This past weekend I had the amazing experience to participate in the Miss Maryland USA Pageant. This experience has opened my eyes to a whole new world! I didn’t know what to expect, what kind of people I would meet, or how I would feel throughout the process. 

Why did I choose to do this?

I hold the responsibility of being a mentor, coach, and example to female high school athletes and other young females in the community. This responsibility is a high priority for me because it is imperative that these young, impressionable women understand that they can do anything they put their minds to. I decided to run for Miss MD to show that it’s ok to step out of your comfort zone and no matter what the outcome, I gave it everything I had. 

So what did the process entail?

Well, for starters, each finalist had to raise sponsorship donations from the community. This aspect was intriguing to me because it made me include the community in my venture. Next, each finalist had a 3 minute interview with 7 judges on the day we arrived. This interview would count for 1/3 of our score. That’s right…3 minutes counted for 1/3 of our score…crazy! So I know I had to make an impression. After that, pageant weekend started. Friday night and all day Saturday was filled with rehearsals, dance routines and getting acquainted with the other finalists. Saturday night was the preliminary judging and Sunday afternoon the top 15 would be selected and a new Miss MD crowned. 

The weekend as a whole was a rush, and the time flew by as each rehearsal concluded and a new one began. But the most intriguing part of this whole experience was meeting the wonderful ladies who were part of this pageant. Many of whom had never been in a pageant and were also going out on a limb. Others, who were pageant veterans, were elegant, uplifting and motivated. Personally, I have a new found respect for the pageant process and the women who are part of that world. The environment was encouraging, accepting and positive for ALL contestants, new and old; this experience is something I will cherish forever.

 Plus, who doesn’t love dressing up now and then?!

What I would tell the young ladies in the community who are struggling with their image…

Don’t be afraid to be you! Make each experience something that will show your true colors and something that will bring out the best in you! Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real…don’t let your insecurities hold you back from something that could be an inspiration to others.

Am I doing the right thing? Is it worth the sleepless nights? Will all my hard work pay off? These are some questions I ask myself when I feel like I am less than or not good enough. Being a college student is not easy and if it was, we would have more college graduates. School is a challenge. I know that a lot of students share my struggle because when I see other students in the USG library at 2 a.m. studying, I know the struggle is real! I then start thinking that maybe I could have done something different and easier but then I realize that is not who I am. All the student I see on the USG campus could have chosen an easier path as well but that is not who they are as well. Before I continue let me cover the definition investment, which is the purchase of goods and (intangible or tangible) services that are not consumed today but are used in the future to create wealth (Thank You Finance/ Econ).  When we are invested in our goals, do we always know the outcome of our investment? My doubt stems from the fear of the unknown. I know the risk and I know the cost but I am dedicated and committed to my goal because my hard will eventually pay off. When I start doubting myself, I take a step back and I recharge my motivation batteries.  Here are some things I listen, watch or read when doubt kicks in. Rocky Balboa I, II, III, IV, V, VI, Eric Thomas, Dana Bailey and CT fletcher (just check them out if you need some #recharge). Don’t give up because you are not alone. If you fall, have doubts or want to give up, just take a step back and recharge your motivation batteries. In the Marines, they say pain is weakness leaving the body. The weakness is the doubt, all the other bad thoughts you have and the physical/mentalfatigue before you want to throw in the towel. You can’t give up because it will be worth it. You have to know that your investment will be worth everything you want it to be. #trustinyou

Have you heard of the Culture of Care Network (CCN) at USG? I first discovered CCN only a few weeks ago from one of its active members, Ms. Lisa Finn. Lisa encouraged me to check out CCN’s upcoming event, a discussion about connection, communication, and civility. This sounded interesting and different, so I decided to give it a chance.

About two weeks later, I found myself at the event watching a speech called “This is Water” by the late American novelist, essayist, and professor, David Foster Wallace. Through powerful rhetoric, Mr. Wallace described the typical day-to-day struggles of a middle class American adult – from having to deal with incredibly slow drivers on the freeway to having to listen to parents yelling at their obnoxious children in line at the supermarket after an already long, tiresome day at work. In these situations, we have a choice, Mr. Wallace asserted, to either be negative and convice ourselves that the universe is working against us or we can take a step back and remember that no matter how frustrating things are, there are always people around us who may be going through something much worse. And who knows? These people might include both the slow driver and the screaming parent with whom we are so annoyed.

This speeched sparked a lively discussion among the students, staff, and faculty who attended the event. During the hour that followed, stories, ideas and suggestions for how we can all avoid self centeredness (which, as Mr. Wallace suggested, is the easiest mode to default to), become more cognizant of the thoughts and feelings of the people around us, and ultimately support an environment where everyone can feel comfortable, respected, and included. Looking up from our phones while walking to say “good morning” or simply to smile at those around us is a good place to start. Inviting that person who tends to sit alone to have lunch with our group of friends is another. Asking a classmate about something meaningful we saw them post on Facebook recently could really make their day.

To be sure, going out of our way to do these things isn’t always easy or convenient. It takes effort. Especially if we’re not in the greatest mood, and especially if our efforts aren’t reciprocated or appreciated. But I truly believe, and I hope most of us can agree on this, that kindness can never be overrated. I think it’s wonderful that the Culture of Care Network exists at USG. CCN holds events like the one I attended throughout the year; and you can find out about them from the USG website and Facebook page, the USG Weekly newsletter, and flyers posted all around campus. If you’re interested, please visit the CCN page (link above) to learn more about its mission and objectives!