Hey everyone! Wow does it feel good to finally have some time to sit down and write. My July was crazy packed with so many exciting opportunities that I haven’t had time to catch my breath but after a month of fun I am finally able to sit back, reflect, and fill you all in.
Starting with July 10. The day I was crowned your 2018 America’s U.S. Miss!
America’s U.S. Miss is a system that has held a place in my heart for the past 8 years now. I was just 12 years old when I got on that national stage for the first time. The picture to the left was taken just moments after the final pageant back in 2010. Unfortunately I didn’t walk away with the national crown that year, and although I’m still smiling in that picture, the water works definitely came not long after. I just remember feeling so defeated, yet still so hungry to achieve that goal I had set for myself.
The following years were full of ups and downs. I competed in various pageants, I took some time off, I struggled with personal problems, so much had been thrown at me, and so many things had been changing as I grew older, but one of the things that hadn’t changed, was that goal to get the national title, I just had to figure out how to do it.
So, 8 years later I decided to give it another try. Becoming the 2018 Miss California U.S. Miss I set my eyes on that national crown again and began preparing for the pageant, which if you read my last blog post, you know that while preparing I was hit with some bumps in the road (literally). As I was getting ready for nationals, things were going wrong left and right, and I had moments where I questioned if I could do this and if I should even bother going to nationals. It was a difficult time, and a tough decision but I am so happy with the one I made.
As that first weekend of July rolled around, I got on a plane to Clearwater, Florida and was immediately thrown into a week of fun. From glow parties, fun themed rehearsals, pool parties, beautiful beach sunsets and getting to meet girls from all over the country, I had one of the best weekends of my entire life.
By the time the final pageant rolled around, the happiness and confidence I felt was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, I didn’t think I could feel any happier, that is until that national crown was placed on my head.
After 8 years of hard work, stress, tears, and determination I was named your 2018 America’s U.S. Miss and I could not be more thrilled!
Standing on that stage with my new sister queens, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face, I don’t think any of us could. I’ve always wanted a sister and as I stood there looking at each of their smiling faces I realized I was now leaving with 6 sisters!
I feel so blessed and excited for this upcoming year and having the opportunity to share it with these beautiful girls and I can’t wait to see what is in store for us throughout our reign!
It’s been a month now since I was crowned and everything is still sinking in for me. Over my years of pageantry I’ve won some, and I’ve lost some. I had supporters and I had a whole lot of doubters. People that didn’t think I was capable of achieving my goals, but now I can say through hard work and determination, I did it. I achieved my goal. And now, I get to enjoy my reign and work for the next year as your America’s U.S. Miss 2018!
Just Jewlz 