Miss Minnesota Junior Teen, Sofia Boda's Farewell
On June 2nd of 2013, my life changed forever.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my name
would be called as the new Miss Minnesota Junior Teen! I was truly in shock when I heard my name
announced …really, just take a look at the picture!
Once I gained my composure, it was time to start my duties
as queen. I started my year off by donating the books and school supplies
donated by the contestants to the Center for Experiential Learning at a local
college. This organization works with children who do not speak English to
develop literacy and writing skills. After this, it was an absolute whirlwind
of events! I attended three parades, volunteered with my sister queens at Feed
My Starving Children, opened the Mrs. Minnesota Pageant with the National
Anthem, volunteered at the MusicLink Foundation and Project Bear Hugs, and
attended eight local and out of state pageants as Miss Minnesota. Wow! But even
with all of those fun events, my year was far from over.
Before
I knew it, it was time to pack up and head to sunny California for Nationals!
Nationals was absolutely the time of my life. I met so many wonderful state
queens who I am truly honored to have as friends. We went to Disneyland, toured
the famous streets of Hollywood, had Thanksgiving dinner together, and so much
more! At Nationals, I was so honored to receive third runner-up in the Actress
competition, and I took home the title of 2013-2014 Jr. Teen National Talent
Winner for my performance of Juliet’s Waltz from the opera Romeo and Juliet! I
also won Most Ticket Sales and a spirit stick for being positive and energetic
during our rehearsals. This was an experience I will never ever forget, and I
am still so proud of each and every girl who competed that week.
Before
I give up my title, I have so many people to thank! To my family, thank you so
much for facilitating my year as queen. I truly cannot thank you enough for the
undying support and countless hours you all have spent making sure everything
was perfect. And Mom, even though we sometimes didn’t agree on this, you ALWAYS
picked out the best outfits for me! To Faith, Carl, Bessie, Alla, Nicole,
Kreisson, Michelle, and Chrissy, thank you for being the best pageant “A-Team”
to ever exist! From interview skills to hairstyles, you never failed to go the
extra mile to help me do my best. To my lovely sister queens, I had a wonderful
time spending the year with you all. You have such wonderful talents and I
can’t wait to see what you do with them throughout your lifetime! We have truly
become a family over this year, and I love you all very much! Last, but
definitely not least, thank you to my State Directors, royalty coordinators,
and NAM staff! You work so hard to make sure we all are on schedule, supporting
us during events, and making us laugh! You have all been a blessing to me
during this year. Even though my year is almost over, I’m sure you haven’t seen
the last of me yet! J
Last, to this year’s contestants, I
am so proud of you all. You are about to do something truly amazing! You and I
are so lucky to have opportunities like this to showcase our skills and become
stellar young women. Appreciate everything about pageant weekend, because there
are millions of girls across the world that would never have this chance. Include everyone, perform to the best of your
ability, make friends, and let your light shine brightly, and I assure you that
you will be happy with how you do. Remember that you have been CHOSEN to be
here, and it is such a great honor to be a State Finalist, no matter what
happens! You are ALL winners! Finally, to my successor, you have been given the
opportunity of a lifetime. During this year, you will be able to do so many new
things, so never let fear of the unknown stop you from trying something new!
Your year is what you make it, so head into your community and make a
difference. Also, I challenge you not just to be a girl with a crown, but to be
a titleholder. You represent the wonderful state of Minnesota, so it is very
important to always exude positivity and have an aura of professionalism in
everything you do. Remember, there is always going to be a little girl looking
up to you and wanting to be just like you when she grows up! Take every
picture, sign every autograph, and jump at every chance to be a friend to
someone who needs it, because your year will absolutely fly by! I have been so
honored to represent Minnesota for a year, and I will never forget this
experience. Thank you NAM for shaping who I am today!
Lots and lots of love,
Sofia Boda, your 2013 Miss
Minnesota Jr. Teen J