was just an amazing day, and I really felt like the students gained something from my messages. I was impressed by the quality of their questions and their curiosity to know how they can currently make changes and make an impact at their school and in their community. I left this appearance feeling inspired and determined to book many more school appearances throughout the state. I'm working on that right now--If you know a school that would like to have Miss Vermont speak anytime in December, contact me! Missvermont09@yahoo.com
I finished around 2:30pm and had about 2 1/2 hours to spare before my next appearance. My lack of sleep the night before was catching up with me so I took a nap, and then wrote down my talking points for my next speech.
I was invited to be the Key Note Speaker for a charity fashion show that the Mary-Kay Foundation of Vermont had put together. I was asked to speak about my experience as Miss Vermont and I was also able to speak about women empowerment and goal setting. All of the women were so kind, and it was great to see some of the current fashion trends being modeled. My mom was able to come to this appearance with me, and it was great to share the experience with her. I was able to do some great networking at this event, and it was nice to meet so many women who said that they will be watching Miss America Live! on January 30th! It is always rewarding when you can speak to a group who knows little about the Miss America Organization, and then during the speech, open their eyes up to the incredible work this organization does. We definitely have some more supporters of the Miss Vermont/Miss America Organization!
It's currently Wednesday afternoon, and I have yet to leave my house. I've been catching up on e-mails and making lots of phone calls--all Miss Vermont duties!
I look forward to writing part two of this blog, where I can share my adventures in South Carolina!
It's a beautiful sunny day here in Vermont. I'm going to go for a run with my dog and enjoy the sunshine! Hope you all are enjoying it too!
Your Miss Vermont,
~Laura
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