Hi friends!!
Recently I began a new blog pursuing my new college career ambitions. As a dancer, we are flexible with change and prepared for the best. Nothing ever prepared me for this change of heart I would have coming to OCU. Feel free to read a long with this blog and find out what happens to a dance major when injury strikes.
all my love,
Heather
www.heather-rasmussen.blogspot.com
Monday, August 25, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
My Top 10 (a reflection of Miss Oklahoma Week)
Don't think I forgot about you, I haven't at all! Miss Oklahoma week was a blast. I haven't blogged sooner simply because I could not find words to adequately describe the way I was inspired, motivated, and once again captivated by an organization I have grown to love so much.
As a regular pageant goer, I know Miss Oklahoma is a flurry of fans, friends, and each patron's very own take on who is going to make "the ten." In my reflection though, I decided I would make my very own top ten... Although a little different, I think this one may be far more important.
The Top Ten things I learned my rookie year at Miss Oklahoma:
(amongst many other things)
1. Be Prepared. Come Organized.
Everyone else will. Being a rookie is overwhelming as it is, and luckily I had a head start on the packing process since I was a part of the Outstanding Teen program. However, some girls just had no idea what they were in for. (and sometimes I still didn't!) Don't depend on the veterans to tell you everything. Yes, they are incredibly helpful, but the job of Miss Oklahoma requires a lot of independence so you better be ready at any given second. I recall feeling a little flustered on the first Sunday evening after a 6 hour rehearsal when Kent (the production choreographer) said to touch up your hair and makeup because the judges were coming!!! I was a little thrown off, knowing my hair and makeup left little to be desired because no where in our schedules, handbook, or notes from the Redcoats had anyone mentioned meeting the judges. I guess I went for the "natural" look that evening. Hey, ya live and you learn, right?
2. We don't all come from the same walk of life. "Pageant Girls" do not apply here.
As "pageant girls" we are often put in a box by others. Sometimes though, we even put each other in a box. When you spend a week with 47 women who are in their tip top shape, wearing their most beautiful clothes, and smiling their most beautiful and warm smiles it is sometimes hard to believe that the lives of all 47 of us may not be so charmed. I will never forget when a contestant a few chairs down from me in the dressing room shared with me how she was paying for college and had been taught only that she would have to work as a waitress the rest of her life. She was making history for her family, for her future. I remember so clearly returning to my dorm room and sobbing to my dearest friend on the phone that I felt so humbled and honestly unworthy. It was an incredible wake up call to me that although I have always been grateful for what I have, I am grateful for the life I have. It also clearly summed up for me what you represent as Miss Oklahoma, or for that matter a local title holder. The Miss Oklahoma Organization represents women of a future, working for their education, and changing lives all around them.
3. You are being watched. Always.
In the least creepy way possible of course! As a contestant for Miss Oklahoma, you are taken around Tulsa to meet sponsors and donors from many different venues. You meet with board members, judges, and of course the Kiwanians who give so much of their time to make the week as magical as possible for us. Although it is at the utmost importance that you're an exemplary representative of the organization to all of the above, I find that there are far more important eyes who never blink when in sight of you... little girls. As a former "Oklahoma Star" I recognize the excitement in their eyes when they see Miss Oklahoma contestants all week. I am a little partial, but I think I had the best little stars out there. Each night at visitation they came by to give me hugs. Of all the love and support I received all week after singing, the complement that meant the most to me was from one of my Stars. Lily had told me "I thought you were the best!" I know I was absolutely not the best singer on that stage, but when Lily told me that I so clearly knew that she truly did. I'm thankful for friendships with these bright and shining little girls, but most importantly I was reminded that I'm changing someone's life just by being me. I am enough.
4. Say "Thank You."
Say thank you as often as you can. It still won't be enough. My life has been so impacted by this organization that I don't think I could ever say thank you enough to justify the support and courage I have received from being a part of the Miss Oklahoma program. There are so many people behind closed doors who give their money and time to make us look great. It takes a village and the outcome is unreal every year. OKLAHOMA puts on the greatest pageant in the entire country, it also has the greatest support in the entire country too. Which feeds the caliber of women here vying for the title of Miss Oklahoma. So be thankful, don't ever forget how much others want you to succeed.
5. Be aware of the pageant stereotype, and be a force willing to change it.
I watched my first Miss Oklahoma be crowned at the young age of eight. I grew up with Miss Oklahoma as my role model. I have constantly been influenced by dazzling women competing for Miss Oklahoma, even if they never achieved the title. For me, I always struggled with realizing most people don't grow up that way. Miss Oklahoma is a far fetched idea, or a show they went to once in their lives. Being influenced the way I was, is more rare then not. Where I see the organization as a scholarship program that has fully paid for my college, and raised me to be the confident go-getter that I am today, some still see a "beauty pageant." I was judged by Roy Williams, the former Oklahoma Sooner and Dallas Cowboy. I was completely moved to tears when he took time to come to optional events, and even spoke to us at a breakfast the night Miss Oklahoma would be crowned. He openly admitted he didn't realize the impact we made, or truly what we stood for. However, over the week he had been so inspired he wanted to donate his own money to the scholarship fund so that it is possible for this program to continue on so strongly. If that isn't a testimony I don't know what is.
6. If you are afraid, do it anyway.
I think you all know by now that I had been battling a knee injury for about 6 months when Miss Oklahoma arrived. For the sake of my own health I decided to sing instead of dance for the talent portion. I felt confident and proud until I stood onstage for my talent rehearsal. It all fell to pieces... I remember feeling so upset and frustrated because I had worked so hard, had so many people pour into me, and was sure after those rehearsals absolutely no one could tell. That was the first time that week that I had cried out of discouragement. That day in particular we had a lot of down time so I went to my dorm room to decompress. I was confused. I never felt scared on a stage in my life. I was frustrated because my dream of winning rookie talent slipped out of my grasp. Somewhere in this day though I changed my outlook. Even though I was afraid, I wasn't going to do this for people who were judging me, I was doing this for myself. I worked hard and I deserved that moment onstage. It wasn't until after the pageant when I had spoke with many people and a reoccurring comment kept coming up. "I know you would've rather dance, but you sold that song." Ahhhh, but I wasn't selling it. What I feel most didn't realize was that not a second of the emotion was forced or fake. I had battled my worst nightmare for the last six months. I could not do the thing that has completed me for my entire lifetime. That 90 seconds was a very sweet victory over an injury I have learned a lot from. More importantly it was a celebration of the woman I have become.
7. Respect those who came before you.
As a rookie, you can come as prepared as possible but still not be ready for many aspects of the week. Some things you can only learn from actually experiencing it. However, when veterans have advice, or are doing something that seems successful, it probably is. There is much to be learned from former Miss Oklahomas, veterans, and the trusty Red Coats. They know what they are doing. It's okay to shed a tear, and ask for help. That's what we all need anyway!
8. Eat the donut.
In the land of Miss Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen, everything is pink, sparkly, and rainbow sprinkles. Everyone eats the cookie, and sometimes the m&m's too. In Miss Land, that isn't so much the case.. I learned. However, this is a race of endurance. I was constantly reminding myself at meal times that I needed a full plate, or I couldn't make it through a 7 hour rehearsal we had coming up. Most important, if your body isn't where you want it to be Miss Oklahoma week, it isn't going to be there by not eating, or by denying yourself the chocolate covered strawberry at dinner. Life is super sweet, and so is the donut. Just eat it, otherwise you'll be the one wishing you had!
9. Making the Top Ten does not define you.
Since I was 13 years old, I had never NOT made the top ten. This year I didn't. However, I was okay. Of course I was disappointed, but as you become the woman you're striving to be you become accepting of the fact that sometimes you are not what they are looking for. What's important to remember, however, is that it doesn't make you any less of a person. Watching the girls who made top ten that night I saw multiple future Miss Oklahomas. Then I looked around me, and I saw more future Miss Oklahomas who weren't included in the ten this year. This year I asked God to use me. I spent a lot of free time journaling and letting Him know that this year I wanted to fully commit myself to serving Him and I don't know how he used me, but I know His will was done.
10. I want to be Miss Oklahoma.
When you walk off the stage at the end of the night, you know in your heart if you want to come back. I do. I am young and eager to learn. I know I am so willing to work for something I have dreamed of since I was 8 years old. Right now, I am developing the kind of Miss Oklahoma I would like to be, and I can't wait to see what my future holds. For I know it is bright for every woman who is unapologetically herself and ready to shine a light.
xoxo,
Heather
As a regular pageant goer, I know Miss Oklahoma is a flurry of fans, friends, and each patron's very own take on who is going to make "the ten." In my reflection though, I decided I would make my very own top ten... Although a little different, I think this one may be far more important.
The Top Ten things I learned my rookie year at Miss Oklahoma:
(amongst many other things)
1. Be Prepared. Come Organized.
Everyone else will. Being a rookie is overwhelming as it is, and luckily I had a head start on the packing process since I was a part of the Outstanding Teen program. However, some girls just had no idea what they were in for. (and sometimes I still didn't!) Don't depend on the veterans to tell you everything. Yes, they are incredibly helpful, but the job of Miss Oklahoma requires a lot of independence so you better be ready at any given second. I recall feeling a little flustered on the first Sunday evening after a 6 hour rehearsal when Kent (the production choreographer) said to touch up your hair and makeup because the judges were coming!!! I was a little thrown off, knowing my hair and makeup left little to be desired because no where in our schedules, handbook, or notes from the Redcoats had anyone mentioned meeting the judges. I guess I went for the "natural" look that evening. Hey, ya live and you learn, right?
2. We don't all come from the same walk of life. "Pageant Girls" do not apply here.
As "pageant girls" we are often put in a box by others. Sometimes though, we even put each other in a box. When you spend a week with 47 women who are in their tip top shape, wearing their most beautiful clothes, and smiling their most beautiful and warm smiles it is sometimes hard to believe that the lives of all 47 of us may not be so charmed. I will never forget when a contestant a few chairs down from me in the dressing room shared with me how she was paying for college and had been taught only that she would have to work as a waitress the rest of her life. She was making history for her family, for her future. I remember so clearly returning to my dorm room and sobbing to my dearest friend on the phone that I felt so humbled and honestly unworthy. It was an incredible wake up call to me that although I have always been grateful for what I have, I am grateful for the life I have. It also clearly summed up for me what you represent as Miss Oklahoma, or for that matter a local title holder. The Miss Oklahoma Organization represents women of a future, working for their education, and changing lives all around them.
3. You are being watched. Always.
In the least creepy way possible of course! As a contestant for Miss Oklahoma, you are taken around Tulsa to meet sponsors and donors from many different venues. You meet with board members, judges, and of course the Kiwanians who give so much of their time to make the week as magical as possible for us. Although it is at the utmost importance that you're an exemplary representative of the organization to all of the above, I find that there are far more important eyes who never blink when in sight of you... little girls. As a former "Oklahoma Star" I recognize the excitement in their eyes when they see Miss Oklahoma contestants all week. I am a little partial, but I think I had the best little stars out there. Each night at visitation they came by to give me hugs. Of all the love and support I received all week after singing, the complement that meant the most to me was from one of my Stars. Lily had told me "I thought you were the best!" I know I was absolutely not the best singer on that stage, but when Lily told me that I so clearly knew that she truly did. I'm thankful for friendships with these bright and shining little girls, but most importantly I was reminded that I'm changing someone's life just by being me. I am enough.
4. Say "Thank You."
Say thank you as often as you can. It still won't be enough. My life has been so impacted by this organization that I don't think I could ever say thank you enough to justify the support and courage I have received from being a part of the Miss Oklahoma program. There are so many people behind closed doors who give their money and time to make us look great. It takes a village and the outcome is unreal every year. OKLAHOMA puts on the greatest pageant in the entire country, it also has the greatest support in the entire country too. Which feeds the caliber of women here vying for the title of Miss Oklahoma. So be thankful, don't ever forget how much others want you to succeed.
5. Be aware of the pageant stereotype, and be a force willing to change it.
I watched my first Miss Oklahoma be crowned at the young age of eight. I grew up with Miss Oklahoma as my role model. I have constantly been influenced by dazzling women competing for Miss Oklahoma, even if they never achieved the title. For me, I always struggled with realizing most people don't grow up that way. Miss Oklahoma is a far fetched idea, or a show they went to once in their lives. Being influenced the way I was, is more rare then not. Where I see the organization as a scholarship program that has fully paid for my college, and raised me to be the confident go-getter that I am today, some still see a "beauty pageant." I was judged by Roy Williams, the former Oklahoma Sooner and Dallas Cowboy. I was completely moved to tears when he took time to come to optional events, and even spoke to us at a breakfast the night Miss Oklahoma would be crowned. He openly admitted he didn't realize the impact we made, or truly what we stood for. However, over the week he had been so inspired he wanted to donate his own money to the scholarship fund so that it is possible for this program to continue on so strongly. If that isn't a testimony I don't know what is.
6. If you are afraid, do it anyway.
I think you all know by now that I had been battling a knee injury for about 6 months when Miss Oklahoma arrived. For the sake of my own health I decided to sing instead of dance for the talent portion. I felt confident and proud until I stood onstage for my talent rehearsal. It all fell to pieces... I remember feeling so upset and frustrated because I had worked so hard, had so many people pour into me, and was sure after those rehearsals absolutely no one could tell. That was the first time that week that I had cried out of discouragement. That day in particular we had a lot of down time so I went to my dorm room to decompress. I was confused. I never felt scared on a stage in my life. I was frustrated because my dream of winning rookie talent slipped out of my grasp. Somewhere in this day though I changed my outlook. Even though I was afraid, I wasn't going to do this for people who were judging me, I was doing this for myself. I worked hard and I deserved that moment onstage. It wasn't until after the pageant when I had spoke with many people and a reoccurring comment kept coming up. "I know you would've rather dance, but you sold that song." Ahhhh, but I wasn't selling it. What I feel most didn't realize was that not a second of the emotion was forced or fake. I had battled my worst nightmare for the last six months. I could not do the thing that has completed me for my entire lifetime. That 90 seconds was a very sweet victory over an injury I have learned a lot from. More importantly it was a celebration of the woman I have become.
7. Respect those who came before you.
As a rookie, you can come as prepared as possible but still not be ready for many aspects of the week. Some things you can only learn from actually experiencing it. However, when veterans have advice, or are doing something that seems successful, it probably is. There is much to be learned from former Miss Oklahomas, veterans, and the trusty Red Coats. They know what they are doing. It's okay to shed a tear, and ask for help. That's what we all need anyway!
8. Eat the donut.
In the land of Miss Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen, everything is pink, sparkly, and rainbow sprinkles. Everyone eats the cookie, and sometimes the m&m's too. In Miss Land, that isn't so much the case.. I learned. However, this is a race of endurance. I was constantly reminding myself at meal times that I needed a full plate, or I couldn't make it through a 7 hour rehearsal we had coming up. Most important, if your body isn't where you want it to be Miss Oklahoma week, it isn't going to be there by not eating, or by denying yourself the chocolate covered strawberry at dinner. Life is super sweet, and so is the donut. Just eat it, otherwise you'll be the one wishing you had!
9. Making the Top Ten does not define you.
Since I was 13 years old, I had never NOT made the top ten. This year I didn't. However, I was okay. Of course I was disappointed, but as you become the woman you're striving to be you become accepting of the fact that sometimes you are not what they are looking for. What's important to remember, however, is that it doesn't make you any less of a person. Watching the girls who made top ten that night I saw multiple future Miss Oklahomas. Then I looked around me, and I saw more future Miss Oklahomas who weren't included in the ten this year. This year I asked God to use me. I spent a lot of free time journaling and letting Him know that this year I wanted to fully commit myself to serving Him and I don't know how he used me, but I know His will was done.
10. I want to be Miss Oklahoma.
When you walk off the stage at the end of the night, you know in your heart if you want to come back. I do. I am young and eager to learn. I know I am so willing to work for something I have dreamed of since I was 8 years old. Right now, I am developing the kind of Miss Oklahoma I would like to be, and I can't wait to see what my future holds. For I know it is bright for every woman who is unapologetically herself and ready to shine a light.
xoxo,
Heather
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
"Graduation"
When I began this journey in December it seemed as though this would last forever. Prior to my MRI, I remember thinking how long 6 weeks sounded (the estimate I was given before finding out I had to have complete knee reconstruction). Come to find out that those 6 weeks would be replaced with 6 months and my senior year of dance had ended before it had even really began.
Special thank you to my Theatre Arts Family, for never letting me feel out of the loop. I have had a blast being your teammate, and now biggest cheerleader.
Next week I will be fully released to return to perhaps the biggest light in my life - dance. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I am a little sad to leave my team of therapists who love me, pray for me, support me, and truly wish the best for me. I am proud of my diligence, drive, and courage to be where I am today. However, I know I could've never done it alone. Rocky, my therapist, even has me running... which my dancer knees could have never done, even before my surgery.
I wish I could explain just how life changing this experience has been, although I know I cannot put it in words. I remember how painful it was to hear someone say "6 months will fly by in no time," I am at four and a half months and I will still tell you it didn't fly. Imagine just for a minute taking away the thing that gives you the most joy. Even then, I don't think you can fully comprehend how it affects you mentally.
Walt Disney said it's fun to do what others say you cannot. I agree completely. My first surgeon told me I would never dance the same again. I'm starting to think that he might be right after all, because now I will dance better. I've been able to grow as a human and a dancer and I realize that there is something incredibly powerful in a person who wants something more than breathing and life itself. For me, that was dancing. So when I was able to dance in my senior recital (just one simple solo) I found so much happiness and serenity in knowing that I was done. I had beaten this and I no longer had to feel pain and jealousy of not being able to do what it is I love so wholeheartedly.
I realize, as I "graduate" from this chapter in my book the struggle is far from over. There will be days when my knee hurts, or screams at me, or just flat out doesn't want to work. I realize that when I return to dance my flexibility will not be where it was, and I will have to reteach my body to do movements as it used to. I am certain within the next few months my college preparation will at times be full of frustration, but I cannot let the pity party sink in. I am ready though. I have mentally become strong enough to handle a career in dance, and the job of Miss Oklahoma I am certain.
I hope that as I continue on this path to future successes and plot twists, that you'll follow along as well. I am grateful for each person who supported me, cried with me, loved me, fought for me, and believed in me. Without you, I know I wouldn't have been able to push through this. Thank you to my Lord and Savior, I am forever amazed by what your Divine Will has in store for me.
THANK YOU Jana and Jake Pfarr for reminding me on the bad days that this is still what I wanted to do. For letting me have meltdowns in your office because for lack of a better term, "it's just not fair." And for pushing me to be my best while continuing to learn the business, it's hard not to love it when I'm following in the footsteps of the best!
These scars may show where I've been, but they certainly do not determine where I am going.
xoxo,
Heather
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
5 reasons yoga made me a better person.
This year has been a plot twist of its own, if you couldn't have guessed. However, i am almost completely finished with therapy! I cannot believe I am saying this, but it is a bittersweet feeling. I have grown to love my therapists who wish me nothing but the best and share in my highs and lows weekly. Not being able to fully return to dance class yet, I have become quite the yogi while looking for activity that will help me regain strength and flexibility.
What most don't realize, is that with awesome abs and a zen mindset come a few life lessons too. I can explain 5 of my favorites below:
1. it's not a competition
Admittedly, this has been difficult for me. I have always wanted to be the best at anything and everything I do. Yoga is about doing your practice for you. Not comparing it to anyone else's. Similarly, in life, you cannot compare your journey to anyone else's. It's the root to all failure. I have learned to focus on myself and do what feels right and benefits my body most. (Although when the ballerina from Tulsa Ballet came to class Sunday I ultimately decided my leg could go a little higher and I could hold my poses a little longer... oops!)
2. patience
As silly as it sounds, holding highly uncomfortable poses for lengthy periods of time is the best way I have ever instilled patience and self discipline in myself. The feeling of relaxing into Child's Pose after a long time in Extended Side Angle is only so sweet if you garner patience and persistence. As in life, the saying is true, "Good things come to those who wait."
3. the early bird gets the worm
Remember when your teacher used to say, "early is on time, and on time is late." Well when it comes to getting a space at Saturday morning hot yoga, teachers knew best. Valuable for more than just yoga, being prompt never hurt anyone. If you tend to be late, maybe you need something to motivate you. Getting a good spot where I can see the teacher/ yet hide from him at the same time is enough motivation for me:)
4. clear your mind of anything outside of your practice.
We run continually with a mental to do list in our minds. It can be both helpful and toxic. Spending so much time in yoga has helped me realize that I deserve time to devote to refreshing my mind and body. We move so fast, and multitask so often that we lack time spent to benefit our health. Oddly enough, health is the one thing we shouldn't be compromising.
5. breathe
I promise. This is one you won't regret. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Life becomes so much easier when you just breathe. I have struggled so much with fear that my life won't turn out as I planned. Well I can promise I never planned what has happened my senior year. However, I have learned the valuable lesson to just breathe. And just be. Everything is taken care of. Just work hard, be kind to others, and the rest will take care of itself. Plus, when you breathe.. You enjoy life more.
Namesté,
Heather
Saturday, April 19, 2014
What I Did Wrong in Pageants
42 days.
If you know what happens in 42 days you are a pageant fanatic, as am I. If you do not, I'll let you know.
In 42 days the most magical week of the year begins: Miss Oklahoma Week.
Regardless of what your history, knowledge, or experience with Miss Oklahoma week is, this blog post will be valuable. It's a huge lesson I learned this year in preparation and throughout my journey, and I know it will change the way I compete in June.
Every year on May 31st 45+ women arrive tanned, prepped, and sparkling with that twinkle in their eye that maybe, just maybe, they could leave this week as Miss Oklahoma. It is exciting, breathtaking really, to experience the rush you feel constantly throughout the week. And each Saturday night at the end of the competition I searched for my parents and let them know I was ready for next year. Nothing in the world has compared to Miss Oklahoma Week for me since I was eight years old.
At the age of thirteen I began competing as a teen, and I truly credit pageantry for shaping me into the woman I am today. Some life experiences though, can never prepare you for a few things that you experience and feel during Miss Oklahoma week.
Things such as: constant comparison to the gorgeous 5'7 blonde with bright blue eyes and a stick thin figure. Or maybe it's self doubt, "Was I enough?" "Did they really like me?" "Were those 'fluff' questions in my interview?"
No.
Yes. You are always enough. YES. I promise they liked you, stop worrying. No. Those weren't fluff questions, they seemed easy to you (mostly) because of the hours you put into studying the Syrian war or what animal you would be if you had to choose. (PS: why is that a question? It'll never happen!! )
If you have followed my blog throughout this journey I have been faced with this year you have probably seen me grow in a way I cannot even begin to describe. I know because of a torn ACL, I am a new person. I gained one giant thing: perspective. The perspective that says, "Don't you dare stand in front of me and mark your turns and leaps while I am practically being strapped to a chair to keep myself from wanting to dance." The perspective that says, "Your body needs time to heal. Stand up for your body, and do PT exercises at home 2 more times than you're told." And most importantly, the perspective that says, "Do not compare yourself. NO ONE but you is on this journey."
This changed my life in multiple ways. Comparison is an issue in society today. I think every 13 year old girl is hoping she is as gorgeous as so-and-so. Not only that, but as a dancer I spent on average 5 hours a day standing in front of a mirror, wishing my legs were longer and hating adagio for the entire 4 minutes my 5' stature had to be compared to a 5'8 one. Well you can bet that will never happen again. From here on out I'll just be thankful I can dance.
What I have found though to be my largest gain in my newfound lack of comparison, is in pageantry. Discovering I am my own person, with a journey designed specifically for me and only me was game changing. This year I have felt little to no need to wonder who looks better in their swimsuit than I do. Actually, when I step onstage in my suit Wednesday night I'll be proud of the proof I can put on stage that I am fully recovered and healthy. I've realized that who has more experience than me, may be wiser, but everyone has to start somewhere. I couldn't be more excited. Last weekend was contestants day, and I felt a lot of support and encouragement. I truly didn't compare myself to the other singers. How could I? 7 months ago I was choosing my music for my "ballet en pointe" performance at Miss Oklahoma. I know a lot of people have told me, "I know you'd rather be dancing." At this moment though, I would say no. I wouldn't, not this year. I'm proud of what I have done. And it's taught me that the comparison I have felt before, was the death of my success. Knowing that now, it would be suicide to allow myself to do that again.
I hope that you share this with any friend, woman, dancer, or pageant girl you know. Don't compare yourself people! Your journey is unique, and specific to the purpose designed to you. It would be a disservice to yourself to allow yourself to be anything besides what you are meant to be. Never second guess that. Never compare. It'll change your life.
It changed mine.
xoxo,
Heather
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
A Compilation of my Life in the Last Week
Wow.
They tell you all the time how quickly life moves, but its hard to believe how fast second semester of your senior year goes. This is my excuse for not writing sooner about some landmarks in my journey.
First, let me begin by saying Contestants Day was a success. I felt nerves, which I knew I would feel. Honestly, it was kind of fun though. As a dancer, I have been on the stage since the age of three and so performing is more of a treat than a challege for me. However, the pressure of hearing everyone repeatedly say, "We can't wait to hear you sing!" was building inside of me like a bottle of pop ready to have a mento dropped inside. When it came my turn to perform my talent, it felt awesome to get to take control of the audience is such a different way. Let's just say another milestone down. I'm ready for Miss Oklahoma!
They tell you all the time how quickly life moves, but its hard to believe how fast second semester of your senior year goes. This is my excuse for not writing sooner about some landmarks in my journey.
First, let me begin by saying Contestants Day was a success. I felt nerves, which I knew I would feel. Honestly, it was kind of fun though. As a dancer, I have been on the stage since the age of three and so performing is more of a treat than a challege for me. However, the pressure of hearing everyone repeatedly say, "We can't wait to hear you sing!" was building inside of me like a bottle of pop ready to have a mento dropped inside. When it came my turn to perform my talent, it felt awesome to get to take control of the audience is such a different way. Let's just say another milestone down. I'm ready for Miss Oklahoma!
This Tuesday, I found out more exciting news. I get to dance again!!!! Slowly of course... But I am finally back to where I have wanted to be. The timing for this news was impeccable considering I was given my fall schedule for 2014 at OCU Monday! Honestly, this journey is far from it's conclusion and it's taken a team to get me here. Now, it's just up to me to be diligent, safe, and spend as much time in the studio as possible. Which will be easy considering the love and separation anxiety I already feel for the sweet kids I've gotten to pour into over the last year.
Next, I have been spending some time with a 5th grade class talking about Healthy Choices Healthy Me. First they took a test and learned about some common misconceptions about healthy choices. We noted that Oklahoma is the 10th most obese state in the country!! After discussing some things we could do better to improve our lifestyles, we headed to the iPads to make our own iMovies promoting healthy choices! In the next few posts I'll be sharing the videos in my blogs! Enjoy the hard work of these kiddos!!!
xoxo,
Heather
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Building Bonds and Breaking Stereotypes
I have been thinking over this post and what it would include since I left the campgrounds this morning. In case you are unfamiliar with my weekend, I spent the last 3 days camping alongside 29 of my favorite women in Oklahoma: my pageant sisters.
I would be lying if I said I didn't think this weekend would be a "made for TV, "glam"ping, high maintenance, pageant girl" kind of weekend. Apparently so did all my friends, considering their reaction to my weekend plans was "YOU are going camping?" However, I was certainly (pleasantly) surprised to find out how much me and most of the other girls thoroughly enjoyed ourselves makeup, stress, and competition free.
I should back up and let you know why we were camping. In fact, we were on an adventurous journey. In order to complete the bronze or silver (I was completing silver) medal for the Duke of Edinburgh award, you're final challenge is to complete an adventurous journey. Although, we had countless adventures this weekend, we did something I think was way more important than just earn a medal; we broke a steryotype.
Because I have grown up in the Miss Oklahoma Organization, from the young age of eight, I have always felt heart broken and confused when "pageant girls" are described as "snotty, dumb, materialistic, out of touch with reality, high-maintenance, etc." I learned from a very young age the hard work, intelligence, leadership, and poise every woman who competes for Miss Oklahoma obtains. As I began competing, I learned people sometimes mistook me for "having it all." I will say, I am a very fortunate individual, who is blessed with more than enough. However, all of my success came from a lot of hard work and sacrifices I decided to make on my own. Becoming relatable to my community, friends, and peers became my goal. Eventually I saw some of my closest friends realize the importance of an organization like Miss America. I wanted people who didn't know me to see the reason I compete. Not for a shiny crown, but for a position as an ambassador for my state, to gain scholarship, and to achieve personal goals I never dreamed of before competing in pageants.
Still, with the help of some pitiful YouTube examples of onstage question, and TV shows like "Honey Boo Boo" and "Todlers and Tiaras," the stereotype exists that we are nothing more than bimbos obsessed with vanity and pageantry.
This weekend, 30 young women spent 2 nights with no makeup, no running water, and no electricity. We cooked our own meals, pitched our own tents, and let our phone batteries exhaust so that we could spend a weekend getting to know each other on a personal level. Not as competitors, but as friends. It was incredibly refreshing to spend time with people who give to their community, strive for personal excellence, and believe in empowering women to reach their full potential.
On Saturday we were invited to Jacob's Ladder where we got to take part in an awesome ropes course! We were joined by a former MOOT's mother, who instructed us along with two men who didn't know a thing about pageants. Both admitted that they had stereotyped us into being prissy girls who didn't seem interested in doing a ropes course or climbing rock walls before they had even met us. After spending about 5 hours with them, and getting a little dirty as well as very sunburnt, they were able to see the real women we were. It was so neat to hear them say that we broke the stereotype for them.
I had a great time this weekend. And I am so happy I got to spend my first camping experience with all my best friends and sisters. I am now thoroughly excited about Miss Oklahoma week. And I'm challenging you to become more familiar with a girl before you just call her a pretty face. There is a lot behind the big hair and makeup, like an even bigger heart and a call to empower others.
xoxo,
Heather
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