So what was it like?! Well lots of rehearsals with our amazing choreographers Barry, Stacy and Brian, dinners and appearances including arrival welcomed by Boyz II Men, IHOP breakfast for our Children's Miracle Network Hospitals partnership, visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower, Barry Manilow concert with a private meet and greet, dinners at Buca di Beppo and PF Changs. We filmed commercials for DSW, Planet Hollywood and Caesars Palace, did the rooftop opening photoshoot in little clothes, lots of cold and many takes...but it was really cool! We ate a lot at Spice Market Buffet, gave each other back rubs and spray tans, and laughed a whole lot together. It seemed normal. It didn't seem like "Miss America" as I may have dreamt about it, but I think that's because the girls were so real, so ready. By that point we were all so prepared, we were just on autopilot. I don't know that I will ever comprehend the magnitude of the experience.
I am so grateful for the people who helped me get there to the Miss America stage, physically, emotionally, mentally and proudly. The Miss New York organization and volunteers within it, our sponsors, my family, roommates and friends, my inspiration, allies and mentors, fellow MNY contestants...you have all been such a integral part of my journey and of the authentic me. I am forever grateful. Each night at visitation, I met someone new who supported me and my voice. And in the short amounts of time I had internet, I was overwhelmed by the support, the messages of encouragement and thanks, the messages of people who have been inspired to compete in MAO and support equality for others and/or themselves with confidence and pride, and just all of the incredibly positive energy that was sent my way from every place in the country. You are my fuel, you are my motivation.
Now was it disappointing, many have asked? No. It wasn't. Well disappointing in the sense that 52 women always wish they could have gone further, but really, I felt as though I did everything I could. Turning around in my gown the preliminary and finals nights are moments and feelings I will never forget. Finishing my talent, what I was most nervous about, and seeing it on video and actually being proud of it! Giving Emoly West a run for her money in swimsuit – puhleease there is NO beating that body and walk! And when I answered my on-stage question on Wednesday night, I felt like I had done what I came to do. Just as I promised in my speech at the Wedding March months ago, I stood on the Miss America stage as a true ally. Being called into Top 15 as America’s Choice was utterly amazing! I really felt like I had won at that point, and feel that it was a major statement to the support I have nation-wide in this fight for equality. When I was not called for talent, I had so many people to really root for, that I could not even think to get disappointed. I was right on to cheering loudly for my friends, proud of each of them ahead of me.
I am so grateful for the people who helped me get there to the Miss America stage, physically, emotionally, mentally and proudly. The Miss New York organization and volunteers within it, our sponsors, my family, roommates and friends, my inspiration, allies and mentors, fellow MNY contestants...you have all been such a integral part of my journey and of the authentic me. I am forever grateful. Each night at visitation, I met someone new who supported me and my voice. And in the short amounts of time I had internet, I was overwhelmed by the support, the messages of encouragement and thanks, the messages of people who have been inspired to compete in MAO and support equality for others and/or themselves with confidence and pride, and just all of the incredibly positive energy that was sent my way from every place in the country. You are my fuel, you are my motivation.
Now was it disappointing, many have asked? No. It wasn't. Well disappointing in the sense that 52 women always wish they could have gone further, but really, I felt as though I did everything I could. Turning around in my gown the preliminary and finals nights are moments and feelings I will never forget. Finishing my talent, what I was most nervous about, and seeing it on video and actually being proud of it! Giving Emoly West a run for her money in swimsuit – puhleease there is NO beating that body and walk! And when I answered my on-stage question on Wednesday night, I felt like I had done what I came to do. Just as I promised in my speech at the Wedding March months ago, I stood on the Miss America stage as a true ally. Being called into Top 15 as America’s Choice was utterly amazing! I really felt like I had won at that point, and feel that it was a major statement to the support I have nation-wide in this fight for equality. When I was not called for talent, I had so many people to really root for, that I could not even think to get disappointed. I was right on to cheering loudly for my friends, proud of each of them ahead of me.
Congratulations to Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, and the best of luck, intelligence, preparation and heart as you represent us all as contestants and America’s youth whom you are proving can take this country far.
Here's to 5 more months representing the greatest state ever! I really do <3 NY!!
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