Hi Friends!

I just wanted to write-in to say hello and wish you all wonderful week! I am about to experience one of the busiest weeks as a student--most of these updates show how busy I've been as Miss Vermont--but this one will give you a little glimpse into my life as Laura Hall--college senior.

Tomorrow I have to wrap up my student government work for the semester--I have to send out the minutes from tonight's meeting to our campus community, and I have to have winter student-leader training set up so that everything will fall into place smoothly when I am away in Vegas and beyond! My Student Government friends have been telling me that they'll miss me when I'm Miss America--(nothing wrong with positive thinking, right?)--but they are an amazing group of individuals and I know that they will continue to led our school in a positive direction.

On Tuesday I have a 10-page paper and a group project due--I start class at 10 am and usually get out of class around 4pm. Later that evening I will drive down to Framingham, MA to work with my trainer, Katie Boyd! www.missfitco.com

On Wednesday I have a 5 page paper due. I have a meeting with my academic dean to handle my minimum of two-weeks absence from 2nd semester courses, then I will be having dinner with the President of Assumption College.

Thursday is study day--the day before exams begin. I have arranged with my professors to have all of my exams earlier so my plan is to jam-pack all of my exams in to Thursday and Friday so that I can drive home and dedicate all of my energy 110% to Miss Vermont/Miss America work!

On Friday morning I have a meeting with the Board of Trustees of Assumption College (this is part of my work as Senate Speaker for SGA) and in the late afternoon I will be in the recording to studio in Vermont, where my Miss America music track is being recorded by local musicians. I am very excited to see this process unfold! Thanks to Brian McCarthy for arranging the music, musicians and studio time!

I am trying to confirm that I am able to hold a fundraiser for CMN--so more details when I receive that confirmation. But in the meantime, I would love if you could send this link to your friends, and donate any amount to the Children's Miracle Network. This organization has touched my heart and I am hoping to give back by raising funds throughout my year as Miss Vermont!

http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=53139AE53D5BEA&e=91ED+0+152

I will be checking my facebook and e-mail regularly, so feel free to send questions/comments/or methods to avoid insanity during this big academic crunch time!

To all of those college students out there--good luck on exams!

Enjoy the holiday season!

~Laura