Dear friends,

Yesterday someone asked me if I have changed this year. Tonight I reflect on all of the ways that my experience with the Miss America Organization has, indeed, changed me. It has strengthened my confidence, courage, and character. It has increased my sense of purpose and deepened my compassion for people. It has nurtured my interpersonal and performance skills. And it has caused me to believe, more than ever before, in the power of a dream. Each day I live out what was once only a dream, and in January I compete for the job of Miss America. Dreams do come true!

Each day brings me one step closer to the big event, and I could not be more excited to hit the stage in Vegas. I believe that everything we experience in life prepares us for tomorrow, so when January rolls around, I will be ready. I will have had a lifetime of preparation! Whatever happens on January 24th, I will be ready for the 25th, and I will be grateful for the road that got me there—because I am loving it all so much right now!

Speaking of that road, what have I been up to lately? In terms of Miss America prep, I have been busy. November rolled around, and the competition suddenly seemed quite near! Early this week I met Professor Baldridge at Black Hawk College for some interview practice, and I learned a lot about nonverbal communication. Thanks to Professor Baldridge and to Diana Anderson for accompanying me. Just yesterday I returned from Indiana, where I received more valuable insights regarding interview (and learned that I always need to travel with an atlas!). My wardrobe is currently in the making, and appearances offer me many opportunities to tap.

Last week I had two school appearances, one at Regina Elementary in Iowa City and another at West Marshall Elementary and Middle Schools in State Center. After spending the day with students at West Marshall, I attended the high school football game. Now let me tell you—I’ve signed many autographs as Miss Iowa, but I don’t know if I will ever sign as many as I did that night. Scraps of paper, hands, cheeks, arms, shirts, hats, and even iPods—how welcomed did I feel! Thanks to the Barry family for hosting me for the night.

This week I visited Bellevue Elementary, which I learned is the oldest school building in the state of Iowa. As a history major and future teacher, I appreciated this bit of trivia! Other recent appearances have been really enjoyable. Today I modeled in a fashion show and fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network, sponsored by Valley Bank. What a fun way to support an important cause! I also recently participated in an event that I had helped organize with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois in conjunction with the Miss Burlington Pageant. All of the Girl Scouts in attendance received a ticket to the pageant, so I hope to see many of them there! I also recently attended the grand opening for SunnyBrook, a beautiful assisted living facility in Burlington. It was fun to meet a lot of new people and to spend the afternoon with the Miss Burlington Pageant royalty.

Well, I think it’s about time for me to wrap things up and get to bed. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day!

All my best,
Olivia