Talking Miss America - a Guest Blog Series by Bridget Oei (“The Other Titleholders”)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here.

Today we have our third entry as Bridget shares what it was like spending time with the other titleholders in Atlantic City. I hope you enjoy it!

Miss America was an extraordinary experience for the particular reason that in two weeks, 51 strangers became 51 best friends. The bond that I and the other Miss America candidates formed were catalyzed by our commonalities as well as our differences. Which, in my opinion, make us the most dynamic and well-rounded group of women in America.

But like all strong friendships, they have to start somewhere. Strengthened by silly memories, hearty laughs, and sharing new experiences, the two weeks at Miss America provided us with just that platform to grow and learn about one another.

Prior to the start of the competition, we spent our days in New Jersey exploring and enjoying magical parts of Atlantic City. Our first night, we attended a sponsored dinner at Bocca, a family owned restaurant that truly treated us all like queens. We sat at group tables and connected over a delicious meal, sharing stories of our excitement and our trip to the Miss America competition.

Another fantastic experience was at the Linwood Country Club, where we all got a chance to try our hand at golf. Pro-golfers or

not, we all made memories as we raced in golf carts, and took videos of each other having our PGA tour moment on the course. Later that evening, we met members of the country club and local supporters of Miss America. This was one of the most memorable events for me, I spoke to a physician who had studied medicine at Yale University, and we discussed my goals to become a doctor myself. I also happened to meet a lovely couple who had been to my parents’ wedding and had come to meet me for the first time!

Of course I have to mention spending an evening at the iconic steel pier on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This event was the last of its kind before the start of the competition. I distinctly remember the love, support, and genuine excitement that was among all of the ladies. We all relaxed together riding the swings, and breathing the salty air. I felt at home, surrounded by women that I admired and respected, and grateful to be a part of such a unique experience.

With Love,

Bridget Oei

Talking Miss America - a Guest Blog Series by Bridget Oei (“The Arrival”)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here.

Today we have our second entry as Bridget shares what she was thinking and feeling as she arrived in Atlantic City for the Miss America Competition. I hope you enjoy it!

My room was divided into sections, one area for competition wardrobe, another for rehearsals. Every article was labelled with CT and my initials. Two weeks of clothing, supplies, and necessities were packed and organized ready for the trip to Atlantic City.

The drive to New Jersey, seemed like the longest trip of my life. I was so excited to get there, get settled, and get going. I had been prepping for this experience for months, but dreaming about how it would actually feel to be attending Miss America for years. This was it!

I cannot say that the reality of going to Miss America had really sunk in at this point. I was ready and prepared, excited to share with America who I am. It was game time, and I had every tool I needed to succeed. Family and friends were sending me messages of well wishes and I distinctly remember during the drive, saying to my mom, “I want to make my people proud, I want to make some history!”

When I arrived at the Golden Nugget where I was staying, I was immediately greeted by one of my warm and wonderful hostesses Debbie, who made me feel so calm and welcomed. My wardrobe was whisked away to my room, while I was brought to the hospitality suite where I met my other hostesses and the other titleholders who were all staying at the same location. The hospitality suite had a beautiful view of the Atlantic City Marina and I remember taking pictures of the scenery and getting overwhelmed with excitement that I was finally here! The other candidates began trickling in as their flights and rides arrived, and we all chatted as we finally relaxed after the frenzy of packing and preparing. This is where I felt that initial bond of sisterhood with these women. We were all aware that we were sharing in this once in a lifetime experience together and that made us closer than you can imagine. We all agreed that these next two weeks were opportunities for each of us to soak up every single moment.

If you told little 10 year old Bridget years ago that she would be where she was today, I do not know if she would have believed you. When I arrived in Atlantic City, I felt inundated with opportunity and possibility. I had the chance to shine, to give this experience everything I had and leave these two weeks with no regrets whatsoever. Supported my sponsors, my board and team from Connecticut, and my entire family behind me, I felt ready to make little Bridget proud.

With Love,

Bridget Oei

Talking Miss America - a Guest Blog Series by Bridget Oei (“The Final Countdown”)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at Miss America? I know I have. Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei has graciously agreed to help us all try and figure that out. She will be writing a series of guest blogs chronicling her time at Miss America that I am honored to be able to present here.

Today we have our first entry as Bridget shares what she was thinking and feeling while standing onstage at Miss America as the top five counted down. I hope you enjoy it!

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you should probably be feeling some sort of way...but you weren’t? There I was standing hand in hand with the top five, in front of 4 million viewers across the country and a full audience in boardwalk hall, about to find out who the new Miss America would be, and if it was me. I should have been nervous, my heart should have been pounding. But I was calm, so very calm.

My demeanor did not change even as they called the fourth, third, and second runner up. The four other women that I stood with filled me with so much pride. From the moment I met them in Orlando, I was impressed. On paper they define the words success, leader, and trailblazer. I remember thinking as we stood together before they announced the results, “Wow, we made it.” I was genuinely humbled to be standing exactly where I was, among these women, on a stage that is truly a once in a lifetime experience. And all the while, I was representing my home, Connecticut.

I’ll never forget the moment when it was just myself and Nia standing center stage and I turned and grabbed her hands. I did so out of routine because I had been in the same situation before back in June at Miss Connecticut. Yet once I turned I saw Nia right in front of me, I also saw the other state titleholders all holding hands, anxious to find out who their new Miss America would be. After two weeks spent with these women, I had grown to love each of them and what we all represented. That is when I looked at Nia and began telling her that no matter what, I would support her throughout her year, that I would be her number one fan, always. I wanted her to know that if she was crowned Miss America, I would be there for her unconditionally.

If you watch the live telecast, you see me look out into the audience right as they call my name as first runner up. That was a moment when I felt so much clarity. No, I had no idea if I was going to win or be called. But in that moment I remembered exactly why and how I was standing in the position I was in. When I looked up, I was looking at my parents, who were sitting about halfway back in the audience. I was calm because they were there, and I was overjoyed to have made them proud. I was proud to have danced my very best, showcasing my talent for my culture and my dance teacher Dr. Colleen Griffith. I was proud to have spoken with conviction and consistency, showcasing the hard work and skills I had refined with my Miss Connecticut prep team. I was proud to have represented Connecticut: my home, my village, my heart.

It didn’t matter what the result was. You can see in my face when I was announced 1st runner up that I was just so overjoyed to be where I was. I had made history, I had done it for Connecticut.

Some moments are just so wonderful, that they exceed your wildest dreams.

With Love,

Bridget Oei

What Is She Thinking?

As I mentioned before, this year's Miss America competition was a special one for Section 36! Not only were a record number of visitors preparing to walk on stage, but an incredible two forever visitors were able to make the top five! Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei was even still standing as one of the final two, before being announced as first runner up to Miss America!

While I was watching Bridget standing there, I couldn't help but wonder "What is she thinking?". I couldn't imagine what thoughts must have been racing through her head. 

As the moment carried on, I realized that I wondered a lot of things about the entire night. And, to be honest, the entire week. What was it like just being there? Standing on stage for the first time? Performing your talent? Everything?

I also realized (assumed?) that I wasn't the only one who had these questions. Not many people have had the chance to walk around Atlantic City with that sash on their shoulder. We all have no idea.

Which is why I'm excited to say that Bridget Oei herself is going to help us all out!

I'm honored to announce that Bridget will be authoring a series of guest blogs to be posted right here on Section 36 Pageants discussing her thoughts on all sorts of her experiences at Miss America!

The first post goes live tomorrow! So, be sure to check back in to see what she has to say. And, keep checking back to hear about all of her thoughts and experiences throughout the whole series!

This is going to be fun!

Oh What A Night!

One of the best parts about interviewing so many titleholders who visit Section 36 is what happens after. It’s so wonderful to watch these amazing young women go on to accomplish so much after their visits. Whether it’s advancing to another level within the Miss America organization, or advancing in their post pageant careers. I always get a flutter of excitement to see them doing so well.

Which happened to a degree Sunday night never before reached.

Thanks to Alexandra Coppa for sending along the pic!

On Sunday, a fantastic five forever visitors took the stage at Miss America. Miss New Hampshire Marissa Moorhouse, Miss Massachusetts Gabriela Taveras, Miss Vermont Julia Crane, Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei, and Miss Rhode Island Alexandra Coppa. If that’s not a record, it certainly could be. It was such an amazing feeling watching each of them walk out on stage. I can’t imagine what it feels like for people who actually know them well. But it was such an honor to be able to think “I interviewed her!” each time one of them came out on stage to introduce themselves. It’s what makes all the interviews even more fun.

Of course, if this year might be a record as far as sheer quantity of visitors appearing on stage, it was definitely a record as far as advancement!

Prior to this year, the highest finisher to ever visit Section 36 was also my very first visitor. Lauren Kuhn made it to the top five at Miss America prior to visiting with Section 36. The best showing by a titleholder after visiting was Alissa Musto. After visiting Section 36 as Miss Cambridge, she went on to win Miss Massachusetts and then finish in the top fifteen at Miss America. So, I would definitely like to mention two amazing women who raised that bar even higher.

Gabriela Taveras is my most recent visitor, and she was able to make it to the top five on Sunday night! Bridget Oei also made it to the top five, and eventually made it all the way to first runner up to Miss America! It was so exciting! As nervous as I was for them, I can't imagine what must have been going through their mind standing up on that stage. The best part was getting to see those two compete in all the phases of the competition, and follow along with their night.

So I want to offer a huge congratulations to all the former visitors why graced the Miss America stage. They definitely made us proud!

I'm flattered that they all visited.

My Struggles with Migraine Disorder - a Guest Blog by Allison Rogers

As with anything, social media (and the internet as a whole) has its good features and its bad features. One of its very best features is its ability to make you realize that you aren’t alone. To allow you to find other people who are going through the same things that you are dealing with. And maybe, just maybe, show you a way to get through it. That’s why I thought it was so wonderful to see a recent Instagram post from Allison Rogers. Allison is a former Miss Rhode Island, and the current volunteer director of the Miss Rhode Island Scholarship Organization. She felt the need to go outside her comfort zone and share her private dealings with a not-well-known illness. Her hope was that others who are dealing with it may find some help in what she had to say. I share that wish, which is why I am sharing her story here with her help, in her words…

This weekend marked an important milestone for me. The last two Miss Rhode Island show weekends I have gotten extremely sick in a debilitating, down-and-out, do not know if I can make it through this weekend kind of manner -- May 2016 and May 2017. I pushed through and tried to hide it from everyone. And I believe I did a good job at that. Because let's be honest, who wants to hear about me being sick, I had responsibilities to see through, there were amazing young women who had prepared for so long for that weekend, who were counting on me and our full team, and the show must always go on. But I have come to find communication and vulnerability and real honest talk are always better than keeping things inside. Better for ourselves and better for others, for our spirits and our bodies. This is why I am sharing so publicly now.

I made it through both weekends in 2016 and 2017 but knew on a subconscious level something was very wrong, without knowing what it was. On a conscious level, I chalked it up to food poisoning the first year and extremely bad luck (and my body just revolting) the second.

This past weekend, our Miss RI 2018 show, I made it through without getting sick at all. Why? Because I've spent the last couple of years navigating the complicated, convoluted path of living with an undiagnosed, untreated condition, trying to work with various doctors to figure out what the heck was going on, test after test. Tubes getting shoved places you don't want them, biopsies, hypotheses that were inconclusive and more...and I've finally made progress.

So to make it through our entire show weekend in one piece? Seriously feels like heaven. To be surrounded by an amazing team of angels who have your back and all pitch in to make everything come together? Also, Heaven. To feel the energy of the amazing women who participate in and are a part of our program and to stand there in pride knowing these women are changing our world and our communities and they are our future? Also, Heaven. 

Knowing what it's like to be truly knocked down and out by something I didn't even understand until very recently has given me the gift of standing in gratitude for each day I feel amazing. And for every day because seriously every day is a gift. Each day I become more and more grateful for my health, for doctors and nurses who help us find answers, for a healthcare system that eventually helps us get on the right management path and for dear friends who say, "Don't think twice. I've got this."

It's not like a Miss RI show weekend is unique. This 2018 show is a milestone for me because I finally feel I'm on the right path and I have two clear annual markers in 2016 and 2017 to compare it to. I've been getting sick on a weekly basis, or every other week basis, or twice a week basis for the last year plus, ever since my daily commuting time on the road increased living and working in two different states -- and on a less frequent but still regular basis for the years before that. For years I thought it was normal -- chalking it up to food poisoning (good thing I didn't call the Department of Health on all the restaurants I thought made me sick! 😬), or motion sickness, or a terrible commute, or a weak stomach and, again, just bad luck. I thought it was just me and that my "normal" was to just be a little abnormal for the rest of my life. 

When I told my former nurse practitioner a couple years ago while we were trying to navigate why I was getting sick so frequently that I was worried about being exhausted all the time, his response was "Wait 'til you have kids. You'll be even more exhausted then." Responses like this over the years have made me think it's just me -- and to assume, well, everyone must just feel off a lot too -- and to not realize maybe there was an actual condition I was navigating unaware. Again, I chalked it up to bad luck. 

When I switched to wearing dresses nonstop to work for two years because my suit pants were too uncomfortable, even though they technically fit, I should have realized constantly feeling bloated was probably a sign of something more than bad luck. Grabbing garbage bags late at night as I left work in case I got sick on my hour drive home? Something more than bad luck. Thinking it was the crazy bright lights of other cars making me sick on that hour drive home late at night and ending so many nights halfway incapacitated? And subsequently exhausted the next morning? Something more than bad luck. Missed flights, needing to book hotel rooms at the last minute because I was too sick to make it all the way home, financial costs for changed travel plans because I was sick, lost time with loved ones and friends, having to skip out on adventures, getting worried about making plans in case I got sick, depleted energy levels and so much more? Something more than bad luck. Going without healthcare for months because I quit my job and was in between jobs, thus delaying my path to figuring things out with a new set of healthcare professionals? Not bad luck, but a really bad decision. And sometimes, unfortunately, we make bad decisions when we are exhausted and not 100%.

A couple months ago, after getting back onto a wonderful new health plan, and having the great luck of getting matched with a wonderful doctor focused on an integrative approach, I was diagnosed with migraine disorder. Despite having a dear friend who battles migraines, I always thought migraines were really bad headaches. Wrong. I've learned migraine disorder is a tricky thing -- and I understand why it took so long to land on this answer I've been searching for for years, given it is tricky thing. 

And, so friends, this is my PSA for the day -- in case you have a loved one also recently diagnosed, or in case you too have been stumbling around trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with you and trying to figure out what's making you continuously sick, and in case any of what I have shared sounds familiar, I offer this up with the hope it can help someone else out there. Because there are many, many people out there walking around undiagnosed with migraine disorder. And because Lord knows I wish I had figured this out way earlier.

Migraine disorder is a neurological disorder involving nerve pathways and brain chemicals. Contrary to popular belief, migraine is not just a bad headache. It's an incapacitating collection of neurological symptoms that usually includes a debilitating, throbbing recurring pain on one side of the head, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell, and tingling or numbness in the extremities or face. Every person -- and every attack -- is different. I am trying to convince that same dear friend, one of my BFFs who also has migraines, to start a blog together because let's be honest, real talk about navigating our health, finding solutions to living healthy, and figuring out the way our health impacts us on a deeply personal, emotional and spiritual level -- as well as on our closest loved ones and on our relationships with ourselves and others -- would take way more space than this post alone. 

I'm still not 100% certain I've landed on the final answer, as I'm still piloting these new tools to manage everything, but given the fact I made it through this milestone weekend (woo woo!!) with the right tools to manage this thing I now know I have, it sure feels like that bad luck I thought I had for years has turned -- with the help of the right doctor -- not just into good luck, but, in fact, into a *total blessing*.

I've been kicking myself because an amazing nurse practitioner I had many years ago (she is really amazing) suggested I might have this -- and years ago, when I was referred to a neurologist who subsequently didn't think I had migraine disorder, I let the door close on this option for many years ... because at the time, I figured doctors must be right and I moved cities, losing access to my amazing nurse practitioner. Do I wish I could turn back the clock to have pushed for more answers years ago? Absolutely. Do I have any regrets about the way I got here? Not at all. To finally feel healthy again, my goodness, it feels like a miracle and I feel like a brand new woman.

To have regained my energy levels and feel completely energized once again, to not have to worry about travel plans anymore because I've got the right tools in my purse ready to use in a moment's notice, to once again feel the world is my oyster, to know what it's like to be unwell and to find a path to continuously manage your health (and at the same time to feel even more compassion for those also walking their own health paths), to have a deeper level of compassion for myself and my own body and my own limits, to be able to wear all those pants just fine again, to realize my abnormal had become my "normal" (a sneaky thing) and to now feel completely normal, for real, once again which feels so great, to go from thinking I just have continuous bad luck to realizing it's an actual thing I can name -- and by naming it I can manage and fight -- well now, that is about as an empowering feeling I've ever felt about anything. And I don't have the words to say how grateful I am for that. I feel energized, like a brand new woman and, most of all, I am grateful. 

At the risk of oversharing -- because I hate talking about myself and especially about negative things like sickness -- I share all this today with the hope that if this can help even one other person navigating a path they're unsure of, then the oversharing is worth it. If you're feeling at a deep level something is off with your body and your health and you don't know what, keep fighting, keep watching your symptoms and don't ignore them, keep working with your doctors, find new doctors if you're not getting the answers you think are out there, keep your health insurance, and call out to your friends for help because you shouldn't have to walk this path alone. Migraine disorder remains a poorly understood disease that is often undiagnosed and under-treated, and despite its prevalence, migraine disorder is one of the least funded disorders. 

If you've got advice from the path you've also walked, please share it. If any of what I've shared above sounds familiar and you think you might have migraine disorder, reach out and let's talk.

Wishing you good health everyday my friends. Health really is the true wealth. 

I can’t thank Allison enough for allowing me to share this with you. I hope you found it as uplifting as I did. If you want to talk more about anything she posted here, I suggest you follow her advice and get in touch. Leave a comment here, or reach out to her via her original Instagram post. I know she’d love to hear your feedback.

Thanks again Allison, I’m glad you’re on the path to feeling well!

A New Single From Alissa Musto!

 I'm sure you all remember Alissa Musto's visit with Section 36. When she visited in March of 2016, she had just been crowned Miss Cambridge. As I'm sure you know, she was on her way to

being crowned Miss Massachusetts before finishing in the top 15 at Miss America. 

During her visit, we discussed many topics, including her successful music career and her piano performances at venues around New England. 

If you follow Alissa's official website, like you should be doing, you know that she's releasing a new album, X Post Facto, later this month. In her own words, she took a minimalist approach with the arrangements for this album. It will let you focus on her piano and vocals without other distractions. It will really allow you to make an emotional connection to each song, the way it is intended.

To start things off, Alissa will be releasing the album's first single, Good Old Days, this Monday! This song is a perfect example of what she wanted out of the album. It is full of emotion for her personally, as it touches on highs and lows she has experienced. The simple arrangement allows her to wonderfully transfer those emotions to you as you listen to the track. It feels like she's talking directly to you as she lets her feelings pour out. It's simply beautiful.

You should definitely remind yourself to get the single when it's released on Monday. It will be available all the usual places: Spotify, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and more. Even better, subscribe to her Spotify channel ahead of time, just to be sure.

And you should also check out her website. She has a wonderful behind-the-scenes look into the creation of the album that you won't want to miss.

And, on Monday, be sure to let Alissa know how much you loved Good Old Days!

I'm sure you will!