April Showers Bring May Flowers!

Today, I finally have some time to sit down and write about my crazy past couple of weeks! I have made huge strides with my platform and am excited to share what I have been up to. Since I last wrote, I have definitely gotten used to the dark hair and the new length! Huge thank you to A New U Salon. It's perfect! After headshots, I had to sit down and go through like 150 photos and narrow it down to find my state headshot. The state headshot is what the audience will see in the Miss Iowa Program book and what the judges will see before my interview. I was able to get it down to my top five, and then my directors helped me pick the final one! I am thrilled with how the photos turned out. Thank you Mississippi Pearl Photography!

On another note, the Miss Iowa Class of 2015 is complete! How exciting is that. I attended the sweeps pageant in Cedar Rapids and helped by crowning our last couple of titleholders. It was such a wonderful day. I am really looking forward to being with the entire class of 2015 for orientation this upcoming weekend. It will be so great to finally be all together and just get to know each other further.

With orientation coming up, I have made sure that all my paperwork and photos are completely up to date. That being said my platform is finally finished. My platform is STEM Education: Unleashing our Future Scientists. Thanks to Legacy Consulting, my platform is exactly what I wanted it to be. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the final product. My platform is based off of three very important things: my thesis which was written on the driving force behind STEM, my internship in Cape Town, South Africa, and my passion for teaching students about science. Since my platform has been finalized, I also was able to collaborate with the SE STEM Regional Hub Manager, as well as the executive director for Million Women Mentors-Iowa. I cannot wait to continue working with them as well as continue looking into STEM based clubs around Iowa!

If all of this was not exciting enough, this past week I received a huge piece of news! I was given confirmation that my committee reviewed my comprehensive exams (chemistry and science education) and they found it satisfactory meaning I PASSED! Masters of Arts in Teaching....here I come! It is kind of crazy to believe that in less than one month, I will be walking across the stage to receive my M.A.T. degree! 

As the rain comes down, the flowers are starting to come out and the weather is getting warmer. How can you not be in a good mood?!

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Kristen One

Miss Muscatine 2014

Thank heavens for our sponsors!

Where would would I be if I didn't have the support of all my incredible sponsors?!

Seriously though, they are amazing and I've seen almost all of them in this past week! Last week, I got to spend a couple days in sunny Florida with my mom which was so necessary. It was beautiful, warm, and relaxing!

 Don't worry though, I still kept up with my workouts, practices, and work! On the way back to Iowa, I stopped at one of great fitness sponsors, 8one8, and had a kick butt workout with Katie. Between the circuits, the weights, and the dead lifts, I was working up a sweat--but in a good way. The trainers are amazing and always make time to see us!

Once back in Iowa City, it was back to teaching! Between finishing my thesis (which is turned in.. HALLELUJAH), writing lesson plans, and lead teaching, the week flew! But...the week wouldn't be complete without my fabulous sponsors. On Thursday, I made the trip to Muscatine to see a stylist at A New U. There, I made some drastic changes! I couldn't be happier with the outcome though.

I also got to talk with our sponsors from the Legacy Pageant Consulting Group. Michelle and Jessica are fantastic. We made some leeway in my platform, where I envision it to be, and talked about the weeks leading up to Miss Iowa. Both Jess and Michelle are crucial members of the team that make sure that I am ready to take the Miss Iowa stage in June. 

After my visit at the salon, I was ready for headshot! Yesterday, all three of us Muscatine titleholders, including Stacey and Christy, had headshots taken by the wonderfully talented Michale from Mississippi Pearl Photography. Kinda was there to curl hair and make sure we were picture perfect. The only hiccup in the day was that I needed one strand of hair cut a little shorter. It was driving everyone crazy, so while in Davenport, I left the shoot with Kindra and drove to Five Star Salon. There, Jeffrey, did a quick snip to my bang and saved the day! Ashley from Made Up was also there at the photoshoot to do my makeup. She did an amazing job and I absolutely LOVED it.

Once outfits were picked out by Ashley and Kindra, we began shooting. Michale was amazing and she even got Ashley to help fan me for that "wind blown" look :) The shoot was the perfect way to show everyone my new hair! I shared this photo as my "sneak peek" to my headshots AND to my new hair!

Thank you to ALL of our AWESOME sponsors. They are amazing. None of this would be possible without them. I cannot wait to continue working with them as Miss Iowa becomes closer and closer! All of these people are so generous to give their time and energy to help us get ready for the Miss Iowa stage. Thank you thank you thank you!

Spring has Sprung!

Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful weather--I know that I am!

Since I last wrote, I lot has happened! It has been a crazy couple of weeks. I have been on the go 24/7! For starters, I had my first big girl job interview at a high school! I was definitely nervous, but went in prepared and excited for the opportunity. The interview went extremely well and I'm sure that my experiences through pageantry helped equip me for the interview process. I felt really good about it which was such a relief. The science directors were so generous and kind which made it really easy to talk about my passion for teaching about science!

I also have been studying for my content exam in chemistry. This test heavily weighted in chemistry, as well as physics, biology, space and the universe, and more. I had to look into all my old chemistry classes including Organic chem, Physical Chem, and Analytical Chem to prepare for this test. Unfortunately my exam fell on the same day as Miss Cedar Valley so I was unable to attend. But the good news is.... I passed! I was so thrilled and it was such a great way to start spring break!

After passing, I picked up two of my best friends from campus, and we headed to Chicago. Once we got home, my parents surprised me with this! They are seriously the greatest!

My friends and I enjoyed spending time together, celebrating, and relaxing in each others company. It was such a wonderful night. The next morning, we got up and spent the day together before getting my friends ready to head to the airport! Both of them were taking off from O'hare and heading to New Zealand! They are such wonderful people, and I know that while they teach in New Zealand, that they will impact a ton of young minds. I am excited for them, but of course will miss them dearly! Bye Nicole and Holly!

Now if that wasn't already a big enough weekend, I also have made great strides in my thesis. Being a graduate student, this thesis is a big deal and I am so excited to say that it is on a topic that I am so excited about. My platform and thesis have made large strides by getting in contact with STEM Americorps, Iowa Mentoring Partnership, Million Women Mentors- Iowa, and the Governors STEM Advisory Council. I can't wait to share more about my platform and thesis as it comes together! Although writing a thesis takes time, I know that at the end of this, I will be proud of it.

Now that my spring break has started, I finally have some time to get a little extra sleep, a little more work done, a little more planning started, AND some grading (of course). I also am taking a short mommy-daughter trip to Flordia starting tomorrow which I am extremely excited about. But, with Miss Iowa approaching, I will continue prepping and practicing! Hard work always pays off!

Have a wonderful week! Enjoy the sunshine!

XOXO

Kristen One

Miss Muscatine

Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world!

This weekend, I had the great fortune to have my Miss Iowa shopping trip with my wonderful directors. After finishing teaching on Friday, I made a road trip to Polo, Illinois. I ended up taking back roads from Marion, Iowa and it was absolutely beautiful until I had to go over a very tiny and narrow bridge which I have to admit was a little scary! Once I made it over the bridge, I was home free and arrived in Polo. Kinda, Ashley, and I (and Rylyn) had a slumber party while watching the Miss Muscatine video! We had so much fun rewatching and reliving the crowning moments of that night.

After a wonderful night of rest, we hit the road bright and early to get to my house in Vernon Hills. Once we arrived at my house, I had a warm welcome thanks to my dog Sierra and my parents. As soon as we were settled, we got the fashion show started! I tried on all of my cocktails that I had at my house and we picked out ones that I was going to take with me to Miss Iowa week. We also found the perfect pair of shoes for my interview dress which was a total win! After trying on a million dresses and swimsuits, I definitely worked up an appetite. We had a great lunch and then hit the road for Woodfield mall. Before going, we decided what we were going to look for so that we could make all the right stops. We hit Bebe, Express, Mac, and a ton of other shops. I would say that we had a very successful shopping trip. While shopping, we shared a lot of laughs and just enjoyed our time together. It was relaxing, light, and so much fun--just the way all shopping trips should be! Out of all the stores that we hit, Mac was my favorite. Heather, the make up artist at Mac, was amazing. She truly was an artist. I showed her a picture of my Miss Iowa evening gown and she knew right away what she was going to do to accent the right colors. She even had me practice doing it on my own so that come competition night, I'm ready to go! Both Kindra and Ashley were pleased with the end result and I cannot wait to rock the look come Miss Iowa week!

After all the shopping, my parents met us at Woodfield for a fabulous dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Apparently my directors are crazy...because both have been to Cheesecake Factory, but neither have ever ordered cheesecake there! Well that all changed on Saturday! After ordering a great dinner, we finished the night off with a piece of Oreo cheesecake and Fresh strawberry cheesecake. It was the perfect ending to the night.

The shopping trip just made me even more excited to hit the Miss Iowa stage in June. I cannot believe that it is a little under 100 days away! Everything is slowly but surely coming together...its exciting! That being said... this has been a huge week for me personally, my platform, and my prep for Miss Iowa. Here's to a great week and the sunshine finally coming out!

XOXO

Miss Muscatine

Kristen One

Come Get Your Pancakes!

Today, I had an AMAZING time at the Coralville IHOP in support of Children's Miracle Network. The Miss America Organization and the Children's Miracle Network have a longstanding partnership. The share a commitment to raise awareness and funds for one another. Every local competition, each contestant must raise a required amount of money to support the Children's Miracle Network. What a great way to raise funds! Tonight, I had the great fortune to be in the company of Miss Burlington, Miss Greater Des Moines Outstanding Teen, and your Miss Iowa!

We walked around talking to customers about their pancake choice and how they can show their support to Children's Miracle Network! Guests were happy to talk and find out what we were doing there which is always fun.

One of my favorite conversations was when we were talking to an elderly man and he took out all of his photos from his front pocket and phone a picture of his grandson. He told me that if I gave him my phone number and name that he would have his grandson call me! It was so sweet. Aly, Sophia, Maddison, and I had a blast talking with the guests and taking pictures with the kiddos who were waiting for pancakes. I am so glad that I got to take part in IHOP's National Pancake Day as your Miss Muscatine!

Stay safe and warm!

XOXO

Kristen One

Miss Muscatine

How far can your rocket fly?

Thanks to my snow day, I finally have some time to sit down and write about my fantastic weekend as Miss Muscatine! On Friday, I had the great fortune to participate in Penn's Elementary STEM night. For those of you who don't know, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Over these past couple of years, the push for STEM education in schools has really grown. Thanks to the Governor's STEM advisory council and the new STEM programs, Iowa has really honed in on how to promote students interest in STEM education. Penn STEM night was so much fun because I got to work with my colleagues from the University of Iowa College of Education and I got to see one of the many teachers that has mentored me on my pathway to becoming a high school chemistry teacher. My colleagues and I wanted to look like the professional scientists that we are, and all matched in white lab coats which was picture perfect!

At our table, we had college of education pencils, paper for students to build their rockets, tape, and STEM pamphlets to pass out. It was so funny because once I looked at the pamphlets, I realized that I was on it! In the bottom right corner, there was a picture of one of my colleagues and I showing a sheep eye dissection lab at the Brain Awareness Day.

The rockets were a smashing hit and the kids loved trying to reinvent their rocket after they saw it fly the first time. It was amazing how creative some of the rockets were and some of them even flew extremely far! I was thrilled how successful our station was. My group and I even made UI College of Education STEM Twitter page!

I cannot wait to continue promoting my platform of STEM and helping out at events like this that benefit so many young minds. Thank you to Penn Elementary for having me, I so appreciate the opportunity :) Promoting my platform of STEM has been amazing, and I recently made contact with some great people that can help me continue making a difference! #GOSTEM!

On the note of thank yous, thank you to Le Chic as well for helping me find a vital piece necessary for Miss Iowa Week! I made the trip to Muscatine on Saturday morning and left with an amazing dress! We love our sponsors! I can't wait to rock this number.

Stay warm and safe! xoxo

Miss Muscatine 2015
Kristen One

So much to write about, so little time!

These past couple of weeks have been crazy and unfortunately there are not 30 hours in a day for me to accomplish everything that I want to! Many of you know that I am currently student teaching at Linn-Mar High School which has been a great experience for me so far. I have officially taken over lead teaching 2 out of the 3 blocks of general chemistry and am having a blast! Yes, it is a lot of work and energy, but it is so worth it when the students get excited for something as small as Demo Day or the new review game. The students are such a constant inspiration. On top of my student teaching, I have been working on my Master's Thesis which is on the importance of Science Education and the push for STEM in Iowa. I recently interviewed a couple of members from the Governor's Advisory council which was such a great opportunity. It was so interesting listening to the goals and aspirations of the council. I hope to continue to learn more and be part of this STEM education adventure.

Since I last wrote, I went to the Miss Fox Valley pageant in Dekalb, IL to crown the next Miss Chain O' Lakes, took a daddy daughter trip to New York, got observed by my supervisor at student teaching, celebrated Valentines day weekend in Chicago, talked with one of my favorite sponsors Legacy Pageant Consulting, AND went to an event in Muscatine called Benefit for Hayden Daufeldt. 

Helping out with those early morning interviews... Time for a nap!

These contestants were nothing short of fabulous!

New York City!!!

Those are just a couple photos from my past couple of weekends. Tonight, I had the great fortune to attend the Benefit for Hayden in Muscatine with the beautiful Stacy Phipps! We had a great time helping out at the kids table and just catching up! Both Stacy and I are student teaching so we are both busy AROUND the CLOCK with our students! The benefit was held at a bowling alley and there was a ton of people who showed up in support for Hayden which was so heartwarming to see.

If you could send your prayers to Hayden and his family, that would be greatly appreciated. He is still fighting and we are all battling with him! Stacy and I were so happy to be a part of such a great cause.

With love,

Kristen One

Miss Muscatine