National American Miss has been part of my life for six years. Each year I competed I learned more about myself, my abilities, and how much I wanted to become Miss Minnesota. That’s why it truly was a DREAM COME TRUE when I was crowned your 2010-2011 Miss Minnesota Teen. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my senior year. From photoshoots with my sister queens to walks for worthy causes, this year has been filled with amazing moments of being able to give back. I’ve worked with organizations such as Susan G. Komen, Miracles for Mitch, Eden Prairie foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes research foundation to name a few.
A great honor was being able to represent Minnesota at Nationals in California. It was a blast! Forming friendships with amazing teens from across the country while touring the streets of rodeo drive and enjoying rides at Disneyland was something I’ll never forget. I was so blessed to be supported by my fellow teen state queens throughout the year; it’s good to know I’m not the only one who breaks out into our production number dances when I hear the music on the radio! Placing top 5 in spokesmodel, receiving best thank you note, and placing 2nd runner up for best resume was icing on the cake.
But perhaps the greatest joy of my year was being visiting royalty at local state pageants where I got to meet the contestants and help them throughout the weekend. I’ll never forget when a teen from Illinois told me I was her role model. That made the hours of driving in the car, lack of sleep, and DYING feet from heels worth it. And that’s my challenge to me, my successor, and all the contestants from NAM: be a person worth looking up to. National American Miss has allowed me to discover more about myself and my personal talents. I hope that if this is your first experience with pageants or your tenth year of competing, you will learn more about who you are and gain friendships that will last. I know personally I’ve been blessed to have my “NAMily” grow throughout the years.
There have been so many people that have encouraged my throughout my reign. First and foremost I must thank my family: my amazing, supportive mom who has been to all my appearances and traveled with me throughout my year; to my dad who is a fantastic national escort and always tells me how proud he is of me; and my brother who has escorted my since 6th grade at all the state pageants. Also lots of love to the Sauerer family, Jackie, all four of my grandparents, and of course the Maples family and NAM staff for creating such a fabulous program that truly encourages girls to be their personal best.
And of course, to my crazy, loveable, sweet, sassy, and caring SISTER QUEENS! Truly you have made my year unforgettable. I’ve loved getting to know each and every one of you. I’m so excited to see what adventures you have in the years to come because I know your talents will be put to use in ways that will encourage and lead others.
Finally, I leave you with one quote that I strive to follow in my daily life: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
2010-2011 Miss Minnesota Teen, Brittany Link
