Friday, August 28, 2009
Miss Maryland US Homepage
This photo and more can be viewed at the Miss Maryland US Homepage (http://missmarylandus.com/) -- Photo by Michael Vonal.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Interview with Loyola Magazine
In my second interview with Loyola magazine, I chatted with Rita (editor) about life after the big competition in Las Vegas. In what will have likely been my last pageant (unfortunately, I am aging out of most systems this year), it felt great to look back to the national competition and how it's really enriched my life. I made new friends in the other queens, particularly those within a 3 state radius; became closer to my family that jumps at most opportunities to make appearances with me; realized the patience Dan has exercised as a 'pageant boyfriend' and came to appreciation my education and the value it will bring to my life after the crown.
The strongest relationships I have formed in the past 4 months (wow, I can't believe it's already been 4 months!) have been among my sister queens. You will hear this term often so to save you the confusion, it refers to the other Maryland US titleholders-- Tiara, Miss Jr Teen, Emily, Miss Teen and Radiah, Ms. From volunteering at various organizations around the state to striking a pose at our photo shoots, they have made serving our community that much more enjoyable.
My dad, I mentioned is a huge fan of the title. I think it has something to do with the fact that he's very competitive and well, I wasn't a huge sports player growing up. Reading, making and selling crafts around the neighborhood (true story), cooking, piano and later running took up most of my days. And to have experienced this huge win with me, well... it's been something unique to brag about.
... back to Loyola. While pageantry and business school have seemingly nothing in common, each has allowed me to stand out. I am going out on a limb and saying there are few titleholders with MBAs. Similarly, I believe I am the first queen to walk the halls of the Sellinger School of Business! Further, they have both been opportunities to focus on myself and my future.
The coming year will be one of great change-- graduation, passing on my title and re entering the work force. All I can do in the meantime is enjoy it and welcome any surprises that come with-- because for years I had been waiting for someone to rescue me from a career I didn't particularly love, when all I needed to do was take charge of my own life.
Ok ok, it's likely I'm still riding the Julie & Julia wave from this morning. Maybe it's because I'm a huge foodie and my dream job would be to appear on the Food Network as a guest chef or work for a related magazine in their Marketing department but it was the ultimate tale of realizing your passion and spending a lifetime doing it... so simple! I could go on and on so I'll leave it at that. On deck-- french onion steak and sauteed green beans for dinner tonight.
For more information on the publication or to request a copy, visit the Loyola Magazine website: http://magazine.loyola.edu/issue/fall09/ and watch for me as MBA/Miss Maryland US in the December 2009 issue!
The strongest relationships I have formed in the past 4 months (wow, I can't believe it's already been 4 months!) have been among my sister queens. You will hear this term often so to save you the confusion, it refers to the other Maryland US titleholders-- Tiara, Miss Jr Teen, Emily, Miss Teen and Radiah, Ms. From volunteering at various organizations around the state to striking a pose at our photo shoots, they have made serving our community that much more enjoyable.
My dad, I mentioned is a huge fan of the title. I think it has something to do with the fact that he's very competitive and well, I wasn't a huge sports player growing up. Reading, making and selling crafts around the neighborhood (true story), cooking, piano and later running took up most of my days. And to have experienced this huge win with me, well... it's been something unique to brag about.
... back to Loyola. While pageantry and business school have seemingly nothing in common, each has allowed me to stand out. I am going out on a limb and saying there are few titleholders with MBAs. Similarly, I believe I am the first queen to walk the halls of the Sellinger School of Business! Further, they have both been opportunities to focus on myself and my future.
The coming year will be one of great change-- graduation, passing on my title and re entering the work force. All I can do in the meantime is enjoy it and welcome any surprises that come with-- because for years I had been waiting for someone to rescue me from a career I didn't particularly love, when all I needed to do was take charge of my own life.
Ok ok, it's likely I'm still riding the Julie & Julia wave from this morning. Maybe it's because I'm a huge foodie and my dream job would be to appear on the Food Network as a guest chef or work for a related magazine in their Marketing department but it was the ultimate tale of realizing your passion and spending a lifetime doing it... so simple! I could go on and on so I'll leave it at that. On deck-- french onion steak and sauteed green beans for dinner tonight.
For more information on the publication or to request a copy, visit the Loyola Magazine website: http://magazine.loyola.edu/issue/fall09/ and watch for me as MBA/Miss Maryland US in the December 2009 issue!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S
My sister queens and I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with our pageant photographer, Michael Vonal-- for new and improved headshots and an Annie Leibovitz-inspired shoot in our beautiful gowns. And while waiting for the entire team to make it to the studio, Radiah and I played with my new "Bump Its" (thanks again!)-- I think it's going to take some practice to successfully execute the pageant bump!
Watch the Miss Maryland US homepage for new photos coming soon! For more on Michael's work, please visit his website: http://www.michaelvonal.com/
Enjoy our after shot below! xoxo,
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cal Ripken World Series
Not my best first pitch to date but a beautiful day in Aberdeen and a fun-filled appearance nonetheless! Thank you to the Ripken Organization for the great accomodations at the stadium-- my mom, in her first time coming to one of my appearances, Dan and I were treated to front row seats and a delicious VIP reception. And congratualtions to the final teams-- Southeast (US Champions) and Mexico (International Champions) for their hardwork and an afternoon of nail biting little league excitement.
The rain storms held out juuuust in time for the Southeast to win it all, 6-7 despite a 3-run come back from Mexico in the bottom of the 6th and 7th innings.
The past two weeks of competition and comraderie are a huge testament to the collaboration between the stadium and the community-- while it has certainly boosted the local economy, housing all the players was truly a labor of love from the host families. It is not every day you have the opportunity to share your home and embrace another child's culture.
Hello to new friends Jared Cotter, from Season 6's American Idol and the Fuze Network who sang the national anthem, and Eric "We Must Protect This House" Ogbogu, official spokesperson for Under Armour and Colin Clark, Brand Manager at Under Armour.
Photos below are of me and Eric, Jared and the winning team!
Friday, August 21, 2009
The MLB Network
Please keep your televisions set to the MLB Network and your favorite local news stations tomorrow at 3pm as they stream live coverage of the Cal Ripken Little League World Series. I am so excited to not only hang out with the Ripkens and throw out the first pitch, but also meet the sport's future superstars!
For details about this weekend's events, visit the official Ripken Baseball website:
http://worldseries.ripkenbaseball.com/
Miss Jr. Teen Maryland United States Tiara Smith had the pleasure of throwing out the first pitch at one of the opening games last weekend-- to read about her day, follow her blog! http://missjrteenmd09.blogspot.com/
For details about this weekend's events, visit the official Ripken Baseball website:
http://worldseries.ripkenbaseball.com/
Miss Jr. Teen Maryland United States Tiara Smith had the pleasure of throwing out the first pitch at one of the opening games last weekend-- to read about her day, follow her blog! http://missjrteenmd09.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Art in the City 2009
Mark your calendars for the following event, proudly hosted by a friend and sponsor Jeff Martin, Thursday September 10. The third annual event will be a gathering of over 2,000 special guests, vendors and supporters of the arts. In addition to being a great networking event, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.
For more information, please visit the Art in the City website: http://www.artinthecity2009.com/
For more information, please visit the Art in the City website: http://www.artinthecity2009.com/
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