A love letter to pageantry

What happens after the state pageant that you put all your time and energy towards is over?

Well, you pick up the pieces, surround yourself with your support system, and take some time off of what we call "pageant life".

For me, the week after the state pageant was difficult. I was missing all of the other girls who went through the same roller coaster of a week as me. I was reliving those last moments when I was standing there in the final two over and over again. I was running through my talent again and again, trying to find areas that could have been better. And above all, I was crushed by the fact that my dream of going to the Miss America stage this year was not going to happen.

Now before I go any farther, let me clarify something. There is not one bone in my body that is not happy/excited/thrilled for our new Miss Iowa. I LOVE Taylor. She is going to be an amazing representative for the state of Iowa at Miss America. Throughout the week, she was one of the people that encouraged me, made me laugh until I had tears coming down my face, and supported me when I thought everything was crashing around me. #teamTaylor

That being said, first runner up is an incredibly honorable but difficult place to finish. After Taylor was crowned, specialty awards had been handed out, and backstage photos were snapped, I was finally allowed to go out to see my family. My first tear fell when I saw my parents. If you don't know my parents, they are extraordinary. They have believed in my Miss America dream since day one. After a stressful, emotional, exciting week, there is nothing better than being able to hug your mom and dad. Seriously though. I didn't hug too long because a girl doesn't want to ruin her makeup before the after party (am i right?)! To my friends and family standing there in that moment where I was completely vulnerable, thank you for being kind and passionate people. There is something to be said about wonderful human beings like you. There was not one moment where I didn't feel incredibly loved.

As I walked out to the reception for Taylor, I realized something. I have THE BEST support system. I could never have finished the way I did without some very amazing people. I can't give a shout out to everyone because we would be here for days, so I will keep it short and sweet! For starters, my directors. Kindra and Ashley--thank you for EVERYTHING; for being able to make me feel and look like Miss America, and for instilling confidence in me that I never knew I had. Michelle and Jess--the countless mock interviews were worth it! Best Overall Interview was a goal of mine, and I couldn't have done it without your advice, critiques, and encouragement. My family and friends who came out to support me-- seeing your faces in the audience gave me this sense of peace, and I hope I made you proud. I'm so lucky to have people like you in my life. Lastly, to the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program. You guys rock. End of story. I loved every second of my Miss Iowa week. Between my wonderful hostess and the countless events throughout the week, I had a blast.

Throughout Miss Iowa week, I tried to remember that everything happens for a reason. The week after Miss Iowa, I was searching and searching for a reason. And that's when it hit me. I don't need a concrete reason. I did everything that I could, there is not ONE thing that I would change about my performances on and off stage. And luckily, I have the best of both worlds. Even though I won't be on the Miss America stage, I will be on my very own stage, teaching high school students about the wonders of chemistry and physics. This experience was unforgettable and I am so humbled and thankful.

Post Miss Iowa, I have moved back to Illinois, and started prepping for my new teaching job. I've used this time to recuperate, pick up the pieces, and of course, have some ice cream. In my "time off", I have also read a couple of articles from fellow pageant titleholders about rejection, disappointment, and pageantry. It has been incredible to read and see women coming together, not only about winning, but also about losing. The MAO is a family, and win or lose there has been a common thread throughout every article and blog. That common thread is that women are learning and finding out who they really are throughout these pageants. Yes, pageants are subjective and yes, they tend to have a bad rap, but until you stand up on a stage and compete, you won't understand why women do it year after year. I too, am someone who has been changed by pageantry and will always appreciate the lessons that I have learned.

That being said, here is my love letter to pageantry.

To every judge, director, and titleholder,

I would not be the person I am without you today. Thank you for pushing me to look my best. Without the midnight workouts and constant sweat, I would have never found the healthy lifestyle that I am living today. I have never felt better and despite what people think, I had fun working it in my swim suit on stage! Every doughnut and milkshake that I turned down was TOTALLY worth it.

Thank you for teaching me that one can never have enough determination. In the past, I've heard that talent is my weakest area of competition. This year, I worked diligently on my talent, practicing every little step until I felt confident. With my will to wow the audience, my determination grew. I can now say that I have never had so much fun dancing than on finals night of Miss Iowa.

Thank you for teaching me the importance of becoming an educated citizen of todays society. Between the mock interviews, promotion of my platform, and of course CNN, I know that when it came down to the interview portion, I gave the judges a run for their money. Interviews used to intimidate me and now it is my favorite phase of competition. This is a great skill to have, and because of it, I landed my dream teaching job!

So many people find pageants to be degrading so this one may surprise you. Thank you for making me feel beautiful. Walking on that stage in a gown that was to die for was the cherry on top of this entire experience. But what really made me feel beautiful were the other titleholders and people that were a part of this unique experience. In movies, you see girls tearing down one another in pageants but in reality, my competitors were my best friends throughout the week. If there were tears, someone was there to make you laugh. If there were nerves, someone was there to assure you that you are GREAT. If there were doubts, someone was there to tell you that you were there for a reason. And if there was a need for sisterhood, it was ALWAYS there. I cannot say enough about the wonderful people that I've met through pageantry.

Last but not least, thank you for teaching me that life doesn't always work out the way you want it to. Rejection and disappointment is common in pageantry. Only one girl can take home the crown. And if it wasn't you, it wasn't meant to be. Rejection is part of life whether it is over a job, a boy that you like, education, or the crown. It is a hard lesson to swallow, but I know that what one judge thinks is not the end all be all. Ask any pageant girl, and they are familiar with it. But it is part of life, and the fact that we pick ourselves back up and keep going is what sets us apart.

I would not be the person I am today without pageants. I know that the pageant world can be crazy but I wouldn't trade my time for anything. That being said, who is ready to jump back into pageant mode?! Sweetheart, here I come.

Love always,

Kristen One
Miss Muscatine

She believed she could, so she did

Earlier this week, I drove back home to see my family and friends before Miss Iowa week kicks off! I have been so fortunate to spend these past couple of days with wonderful people. On Sunday, fellow contestants, friends, and family stopped by my house and I have never felt so loved or supported. Everyone has their doubts and failures, including me. Despite that, I am so grateful to be surrounded by people who see strength and talent in me. Thank you for believing in me.

                          

Following Sunday, I turned 23! Holy moly. I almost can't believe it! Just the other day someone asked me where I was going to college....so at least I don't look that old :) Either way, all the messages, phone calls, and words of well wishes were so appreciated. The best part of my birthday was being able to be together with both my brother and sister! This is the first year that all three of us are in different places. I have been in Iowa City, Justin has been in Chicago, and Jennifer has been in Minneapolis so it was wonderful to be all together.

Since I have been home, I have been running errands NONSTOP, picking up all my last minute things before Miss Iowa week begins. Although it can be stressful at times, I am so thankful for the wonderful Muscatine board, my incredible directors, and our sponsors. They are always checking in on me--not just to give me feedback but also to give support! 

On top of all of this, the Miss Muscatine Scholarship Program had a huge success with our Muscatine Consignment Sale and Vendor Fair! On set up day, we got to work organizing everything and making sure we were ready for the big day. I had a sleepover with my directors and then woke up bright and early the next morning! The consignment sale and vendor fair went great and a huge thank you to everyone who came to support us. It was so nice of a couple other titleholders to come as well, including Aly! 

As Miss Iowa approaches, I am getting so excited! I thought I would be more nervous as the week gets closer, but more than anything I am grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to see how everything unfolds. I wish I could just fast forward, find out the results, and know already! (wouldn't that be nice?) Anyways, I cannot wait to get up on that stage and just have fun. Honestly, I know that if I give my all, my best, and enjoy myself, that in itself will be a victory for me. Of course I want to take home that crown but until we have the results, I will keep chasing after my Miss America dream. 

XOXO

Miss Muscatine 2015

Kristen One

Crunch Time!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!

I am so excited to finally say that we are in CRUNCH TIME for Miss Iowa! We are only a few short days away from Miss Iowa week kickoff! One of the best parts of Miss Iowa week will be spending the week with the other wonderful contestants. These girls are amazing. Seriously though, Iowa is full of immense talent, and I cannot wait to spend the week with them.

This past week, I had the opportunity to go zip lining with some of the girls. Maddison, your Miss Burlington, came for a sleepover so that we could carpool the next day to Dubuque. We had so much fun catching up and slumbering!

After waking up bright and early, Maddison and I met Jessica, your Miss Eastern Iowa, and Taylor, your Miss Clinton County, to drive to Dubuque for zip lining. When we got there, it was beautiful weather! We signed up and then waited for the other girls to arrive. From there, we hit the trails! Zip lining was so much fun and I am so glad I got to do it side by side with these gals! 

If zip lining wasn't enough fun already, my wonderful director came out to Iowa City today to help finalize wardrobe for Miss Iowa week. At one point, we couldn't see anything in my room due to all the numerous pairs of shoes, cocktail dresses, and jewelry, but thankfully we got everything organized and ready to go for Miss Iowa week. I cannot wait to show off some of these great outfits! A huge thank you to Ashley for sticking it out with me....we definitely had to make some hard choices!

Finally, as Miss Iowa approaches, I am making sure that I am confident in every aspect of my prep. Thanks to all of our sponsors, I am on my way. As Miss Iowa week approaches, I am making sure to get the support I need and give myself some time to breathe and not worry about my diet, my prep, and CNN so much :) It keeps me sane and allows me to really enjoy every step of my journey to the Miss Iowa stage.

Last but not least, as I go into crunch time, I find myself reflecting on these past couple of months. When I think back to being crowned Miss Muscatine and everything that I have accomplished since then, I can't help but smile. I am so lucky to have this opportunity, and I hope others can see how much I have enjoyed this journey.  Thank you to everyone who has been a part of it.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

XOXO

Miss Muscatine

Kristen One

Cheers to the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another!

These past couple of weeks have been SO SO SO amazing and I am thrilled to see where my next chapter in my life leads me. I have hit some huge milestones and am beyond blessed to be where I am today. First of all, I just finished student teaching. Student teaching was such an incredible experience and I will never forget my first batch of students. They were so welcoming and I had so much fun with them! They have allowed me to grow as a person and as an educator, and I will always be thankful for that.

On top of that, I have also accepted a job at my alma mater, Adlai E. Stevenson High School. The job search has been a long process but I have definitely found my perfect match. Stevenson is a one of kind school and when I told them about my dream to become the next Miss America and my journey to the Miss Iowa stage, they were incredibly supportive and encouraging. I couldn't believe it. What more could I ask for?! A job that I love, colleagues that are rooting for me, and an incredible school?! I could not feel more loved and supported going into Miss Iowa.

Last but not least, I graduated from the University of Iowa with my Master's of Arts in Secondary Science Education this past Friday. I DID IT! I seriously cannot believe it. The graduate commencement ceremony took FOREVER but was so worth it to hear my name called. I am so thankful for the very special people that could be there to witness my graduation. On top of that, I was surrounded by my fellow classmates, who constantly pushed me to be my best and encouraged me when I needed it. It was a very special day that I will never forget. Iowa has been home for the past five years and has given me an education that cannot be paralleled. Today, I am no longer a student at the University of Iowa. Today, I am Kristen One--the current Miss Muscatine, a Miss Iowa contestant, a science educator with a Bachelors of Arts in Chemistry and a Master's of Arts in Secondary Science Education (crazy to finally say), a graduate, and a forever Hawkeye. Here's to this next chapter!

Thank you thank you THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has made these past couple of weeks and milestones so incredibly special for me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it and how humbled I am to have your support. 

XOXO,

Kristen One

Miss Muscatine

Reasons why I love Iowa

In 4 days, I will be finished student teaching...

In 11 days, I will be graduating with my Masters...

In 28 days,  I will be turning 23...

In 40 days, a new Miss Iowa will be crowned...

I think it is pretty safe to say that I have some big things happening.

As my days as a graduate student at the University of Iowa come to an end, I have started to reflect on the reasons why I love Iowa and why I chose to call Iowa home for the last five years. Maybe I am starting to get sappy because I know graduation is right around the corner, but I feel like a couple things have happened to me in the last two weeks that make me so proud to be an Iowa transplant. So without further or do...here are just a few reasons why I love Iowa.

1. Everyone is so loyal to Iowa--Wherever I go, I always have someone yell "Go HAWKS!" I love being part of this Hawkeye family. I have had strangers come up to many while wearing Iowa gear just to tell me they love the school. Just recently while I was in Florida, I had someone give me a "Go Hawks!". It is so awesome to be surround by others who bleed black and gold.

2. Everyone is willing to help--Just this past weekend, I had the WORST day. I was driving to the post office when all my mail got caught up in the wind and scattered EVERYWHERE in the parking lot. I was frantically running around to pick up the papers when a woman approached me and let me know that my front right tire looked a little low. Low and behold, I had a flat tire. On top of that, I had 10% battery on my phone, which allowed me to call my parents but died shortly after. I took out my spare, the tools necessary, and then started pumping away when an elderly gentleman came by and asked if he could help me. I told him that my dad had taught me how to change a tire so I was okay but he insisted on staying. He was wearing hawkeye gear (just like me) which got us talking about what I am studying. I found out that his daughter went through the same MAT program as me and is now a chemistry teacher in Alaska! How cool! Trying to be respectful of his time, I thanked him, but he told me that the only place he had to be at was his granddaughters soccer game and he would rather help me and supervise. I was so incredibly thankful and I was overwhelmed with his kindness to help a complete stranger.

3. The University of Iowa ROCKS--As a student, I have had various teachers, and I can honestly say that all of them have been wonderful. Each and every one of them has impacted me in one way or another. I am so grateful for their constant encouragement, words of wisdom, and time that they put aside to work with their students. I love this school and I can't believe that I am finally finsihing up...unless I go back for a PhD :) As a tour guide, a student, and an employee, I have loved Iowa's welcoming campus and its people. 

4. The sense of community is so important--Just recently, a student from West High in Iowa City passed away due to brain cancer. As a practicum student, I got to know a little bit about Austin's case and his courageous battle. Austin inspired an entire community with his courage and his willingness to kick cancer's butt. Not only did students of West High mourn the loss of Austin, but the entire Iowa City community. Tons of articles and words of hope were posted in effort to spread word about Austin's story and how he made a difference in the short 15 years he had. I love that community is so incredibly important in Iowa.  Like we say in Dance Marathon, "Cancer is horrible, but cancer cannot touch our minds, it cannot touch our souls, and it cannot touch our hearts." Prayers to his family and friends.

5. Schools are dedicated to making a difference--Between student teaching at Linn-Mar, having practicum at both Iowa City West High and Regina Middle School, and volunteering at City High, I have confidence that our schools are dedicated to making a difference in students lives. On top of that, I have worked with various STEM partners and professors in Iowa and they too are pushing to make a difference in the schools. I love teaching. It has been so rewarding and I cannot wait to have my own chemistry classroom! 

Thank you Iowa for being so good to me :) I hope to continue giving back to this great state by continuing to represent Muscatine and Iowa! Cheers to these next couple of crazy weeks! Enjoy the sun!

XOXO

Kristen One

Miss Muscatine 

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!