Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

If you have been feeling uncomfortable in your own skin lately, this one is for you…..

You are not alone. 

This will pass - it is one of the most challenging things to process and understand when you do not feel confident in yourself. We all go through different seasons of feeling brand new, used, confused, and simply uncomfortable. It is your time to take charge of your thoughts, mindset, and overall life. 

We can not grow in life if we do not feel uncomfortable and forced to grow. 

How boring would we be if we stayed the same our whole life?

Here are some tips and tricks to clear your headspace and get you back to the best version of yourself: 

1. Don’t Listen To The Media & Make Your Own Rules 
2. Become Self-Aware 
3. Build Your Self-Worth From The Ground Up - Do Not Be Afraid To Keep Rebuilding 
4. Practice Gratitude
5. Engage In The Present and Let Go Of The Past 
6.  Find People Who Love and Support You 
7. Stop Worrying About What Other People Are Thinking About You 
8. Surround Yourself With Positive People, Energy, and an Environment 
9. View Your Thoughts From An Outsider’s Point Of View 
10. Practice Healthy Self-Love 
11. Accept Your Strengths and Weaknesses 
12. Stop Seeking Validation From Other People 
13. Fake It 'Til You Make It 
14. Journal Your Thoughts and Feelings 
15. Do Not Make Yourself Small For Anyone 

With the New Year of 2023 so close, promise yourself this - “I Am Stepping Into My Power. “

-Katelyn Andrist  

Happy Festivus!

That’s right, today’s the day! As you can see, I’ve set out my aluminum pole and am ready for the festivities to begin!

While it’s kinda hard to do feats of strength on a blog, we can certainly air some grievances! I’ve even started with the first one. I would definitely rather be in Section 36 right now!

Now it’s your turn. I’m taking this opportunity to allow you to air your blog-related grievances! That’s right. Leave a comment telling me things you don’t like about the blog and its content!

Is the font too small? Too big? Are the sidebars too plain? Too cluttered? Do I write about a topic too much? Do you wish I wrote about a topic more? At all? All with no hard feelings on my part. This is your chance!

I know. Allowing the internet to complain about you can be scary. But, maybe I’ll be able to respond to the grievances and make the blog better for everyone!

One thing by way of rules, this is Section 36 Forevers asking for grievances. So, keep them to things about the blog and its content, and not the Forevers themselves.

Sound reasonable? Ok then. Let’s hear it.

What are your Section 36 Forevers related grievances?

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

You are a magnet for marvelous miracles. 

You take every expected and unexpected opportunity daily. 

Abundance is your right to create light. 

You are living your life the way you are supposed to.

uNiQuE is the name of your game.

-Katelyn Andrist 

Miss America 2023 Recap - The Stories Behind the Gowns

You may remember the previous recap post showing off the incredible entrances some S36 Forevers made to the Miss America 2023 competition. All of the gowns were stunning on the contestants.

I can't be the only one who sees that procession and thinks, "All of those dresses are so beautiful and yet so different. I wonder how each woman selects the most important dress of her life.

Luckily, a few S36 Forevers did share the story behind their gowns on their social media, which is amazing. I thought it would be fun to share the stories here.

Once again, all the pictures were taken by Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions. She does amazing work, and was recently nominated as a Pageant Planet top headshot photographer AND top event photographer.

Let's see those stories.

From the Miss Connecticut Instagram: For as long as I can remember Latinas in media have always been portrayed as too loud, crazy, and feisty (while I do not confirm nor deny some of these traits 😅) I never saw us portrayed as eloquent, intelligent, or peaceful. Miss America allowed me to be what I didn't see, being that representation and walking the red carpet with the gown that exemplified the serenity, strength, and resilience of our island's heritage. 

From the Miss Utah Instagram: Utah is know as the beehive state. When I picked out this dress, it reminded me of honeycomb. This dress Is dedicated to my hive of bees who have gotten me here!

From the Miss Massachusetts Instagram: I designed her myself based on former Miss America gowns that I’ve loved since I was a child. Thank you to Anita at Infusion Boutique and the team at JOVANI for making my sketch come to life!

From the Miss South Dakota Instagram: A dress that had a classic feel to it but also some “spice”😜 It was an incredible feeling to walk on the Miss America stage in this gown! 

From the Miss Alabama Instagram: I worked with The Clothes Tree and JOVANI to design this custom gown. I knew I wanted to wear black velvet, and I got the inspiration for the sheer sides with nude/crystal beading from a photo of a wedding dress I found in 2019. Then Julie from JOVANI worked her magic to come up with this beauty! We also totally changed the neckline after the dress came in.

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I hope you enjoyed these stories, and the incredible pictures. Hopefully there will be more stories to share in the future!

Miss America 2023 Recap - The S36 Forevers Make Their Entrance

As I'm sure you all know, a new Miss America was crowned last week. Since there were a good number of Section 36 Forevers competing, I though it would be fun to look back at those amazing women and the week they had. 

Starting off with the way any good award show starts. With an entrance on the red carpet in front of adoring fans and photographers. Whether it's a high school prom or the Academy Awards, the red carpet entrance is one of the highlights of the evening. With Miss America it was no exception. Watching these women walk by wearing their incredible gowns was a sight to see. Here's how some of the Forevers looked at that moment.

All these pictures were taken by Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions. She always does amazing work, which is probably why she was recently nominated as a Pageant Planet top headshot photographer AND top event photographer. Congratulations to her!

Now, let's see those entrances!

Lindsay Fincher waves to the crowd, like any good red carpet walker should do. Love that red.

Melody Pierce simply dazzles.

Ebony Mitchell simply elegant.

Sylvana Gonzalez with a smile that can light up the whole carpet.

Elizabeth Hallal is simply radiant.

Madison Leslie certainly knows how to strike a pose.

Katrina Kincade absolutely stuns.

Elizabeth Lynch enjoying the moment.

Grace Stanke. You'll hear more about her in future posts I'd imagine.

And not every S36 Forever on the red carpet was a current competitor. Camille Schrier returned to join in on the fun.

It looks like everyone enjoyed the entrance and I was so excited to share these pictures with you.

Did you have a favorite red carpet look?

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Do not stop until you are proud. 

Even if it ends badly, it is worth it. If it made you feel something, it taught you something. 

Do it for you & only you.

Titleholders from Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program Pay Special Visit to Bristol, Conn.

Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, Bristol Resident, Hosted 40 Teens for a Tour of Her Hometown 

Event Made Possible by Liberty Bank

December 14, 2020 – Peyton Troth, Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2022 and Bristol, Conn. resident, organized a tour of Bristol on Tuesday, December 13 for 39 fellow Outstanding Teen titleholders from across the country and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Morgan Greco. State teen titleholders traveled to Connecticut to cheer on their Miss candidates at the Miss America competition slated for Thursday, December 15 at Mohegan Sun. The tour of Troth’s hometown was made possible thanks to Liberty Bank. 

 

The teens visited Bristol Eastern High School, Ivy Drive School, a beneficiary of Peyton’s Promise, and Pavilion Restaurant. The tour ended with a visit to the Bristol Police Department with a moment of silence for the department’s recently fallen officers. 

 

At Bristol Eastern High School, an assembly was held where the teens shared their experience with the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization, the benefits of civic action and the scholarship opportunities available through the Miss America Organization and its Teen affiliate. At Ivy Drive School, the teens visited classrooms to read to students, play music and create art projects.

 

The tour of Bristol was organized to help welcome teens from all over the United States to Connecticut and show some of the local places and experiences residents enjoy.

 

Troth and her 50 fellow titleholders competed for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen Competition in August, and this week serves as the first reunion for most of the group.

 

For more information about Troth and The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization, visit: https://www.missct.org/miss-ct-outstanding-teen

 

 

Pictured left to right: Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Morgan Greco; Principal of Ivy Drive School Emily B. Gomes; Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen Peyton Troth.

 

Pictured left to right: Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen Peyton Troth; Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Morgan Greco.

Pictured: Students look on as state teen titleholders play recorder instruments.

 

 

Pictured: Teen titleholders visit Bristol Police Department.

 

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The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) operated by volunteers that invest in and support the advancement of women in society by embracing diversity, education, and civic action.

 

They invest in the women of Connecticut to further their education and provide a platform to propel their futures. Candidates who participate are awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and in-kind sponsorships each year. The Miss Connecticut competition is an official preliminary of the Miss America competition.

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Click to see Peyton's Troth's interview with Section 36

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

“Courage gives us a voice and compassion gives us an ear. Without both, there is no opportunity for empathy and connection.” - Brene Brown 

We are all human beings who long to connect on more profound levels of empathy. 

Without a voice and courage, how will we change this world with compassion?

Let this remind you to dig deeper with not only others but yourself. Do not miss the opportunity to grow, expand, inspire, and engage. 

Our life is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We do not get moments back in life.  

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Be patient because life is a cycle, and just like the sun rises again, things will get better again. 

Give it time. 

Isaiah 60:22: “When the time is right, I, the Lord will make it happen.

Step into your power when the time is right for you.

-Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Steward what you have right in front of you because that is your current density. Cultivate your dreams and do not allow comparison to steal your joy. 

You are not behind in life. You are living the life you are meant to live. Everyone’s stories are different with their perfect timing. You are right where you are needed. You are valuable.

You are more than enough - cherish your time and the space you are in. Time moves fast and your present quickly turns into the past and future. 

Learn to find peace and love in the spaces where you are most comfortable - every space brings you a growth to the next chapter of your life.

- Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

 

Never give up. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.”

-Proverbs 3 : 5-6

Do not let life bring you down - remember that God gives you struggles to create the perfect timing for your story. 

Your story will forever be changing, recreating, and an inspiration to others. Your voice, struggles, and accomplishments matter. You matter.

Keep going.

-Katelyn Andrist 

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans Day to all who've served. 

Over the years, several visitors to Section 36 have talked about their Veterans themed Social Impact Initiatives. Here's what a few of them had to say!

Kennady Tooke

I come from a HUGE military family. My appreciation for veterans come from growing up watching and learning from my dad, grandpa and various uncles. I saw how difficult it was for both my Dad and Grandpa to receive proper benefits following their service. I couldn’t be more grateful for all they’ve done and so if I can do anything, it would be giving back to veterans for as long as I can!

Sarah Carrow

As the daughter of two Army officers, selecting my social impact initiative was simple for me! I moved around 7 times as a child, sometimes every year and even to other countries. It was hard making that transition, especially when we moved to locations that didn’t have other military families that I could relate to. My goal is to offer programming, like hiking, surfing, and theme park trips, along with offering performing arts classes, for military children to come together to create a community in New Hampshire!

Maura Spence-Carroll

I noticed during my time that there were two barriers to service members seeking mental healthcare: social stigma, and lack of command support (which stems from the social stigma that exists). I decided to use the phrase “22 Too Many” because it became a cultural sticking point a few years ago, but also because I want to make it clear that doing pushups on social media in support, while heartfelt, isn’t enough. Research has shown that people who receive treatment for mental health conditions are less likely to commit suicide. We need leaders at every level who encourage service members to receive care. We need SMs to know that they won’t be judged for receiving that care. Most importantly, we need those who are comfortable talking about it openly discussing the ways that treatment improved their quality of life – from top to bottom of the ranks. Cultural change, legislature, and proactive care – THAT is how we prevent service members and veterans from committing suicide.

Gina Salvatore

I come from a military family so it was a no brainer when I chose my platform. I currently volunteer with the Fisher House Organization, which is like a Ronald McDonald house but for veterans and their families. They are building the first Connecticut Fisher House in West Haven right now and I can’t wait until veteran families from across our state and in the Northeast can reap the benefits of this house! 

With so many great options out there, it's easy to support veterans today, and every day.

Happy Veterans Day!

Sarah

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

Recently in life I have been disconnecting myself from things that do not light up my soul to enjoy my own company. I have been spending more time with myself to heal, grow, and process whatever is happening in my life. It is crazy to think I was adding more extra stress and problems in my life by “connecting” with multiple factors in my life. I always want to keep myself busy but recently I have been understanding “being busy” all the time will not fix my issues in life. I am learning to find a healthy balance of spending time with myself and giving my time to others. 

Here is your friendly reminder to slow down and enjoy your time by yourself. At the end of the day only yourself can give your peace, kindness, support, and love. Your mind is forever growing like you (: You deserve to slow down and take time to grow the different parts of you.

Make sure you are slowing down to take care of yourself and do not miss the beautiful things around you. 

-Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Blog Series by Katelyn Andrist

“Be strong, because things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever”-unknown 

Please remember this - no matter what happens or how bad it seems today. Life does go on for a better tomorrow (: 

Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance!

November is a new month to create gratitude and thankfulness for the life God has given us! 

I promise you, your better tomorrow is coming soon.

-Katelyn Andrist