April Showers Bring May Flowers

As always I have kept myself busy over the past month. What can I say? I'm always a busy bee. It really does not matter how busy you are, but WHY you are busy. This month have gotten to do quite a few appearances and volunteering opportunities that are near and dear to my heart. The best part, I have gotten to do them with amazing people!! 

I began the month by having the opportunity to speak at Jefferson Elementary School with the D.A.R.E. Program in Clinton, Iowa. I was extremely excited to speak at Jefferson because my grandmother, Carol Lange, taught there. Officer Bussie was kind enough to let me interrupt part of his lesson and speak about my platform. I had a wonderful time speaking with two 5th grade classes about drug education. 

The next morning I had the opportunity to participate in Miss America Serves Day. My team organized a controlled substance pick-up at two locations in Clinton. Miss Clinton County's Outstanding Teen 2015, Julia Campbell, and I accompanied officer Ben Huizenga of the Clinton Police Department and Kristin Huisenga from the Gateway Coalition in Clinton. All together we collected 17.5 pounds of medication! ‪Take this into consideration: the average size of a pill is 300 milligrams. One pound equals 453,592 milligrams. THAT IS ABOUT 26,460 PILLS!!

Up next was Miss Iowa 2016 orientation! The day was a whirlwind! We started bright and early at 8:30 AM and lasted until about 3:45 PM. I am blessed to have the best board to prepare me and to share this journey with. I would not be able to do this without them. I love knowing I have their undying love and support. I can not wait for Miss Iowa week!

To end the month, I volunteered at the Autism Resource Expo in Cedar Rapids with Miss Eastern Iowa, Allison Gerstenberger. We had the opportunity to announce the guest speakers, meet the vendors, play with kids, and take home multiple goodies! All in all, a very productive morning. We were thrilled to be able to volunteer for the second year in a row.

This month, my advice seems pretty obvious with Miss Iowa drawing nearer and nearer. Carpe Diem. Seize the Day. So often are these words said, but how often are they understood? As a titleholder, we are given multiple opportunities to take charge and impact someone's life. This is absolutely fabulous and we love doing it. Sometimes we forget the change that can happen to us while making a difference. So while we are seizing the day, we need to soak in every experience that comes with it. Make the most of every chance and opportunity held before us. When you allow yourself to be that vulnerable and open, you become like a sponge. This change can effect your very soul and change you for the better so that you can have an even greater impact. 

May the Force Be with You.