Isabel Skormin Visits Section 36 Forevers!

Photo: Kristen Weaver

We have a visitor! Isabel Skormin is passionate about domestic violence awareness, a talented writer, and the current Miss Orlando for America. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Isabel Skormin visits with us!

Why did you want the Miss Orlando for America title?

I moved to Orlando in 2018 from a small town in Upstate New York. I will never forget when I finally arrived into the city and saw the skyline framed by Universal Studios’ Volcano Bay, the Orlando Icon, and there were literal fireworks over the highway as I entered my new home. I am a big believer in signs and this could not have been any more clear, I had made the right choice in moving over a thousand miles away from home to experience a new adventure on my own. The chance to represent my chosen home has always been a goal because this city has given me so much. I have experienced some of the best years of my life in Orlando, met my best friends, and grown so much as a person. Orlando is literally filled with magic, and as Miss Orlando for America I knew I would get to be a small part of that magic. Having this title has enriched my life, allowed me to give back to a community I love, and has afforded me the chance to represent the City Beautiful on the Miss Florida for America stage this May!

As a former titleholder in the Miss America organization, what do you see as the biggest difference with your current title?

Miss America will always have a special place in my heart and I will forever be grateful for my two years of service with the organization. However, the Miss for America organization has awakened my love of pageantry. The obvious difference from MAO to MFA is the lack of talent competition. The format of Miss for America is closer to Miss America’s original format, which in my opinion was the true golden years of MAO. Overall, since switching to Miss for America, the organization really allows titleholders to make their year their own. There are a lot less stringent rules and regulations which allows us to take more opportunities as titleholders. 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Orlando for America?

I have made incredible connections and friendships with the sponsors of Team Orlando as Miss Orlando for America. The individuals and businesses I have been able to meet and get to know will be a connection I will cherish and keep for life. 

How did you select your platform?

I am an advocate for domestic violence awareness. For me, my mission is so much more than a pageant platform, because I am a survivor of domestic violence myself. When I was 19 years old, I suffered through over a year of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of someone I thought loved me. My mission is to help educate teens and young adults on the signs of abuse in relationships and the resources available to help victims get out of a dangerous situation. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men will experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner at some point in their life and this issue has become even more prevalent throughout the global pandemic. Through my work with organizations like Harbor House of Central Florida and the Red Tent Initiative, it is my goal to help decrease the stigma around speaking about domestic violence because the more survivors share the stories, the more victims may be inspired to make the step to choose themselves, seek help, and start a new chapter in their lives. 

You’re a writer for Beauty Queens Galore. What is that experience like?

I have loved pageantry and writing for as long as I can remember. So, to be able to combine those two passions as the lead writer for Beauty Queens Galore is truly my dream job. Our mission is to provide educational and fun tips, news, and trends going on in the pageant world to help new and current contestants stay prepared and connected. If you are looking for a platform to help you prepare for your next pageant that is 100% female owned and operated, we are here to support every queen! Visit our website and social platforms to find out more!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I have always been told that I look the most like Snow White, plus she can talk to animals which is pretty much my dream! As a huge animal lover and dog mom to my puppy, Pebbles, I would love to be Snow White just to be able to talk to all the animals for a  day and see what they think about throughout their days! 

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Great choice!

I want to thank Isabel for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Isabel continues her time as Miss Orlando for America, I encourage you to check out her official and personal Instagram account. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! You should also be sure to check out her writings at Beauty Queens Galore!

I also want to wish Isabel luck when she competes for Miss Florida for America! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Isabel, and good luck!

To the Person who Hasn’t Been Themselves Lately - a Guest Blog by Katelyn Andrist

This is a guest blog from Katelyn Andrist, embracing her SII: Commit to Confidence: Envisioning A More Confident You! I hope you enjoy it.

“Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of.” - unknown

Dear person who hasn’t been themselves lately,

Your spark will return and you will shine bright just like you were meant to be. I understand life is draining and can be a lot to handle sometimes. You  are strong and these tough times are testing you to become a stronger person. You may feel lost, confused and not you.... it’s okay. Honestly it’s okay to lose yourself because you will find yourself one day again. You will find love, faith, hope and so much more. You will find the best version of yourself. Good things take time (: Your day is coming soon and your light will shine though. What you are feeling right now will pass because it’s just a phase. Phases will pass, they do not last forever. What does last forever is you. Focus and love you. The day you realize how much you have grown and healed is the day you have found yourself. I understand completely it is so hard and painful to look in the mirror and not recognize the face staring back at you. I see and feel your pain. I understand what it is to be lost, confused and honestly give up hope. 

You must remember and keep telling yourself “my day is coming”. The days of the smallest things making you smile and laugh uncontrollably. The day when you can’t stop loving yourself and others. The day where everything falls into place. To make a masterpiece you must fail again and again until it’s beautiful. I promise you will have new friends, people, adventures, love and more(: What is meant to be will be. God knows what you need. This world can be an ugly place and it’s up to you to find the beauty every single day.. trust me it’s hard I understand. I find myself struggling every single day. You are not alone. We all put on a face for others but sometimes it’s just too much. Stop trying to impress and beg for people. if they can’t see your worth from day one then they don’t deserve you. Times like this change us for the better. Everyday we are growing and healing. Your happiness will return. You will return a better person. This phase is almost over. You are enough. You are loved. You are not lost but on a journey.

-Katelyn Andrist, Miss Walnut Valley 

I want to thank Katelyn for sharing this story.