I began March by volunteering with a group of girls at Beadology in downtown Iowa City. We spent about a hour helping create inspirational cards and beautiful earrings for new cancer patients at the University of Iowa hospitals. We enjoyed decorating the cards with inspirational quotes and designs.
A few short days later, I spent my entire Friday volunteering at the Distinguished Young Woman of Iowa Program. I had the opportunity to help back stage during the show as well as lead girls to their interviews. It was a very rewarding day.
The following week I had the opportunity to give back and help the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals at IHOP's National Pancake Day. I was honored to help the Coralville IHOP by hanging balloons on their wall to symbolize this form of philanthropy. I even donated and put my own balloon on the wall.
Next, I had the opportunity to speak about my platform on the EDUCATIONAL television show Breaking Bad. My purpose was to help educate about addiction as well as help families who are going through what I went through using my personal experience. Many families struggle to realize the importance of the before, during, and after process of abuse. If each phase is not handled and treated with proper care and diligence, life for the addict and especially family members can be worse.
Next up was a surprise appearance at Rebekah's birthday party. I was extremely excited to be able to make a special guest appearance with Miss Iowa, Taylor Wiebers, at the princess party. We had tea and played with all of the little girls. Everyone was definitely a princess!
The Clinton Kiwanis is a proud sponsor and scholarship provider for the Miss Clinton County Organization. I was honored to speak to them about my year of service, the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and my platform. It was a fabulous afternoon!
Last weekend, I helped at the very last Miss Iowa local for the 2016 season, the Sweeps Pageant. I woke up bright and early to help lead the beautiful 11 contestants into their interviews. All of the women were phenomenal. Congratulations to the four new titleholders. The Miss Iowa Class of 2016 is finally complete!
Last but certainly not least was the Father Daughter Dance. I was able to attend the Father Daughter dance in Clinton with over 300 fathers and daughters in attendance. I thoroughly enjoyed dancing, taking pictures, signing autographs, and playing with many girls. I loved seeing over 300 fathers and daughters come out for a magical afternoon. Every daughter is her daddy's princess.
Today I have a message that hits hard at home. That message is about strength. No, not physically. Mentally. Sometimes the world is not all that it seems, and sometimes the world is not very nice or helpful. My best advice is to do the best you can and learn from every opportunity, struggle, obstacle, pain, honor, etc. that is thrown your way. This can be hard to do and you may not know how to do it. You must trust the people around you to help you. Without this support system, life can be hard but you can make it through. Even though everything may not be as it seems, the people who really matter will be there for you building you up and not tearing you down. No matter what happens, these events in your life will make you stronger. As Kelly Clarkson says:
Learn from everything. Grow from everything.
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