Life is all about opportunities and it is those opportunities that shape us into the people we are. When I was in grade school I would have never even thought to enter a pageant. I was very shy and not confident in the person I was. However, this began to drastically change when I read a book by Sean Covey called “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.” The book taught me about the importance of setting goals, being confident, and reaching after dreams. These values were made even stronger when I entered the National American Miss Missouri pageant two years ago. This was my first pageant and I was blown away by the warm welcoming environment and smiling faces. I met so many amazing girls that weekend and the experience shaped me to be a goal-driven determined girl that believes dreams truly can be reached with hard work and a positive attitude.
The following summer in 2010, my dream of becoming a NAM queen came true. I am so truly blessed and honored to hold this title and I am so grateful for the friends and family that helped me along the way. My parents and grandparents have always been there to support me and cheer for me. My mom stayed up late with me getting my outfits ready and helping me go over my speeches and routines. I even was able to wear one my mom’s dresses that she also won a pageant in when she was younger! And my family and boyfriend were in the crowd the whole weekend cheering me on, but I think my grandma was the loudest. It was especially cool that my youngest brother, Lance, was my escort and wore a white tuxedo to match my dress.
The pageant in itself was an amazing opportunity that will forever inspire me, but the doors that it opened were even greater. This year as the National American Miss Missouri Queen, I was able to meet a lot of great people and do amazing service work. Nationals in California was an incredible experience that almost felt like a dream. It was surreal walking along Rodeo Drive, the walk of fame, and seeing the Hollywood sign in person. And Disney Land was truly magical. But meeting girls from all around the country was the best part. It was so inspirational to meet girls that had reached their dreams like me and were heading towards even greater ones. Of course we all found each other on facebook after we had returned home. It’s been fun staying in contact with the girls!
It was difficult managing my time as a freshman at Truman State University, but I still found time to help in the community. I have always loved volunteering at Retirement homes, and this year I was able to play bunko with the residents at Delmar Gardens. I especially hit it off with a wonderful lady named Claire. I also attended a Red Hat Ladies dinner and it was a blast. I have always been passionate about younger kids, and my favorite experience was volunteering at Ray Miller Elementary School in Kirksville. I helped the students with homework assignments at aftercare and with reading, but the best part was playing at recess. I loved being able to inspire younger girls and boys and to just spend time with them to show them that I truly care. It really meant a lot to me when the kids got excited for me to come help out.
More recently, I helped with a Truman event called Big Event where hundreds of students go out into the community to do various forms of service, especially yard work. Another one of my favorite experiences was participating in the Special Olympics. I had a great day spending my time with my Olympics Buddy, Ethan. He was so sweet, full of energy and a jokester too. He did great in the competitions and his positive attitude and pure love for others was so inspiring! I will never forget that day.
Being a member of the NAM family has taught me so many things about life and has allowed me to build a confidence that will positively impact everything I do. The pageant as well as the opportunities it allowed, and the people I have met, have greatly shaped me to be the person I am. I know I will always strive to make a difference in the world and to impact the lives of others around me in a positive way.
To all of the girls competing in NAM this coming year, you are incredible for making it this far. You took that first step to enter the pageant and make it there, that is such an accomplishment! Walk through those doors with a smile on your face, knowing that you are amazing just the way you are and that you CAN make a difference. If you have the right attitude, I know that your weekend will be a life changing experience and a ton of fun! So go out there and reach for your dreams! I truly believe with a positive attitude any dream can be reached and that by just a small act of kindness one can work towards changing the world.
If you have any questions or would just like to talk, contact me at www.ashleynicolejohnson.com.
Sincerely,
Ashley Johnson
Miss Missouri Teen 2010
