Lessons I've Learned by Hannah Roque

Hello Section 36!! My name is Hannah Roque, and I currently hold the title of Miss Addison County in Vermont - I’m so excited to be back with another guest blog. The Miss Vermont 2024 competition is less than two weeks away, so I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting over my 5 years of experience competing. While this is only my 4th time competing for the title of Miss Vermont, my first time competing was in 2019; If you want to read more about my competition journey, you can take a look at my guest blog series here! 

In honor of my fourth time competing, I wanted to share the four main lessons that I’ve learned while competing in the Miss America Opportunity. 

1. Stay grateful, always.

Since I started competing, I’ve been so lucky to have incredible opportunities presented to me: I’ve attended Miss America, touched hundreds of stroke survivors’ lives through publishing my book of resources, been invited to dozens of impactful events, and many many more. Sometimes it can be hard to believe that this is my life! To keep myself grounded when I feel like I’m living my dream life, I’ve learned that it’s important to be grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. Being grateful helps me stay humble and present in every moment. I frequently think about the fact that I’m living the life I dreamed of when I was younger, so I want to treasure every moment, and being grateful helps me to do that.

2. Be your own advocate and cheerleader.

It is SO exciting to compete for a state title, but it can also be an incredibly stressful process. In my first year, I had so many questions: Where should I buy my evening gown? How should I develop my CSI? How should I do my makeup for competition, and how does that differ from my makeup for events? And so many more. It was through my experience leading up to the 2019 competition that I learned that there are resources and people who are excited and willing to help you, if you ask. It can be incredibly overwhelming to start out, but if you advocate for yourself and the things you need to succeed, you will be in amazing shape! In a similar vein, while scheduling and traveling to events across Addison County this year, I’ve learned that being your own advocate is incredibly important when reaching out to community organizations and event organizers. There are many people, especially in Vermont, who don’t understand what the Miss America Opportunity is, or what being a titleholder means. When communicating with these community members and while attending the events, it’s my job to be my own advocate and share the messages of my values, my community service initiative, and the message of the Miss America Organization. In a recent mock interview, I was told that if I’m not going to toot my own horn, then who will? This is something that I’m still working on, but I try to be my own cheerleader by sharing my accomplishments, my passions, and the qualities that I have that make me a successful titleholder. 

3. Always, ALWAYS, take the leap.

I’ve talked very candidly about the fact that I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life, especially in unknown situations. Deciding to compete was the ultimate leap, especially because I was making myself vulnerable in a way I never had before. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I am endlessly thankful that I took that first leap and decided to compete. I gained confidence and an acute sense of self that I didn’t have prior to the competition. Since then, I’ve taken many leaps in my life: moving out, making major life decisions, changing careers, just to name a few. Competing has taught me that you should always take the leap when you have the opportunity. I think about all the things that I would’ve missed if I hadn’t taken that first leap, and I have absolutely no regrets. Trust yourself, and do the thing that scares you. I promise that you won’t regret it! 

4. The girls you’re competing with are not actually your competition. 

Of course every year that you compete, you’re competing against other women who have the same dream as you. Even though that is true, I’ve learned that your biggest competition is not the other delegates, but rather yourself. It’s so easy to get caught up in what the other girls are doing, but that can only hurt you onstage. The most rewarding part of competing has been meeting women from Vermont that have become my very best friends. I can’t imagine what my life would look like without these women, and our friendships were born out of supporting each other rather than being competitive. Preparing for competition is a mind game. In order to succeed, you need to focus solely on yourself and your performance. If you are confident and secure in your performance, you will do well on stage. The Miss Vermont 2023 class was the most supportive competition class that I’ve ever been part of, and it’s because no one brought a truly competitive mindset. I’m truly thankful for that experience because it was so eye opening - it showed me that I’m the only person that I needed to worry about. I’m bringing this mindset into the 2024 competition weekend, and am so excited to show my best self onstage while also supporting my sisters backstage! 

I’ve had such a wonderful time reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned in my time in the Miss America Opportunity. Each year, I leave the competition knowing more about myself. I cannot WAIT for Miss Vermont 2024, and to see what I will learn through that process. If you want to follow me on my journey, and see all my competition weekend updates, follow me at @missaddisoncountyvt on Instagram! It’s so surreal that we’re so close!

Accessible Wellness by Alyssa Contreras

Ever wondered why access to wellness seems like a privilege rather than a basic human right?

What if I told you that achieving fitness and nutrition goals shouldn’t be reserved for the privileged few? What if there was a way to make wellness accessible to all, irrespective to economic status or prior experience? Welcome to Accessible Wellness- where we challenge the status quo and pave the way for inclusive, equitable access to physical facets of well-being. 
I’m Alyssa Contreras, the founder behind the initiative Accessible Wellness. With the mental and physical costs that accompany financial constraints, living a healthy lifestyle is not easy.

Accessible Wellness strives to break down these barriers and collaborate with local fitness and nutrition companies to host free events and classes for underserved communities. By offering free resources, classes, and education about the benefits of physical fitness and proper nutrition, I hope, through Accessible Wellness, to empower people to take charge of their well-being and lead healthier lives. 

My journey began with a realization of the familiar barriers preventing many individuals from embarking on a path to better health. Drawing upon my education and expertise in exercise science, coupled with my certifications as an Exercise Specialist and Yoga Instructor, I leveraged my knowledge to design inclusive and empowering wellness programs. By offering free resources, individuals from all backgrounds can access valuable information on exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being. From an early age, I have always been drawn to the transformative power of fitness. I looked up to people who I thought were the epitome of healthy. It led me down an obsessive path where I ended up with an eating disorder in my pre-teen years and through high school. I got all my information based off of internet advertisements like, “Get a Flat Tummy in 3 Days!” I blissfully ignored the symptoms of tiredness, and weakness. It was a struggle to get through and recover from. 

Fortunately, I have since been over two years recovered and have grown a healthier relationship with all aspects of fitness and wellness. Though, through this experience, I have been motivated to use my education for good and focus on spreading correct information, free resources, and love to everyone struggling with their path to a healthier lifestyle. 

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the Miss Ohio class of 2024 as Miss Greater Columbus. My title provides me with a unique platform to promote Accessible Wellness and inspire others to prioritize their health. 

-Alyssa Contreras

Regenerative Tourism by Shyla Victor

Hawaiʻi, viewed by tourists as merely a beautiful tropical vacation destination. Being born and raised in Hawaiʻi and working in the hospitality industry, had a great impact on my interpretation of tourism. Tourism is Hawaiʻi’s main private capital. Although there are still families today that continue to live a sustainable lifestyle, Hawaiʻi residents are no longer able to solely rely on hunting and gathering to survive. Hawaiʻi has changed to Western ways and is now reliant on imported foods and products to sustain. My mission is to educate and emphasize the importance of this transformation to a more regenerative industry. 

Regenerative Tourism, “The idea that tourism should leave a place better than it was before'', defines the nature of how my ancestors lived. I am fortunate to have a year of experience educating myself and others on Regenerative Tourism. I’ve been a Pono Pledge Ambassador for a year, under the Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau, collaborating and educating on the 8 principles that encourage safe, responsible, and respectful travel while on Hawaiʻi Island, and throughout the State. With this opportunity, I have taught in several classrooms, hosted educational booths, incorporated programs within businesses, and traveled across seas to educate visitors, and residents, of the Pono Pledge. When I began, there were 20,423 people who signed the pledge. I am proud to say that there are now over 3,000 more signatures, totaling 23,875 as of March 5th.

Promoting this idea of being regenerative is beneficial for the people and the place. For example, tourists who travel to Hawaiʻi come for the beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, but their return depends on how nice these places actually are. I had a vision, spoke with the County of Hawaiʻi Mayor, Mitch Roth, in June, and within 3 months hosted a Community Day, partnered with the County of Hawaiʻi, Department of Public Works, Community Policing Division, and Keauhou Shopping Center. On September 23, 2023, over 50 volunteers helped pick up 942 pounds of trash along the Hokuliʻa Bypass. Following the clean up was a celebration at the shopping center with free food for the volunteers, live music, and kid activities for all. This experience left me speechless with the community's involvement. Networking within our community has had a huge impact on the many opportunities, like Community Day, I created and became a part of. My goal is to continue Community Day annually and also encourage other businesses to provide similar opportunities for the visitors and residents to partake in across the State of Hawaiʻi.

Tourist “hot spots'' can be found within seconds at the click of a button. As the next Miss Hawaiʻi 2024, this platform will help continue educating my community on how to care for our home and the world. Especially for those on vacation, having the opportunity to give back is a simple way to encourage involvement from everyone. Networking with businesses around the Island and State of Hawaiʻi, to include the Pono Pledge or community service opportunities through their businesses, will accelerate the Regenerative Tourism transition. Through partnerships with Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, the management of a regenerative tourism industry will improve. Encouraging more visitors to support local and keep the funds within Hawaiʻi, will greatly benefit our economy and overall quality of life for our Hawaiian people.

If you would like to read, watch, and sign the Pono Pledge, please visit ‘ponopledge.com’. “E ʻapo i ke aʻo a hoʻohana, a e ʻoi mau ka naʻauao.” Those who apply their teachings increase their knowledge. 

Me ke aloha nui,

Shyla Victor

Miss Hawaiʻi Island 2024
@misshawaiiisland

Ime Ekpo Visits Section 36 Forevers!

Ime Ekpo is the founder of Walk With Ime, a pageant consulting service. I was flattered that she wanted to visit with us and talk about her business and how is can benefit others in the pageant world. I'm sure you'll love to hear what she has to say.

So, let’s see what happens when Ime Ekpo visits Section 36 Forevers!

What can you tell me about your program “Walk With Ime”? 

Walk with Ime is a pageant service designed to help aspiring queens take command of the stage with fundamental modeling and styling techniques. My goal is to help restore the lost art of poise that pageant titleholders are traditionally known for but which is sorely lacking today. 

What made you decide to start that venture? 

Walk With Ime was a happy accident born out of my sister's business, Mock With Me.  Both my older sister Mweni and I were successful pageant girls years ago. So when I wanted to start a business utilizing my marketing skills, she founded Mock With Me - a service that offers interview practice opportunities and expert feedback to aspiring queens - giving them the confidence to command the interview room on competition day. Mweni had a client who mocked with her many times and was a great interviewer but who competed in several local pageants without placing or winning a title. After Mweni showed me a video clip of the client competing in evening gown during one pageant, I noticed some things about her performance that I thought she could improve on with proper guidance. So I offered to give the client some help with her walking. I also advised the client on how to restyle her hair to be more flattering and impactful. We worked on adding poise to her fitness and evening gown walks. And after only a couple of sessions with me, the client secured her first placement of the season – and it was First Runner-Up! After three additional sessions with me, the client finally won a title, and Mweni and I were so overjoyed! Mweni had observed my first session with the client, and she was very impressed with my knowledge and with how easily I taught the client. She suggested that I consider coaching, and before too long, Walk With Ime was born.

What has been the most rewarding part of the sessions?

Paying goodness forward. When I was a doubtful young woman, the goodness of the women who volunteered their time to my pageants was instrumental in helping me become confident, poised, and fearless. Years later, I remember and honor those women and am truly grateful for the knowledge they willingly shared with me and that I’m now passing on to others. So if I can impact another pageant girl's life the way I was impacted, that's reward enough.

What short or long-term goals do you have for Walk With Ime? 

I'd like to see Walk With Ime serving queens in all 50 states and I aspire to serve 500 queens in 5 years.

What has surprised you the most about running Walk With Ime? 

The poise fundamentals that I'm teaching queens today are the same fundamentals I learned well over 20 years ago. What's most surprising is that those fundaments STILL hold true today even though they are not universally practiced. And it surprises me how quickly queens can improve their performance enough to win a crown, simply by applying these fundamental principles.

What has been the most challenging aspect about running Walk With Ime? 

It's difficult watching beautiful, talented, and intelligent girls and young women measure their beauty against others based on social trends. Some deal with so much pressure to look a certain way to align with today's beauty standards, even when those trends don't enhance their natural beauty. I wish more pageant contestants would have the courage to make choices based on what most flatters them rather than based on what everyone else is doing.

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I can definitely see how that would be a challenge.

As always, I want to give many thanks to Ime for doing this interview, and for sending along the picture to be used. 

I'm sure that after reading this, you may want to find out even more about Ime and everything she has going on. I would definitely suggest checking out her website, and following her on Instagram at her Walk With Ime account. 

And, if you talk to her don’t forget to tell her you saw her on Section 36 Forevers!

Thanks again Ime!

Eating Disorderder Awareness Month by Kailey Herren

As eating disorders continue to run rampant throughout our society, so do the misconceptions about them. TV, film, music, and social media has taught us that someone who suffers from an eating disorder is young, often female, has an emaciated frame, and rarely eats. While a small percentage of people with eating disorders fit this description, most do not. Studies show 1 in 20 Americans will be affected by an eating disorder in their lifetime, and 20 million of them are women while 10 million are men (NEDA). It’s safe to say these numbers do not wholly reflect the amount of people who will suffer from eating disorders as so many of them either don’t recognize their disordered eating or don’t have access to a physical and mental health care team who can properly diagnose and treat them, among various other reasons. 

There are 4 main types of eating disorders that are recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the handbook used by physical and mental health care professionals for the purpose of diagnosing individuals. The four main types are: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake  Disorder (ARFID). There are other socially recognized forms of eating disorders, like Orthorexia (a preoccupation or obsession with “clean eating” and exercise), that you won’t find in the DSM, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be treated. Professionals who are specialized in treating eating disorders understand that eating disorders are nuanced and, while there are many shared  behaviors amongst them, they aren’t all exactly the same. To learn about eating disorder subtypes, go to: https://www.montenido.com/6-lesser-known-eating-disorders/ 

Contrary to common belief, Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder type in the United States. BED is characterized by eating an unusually large amount of food in a specific amount of time. The eating happens regardless of fullness, and is often met with a significant amount of shame. Food might be consumed at a fast pace and in secrecy. Someone who suffers with BED might be known for dieting but may not show a significant amount of weight loss. For those who haven’t suffered from BED, it can be easy to assume that the sufferer has the ability to stop eating at any point and control their portions. Like all eating disorders, it’s far more complex than that. BED is often a result of a restrictive diet or a desire to restrict (i.e portion control). While the behaviors of BED differ greatly from that of someone with Anorexia Nervosa, what fuels the disorder shares notable similarities. For more information about BED, go to: https://www.montenido.com/myths-about-binge-eating-disorder/ 

Bulimia Nervosa is similar to BED but has a compensatory aspect that differentiates it. A compensatory behavior might look like purging (vomiting), unnecessary laxative use, and over-exercising. People with Bulimia don’t always experience a binge before utilizing compensatory behaviors–restriction is still an element of Bulimia, so any food intake may trigger a behavior though binging is common. Other signs you might notice in someone who may be struggling with Bulimia includes quickly leaving after meals, hiding food, over-exercising before or after meals, frequent bathroom visits, Russell’s sign (a physical sign of purging (vomiting) located on the knuckles), and red and irritated eyes. For more information about Bulimia Nervosa, go to: https://www.montenido.com/bulimia-nervosa/

Anorexia Nervosa is what comes to mind when most people hear the words “eating disorder”. It’s not uncommon to associate this diagnosis with a thin or underweight body frame, but less than 6% of people with eating disorders are underweight (https://www.feast-ed.org/). While the severity of Anorexia Nervosa is often determined by BMI, and other factors, weight is not indicative of how severely the eating disorder is impacting one’s physical or mental wellbeing. For this reason, getting a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa can be difficult for many, which limits access to higher levels of treatment, especially for those in larger bodies. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by restriction of food often leading to weight loss, intense fear of weight gain, discomfort with one’s body, and denial of the seriousness of the condition. For more information about Anorexia Nervosa, go to: https://www.montenido.com/anorexia-nervosa/ 

The final diagnosis we’ll be covering is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Unlike most other eating disorders, it is not rooted in body-image issues or a desire to lose weight. It is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adolescents and affects adults at a lower rate. Many professionals have identified a potential correlation between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ARFID but more research is needed to draw any major conclusions. ARFID is characterized by restrictive eating due to lack of interest in food; avoidance of certain textures, smells, appearance and flavor; and fears of consequences associated with eating like choking, vomiting, or having an allergic reaction. People experiencing ARFID may only have a few foods they feel safe eating, which can lead to serious health complications like malnutrition, stunted growth, and more. To learn more about ARFID, go to: https://www.montenido.com/food-intake-disorder-arfid/ 

Eating disorders are complex mental health disorders that require treatment tailored to the individual and often consists of working with a qualified therapist, dietitian, primary care provider, and psychiatrist. Eating disorders are typically co-occurring, meaning there are other mental health disorders that are affecting and being affected by the eating disorder, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more. Eating disorders are not a choice and are complicated by both genetic and environmental factors, and those who struggle with them deserve equitable access to quality care. 

For those who are not yet in recovery, and in recovery alike, you are not alone. Your battle is real, it is hard, and can feel isolating. Everything we do in recovery feels counterintuitive and scary but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. The risks we take in pursuing recovery are worth the pain we must feel as we journey toward a life not ruled by our eating disorders. We are more resilient than we know and we are capable of experiencing life to the fullest. Your darkest days may not yet be behind you, but I can assure you that, if your commitment to recovery is persistent (not perfect) and rooted in living according to your values, your lightest days are ahead of you.

The Privilege of Being A Sister by Hannah Utic

Since coming home to beautiful Alaska, everyone of course wants to know “what was Miss America like?!” My knee jerk response is “it was the most chaotic two weeks of my life,” because it feels impossible to completely describe the surreal, incredible, wild, tiring, once in a lifetime experience that it was. But as I try to play back every aspect of the experience in my own head, there is one class of moments that I come back to every time as the most special ~ the sisterhood. While I think it goes without saying that the bond with the fifty other sisters in our Miss America class is one of the absolute most precious things I took away from this experience and I made friends for life, what I actually am talking about is the Miss Alaska sisterhood. 

More times than not, Miss America has been held somewhere on the east coast, which obviously means quite the travel journey for Alaskans. Because of this, historically, very few former Miss Alaskas have been able to go back and cheer on their newest addition to the sisterhood. Knowing this, I am not sure I have ever felt more special than when FIVE of my favorite Miss Alaska sisters told me they were coming to Florida to cheer me on. Miss Alaskas 1986, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2021, as well as a forever Miss Anchorage and our Miss Anchorage’s Teen all sacrificed greatly to be there and I could not be more grateful. The bond shared within the sisterhood is something that can't really be explained, so to have my biggest fans physically there was so incredibly special. 

So when I think back, my favorite memories are the ones the world didn't get to see: finally having a free couple hours and getting to have brunch with them; getting up extra early each day after four hours of sleep to get Starbucks, a good convo and a morning hug from one of my best friends in the world, Miss Alaska 1991, who was experiencing Miss America again exactly thirty years later, but this time with me; them dragging all my stuff (and me) back to my room each night after visitation, and even having to take my heels off because I was too exhausted to even move; the morning after debrief…. These are the moments that may seem insignificant to an observer but are truly what carried me through the week. It was the honor of a lifetime to get to represent Alaska on the Miss America stage, but it is the unbelievable privilege of being in the Miss Alaska sisterhood forever that I will always cherish the most. 

-Hannah Utic, Miss Alaska 2023

What Does it Feel Like to Stand on the Miss America Stage? by Mallory Hudson

It feels like… 

…all the roads I have ever traveled led to this stage, and I feel the years of hard work coming to fruition. Every late night, sacrifice, and ounce of preparation contributed to this very moment. Of course, the top five finish brought me immense joy, but I am most thankful for the personal growth and resiliency I developed throughout my Miss America journey, regardless of any outcome. 

Rob Metzger

It feels like… 

…an honor to stand with 50 of the most kind, intelligent, and ambitious women in the country. In preparation for Miss America, I made a cognizant effort to lean into the qualities and achievements I brought to the table while celebrating the qualities and achievements the other title holders brought to the table as well. The Miss America Class of 2024 is a true sisterhood composed of independent, inspiring, and charismatic women. I have never felt more empowered or more proud to be a woman than I did on the Miss America stage. 

It feels like… 

…an opportunity to advocate for the 1 billion people living in our world with some form of disability. As William Shakespere said, “All the world's a stage, and ALL the men and women merely players…” My service initiative, Inclusive Stages, advocates for individuals with special learning needs and disabilities through theatrical and artistic opportunities. Advocating for Inclusive Stages and sharing my mission on a national platform is something I will always cherish. Everyone can shine if they are simply given the opportunity to do so. 

It feels like… 

Hudson M Photography

…a great responsibility. Kentuckians support Kentuckians, so I knew I was carrying the hopes and expectations of the people of the Commonwealth to the Miss America Stage. Ultimately, my first priority was to represent my home state of 22 years with grace, dignity, and an unbridled spirit, and I threw my heart and soul into meeting that goal. It was a personal commitment to represent the values and character of the state that has shaped me into the woman I am today. 

It feels like…

…the beginning and continuation of a legacy. Recognizing the footsteps of those who had preceded me, women who had undeniably shaped Miss America’s esteemed tradition, I was acutely aware of the weight of their influence. However, I embraced the idea of creating my own path. I ultimately hope to be remembered as a Miss Kentucky who built intentional connections, advocated for inclusion, led with a servant's heart, and empowered through education 

What does it feel like to stand on the Miss America stage? It’s a feeling that is difficult to label but impossible to forget. I am incredibly thankful I will forever be connected to an opportunity much larger than myself. Thank you, Miss America! 

-Mallory Hudson, Miss Kentucky 2023