Miss Illinois Teen, Isha Jog's Farewell

Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” I fell in love with the National American Miss organization at the age of 12 when I entered my first ever pageant. Lots of hard work and three first runner up placements later, I was honored to be crowned your Miss Illinois Teen. I have had an absolute blast representing the great state of Illinois.

The focus of my year was definitely serving my community, I volunteered countless hours with Feed My Starving Children, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, fund-raised for the Shriners Children's hospital, local food pantries, animal shelters, and more.

The highlight of my year was attending Nationals in sunny California. I was ecstatic to place first runner up to National Talent, Actress, Volunteer Service, and receive the Golden Achievement in Service Award. Best of all I got to spend it with lifelong friends.

From seeing the Stanley Cup to meeting a Victoria’s Secret supermodel to throwing the first pitch at a Schaumburg Boomer’s game, my year was filled with unbelievable memories. I was speechless to have my hometown mayor declare an “Isha Jog Day” for all my volunteer efforts in June 2014!

None of this would have been possible without my incredible support team.

 

Thank you to my sister queens for the love, laughs, and memories. Thank you to my dad and brother Ishan for being the best escorts, photographers, and biggest cheerleaders. I love you. And of course; to my mom. We did it! You are the true Queen and my biggest role model. Thank you for encouraging me to never ever give up. To the Maples and the entire NAM staff – thank you. The work you do for the young ladies of this nation is phenomenal. To my successor, wow – you are in for an amazing ride. Cherish every moment and enjoy this crazy wonderful journey you are about to start.

For the last time, I am your National American Miss Illinois Teen 2013, Isha Jog.