Committing to Confidence - a Guest Blog Series 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.

If I can’t have certainty, I’ll have courage.

If I can’t avoid pain, I’ll embrace hope. 

If I can’t find the light, I’ll be the light. 

If you are not finding joy in the journey, you are on the wrong journey. 

Let me tell you a secret… you are on YOUR journey. 

Sometimes we forget life is full of different emotions like a roller coaster. Our feelings can go up and down. Negative to positive in a matter of seconds…. The true act of growth is how we react to these emotions and how we can embrace what has already happened. Giving up control and trying to understand what just happened. What if we instead try to find the light or good from the experience? Focusing on the bad and darkness only brings more stress and pain. 

In life we will experience pain. There is no avoiding that but we can find hope. I have learned over the years if you can not find the light…. be that light for someone else. You never know who is watching you nor looking up to you. By being the light you are becoming a role model for those little girls and boys who feel like their light has been lost. Imagine that your light just sparked the future of a little girl or boy who thought they had nothing to offer this world. 

Keep finding and fighting. Your light could spark someone's light. 

Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Guest Blog Series 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.

“Seek respect, not attention. It lasts longer. - Ziad Abdelnour 

Respect can be defined as a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. In this world you NEED people to respect you. Not like you. You should be the only one liking and loving yourself. Sometimes we get so caught up with how others view ourselves….we forget… “Do I even like myself?” 

Think about this when you walk into a room: do you want to be respected or well liked? That is something only you can decide for yourself. 

I want to be respected. 

Respected by yourself, family, friends, and more. You have to demand respect from people, places, and things. 

I promise respect will go SO much further than attention. This is a hard lesson I am still trying to learn. Do not be so hard on yourself! Please remember you are constantly changing, growing, and healing! I am proud of you (: 

-Katelyn Andrist  

Committing to Confidence - a Guest Blog Series 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.

‘I love when people doubt me. It makes me work harder to prove them wrong.” - Derek Jeter

Let people talk about you. 

Let people start rumors. 

Let people tell you their side of the story.

 Let people prove themselves. 

Let people prove their true colors. 

Let people doubt you because one day you will prove them wrong. 

Continue to keep your head up and lead with your heart. Only YOU have control over yourself. You do not have control over others. How they treat you and say behind your back is a reflection on them. You need to focus on you. Focus on your journey filling your heart with love, kindness, and pure intentions. 

Only you can truly doubt yourself. Believe in yourself. PROVE yourself and others wrong my love. 

-Katelyn Andrist 

Committing to Confidence - a Guest Blog Series 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.

“Life is a balance between what we can control and what we cannot. I am learning to live between effort and surrender.” -Danielle Orner 

Sometimes in life we want full control of everything: life, school, work, friends, relationships, and ourselves. It is hard to give up amounts of control because we feel hopeless and lost. It is scary to make yourself and life vulnerable to the idea of trust. I understand, all kinds of unexpected and unplanned things can change the direction WE want them to go. Let it. Let those unexpected and unplanned events, life, people, and love CONTROL your life!! When we trust in ourselves and the Lord everything will make sense. Instead of trying to control every single little thing in your life…. control how grateful, kind, and loving you are. Do not let control take up negative space in your mind and soul. 

You have the power to live your life full of trust, vulnerability, and love. You must let go. Let go.

Trust in him with peace of mind that everything happens for a reason. You have a plan and purpose in this world. One day everything will make sense.. Keep going.  

Learn to love and live your life in the now. 

-Katelyn Andrist 

Catching Up With Stephanie Magee!

Photo: Believe Photography 

Stephanie Magee was kind enough to visit with Section 36 in 2020 while she held the title of Miss Meadowlark. Fast forward almost two years, and Stephanie is back with a new title, Miss Marion-Polk County, and ready to take the Miss Oregon stage once again. Stephanie was nice enough to answer some more questions for us so we can see what she's been up to. I hope you enjoy everything she has to say.

So let's see what happens when Stephanie Magee revisits Section 36!

Why did you decide to compete for the Miss Marion-Polk County crown?

I decided to try again for the Miss Marion-Polk Title after 2021. I went through two life-threatening accidents and began to suffer from some pretty severe depression. However, late last year I decided I needed to do more with my life than just give up. I needed to give back to the state that gave me so much… that’s why I decided to give myself one more chance. 

What is your favorite memory from your last Miss Oregon competition?

The parade! I wore a Rosie the Riveter costume in order to pay homage to the first local titleholder I related to. She was Miss Washington County 2015, had tattoos & short hair, and wore the same costume her year during the parade. After seeing her crowned, I felt that one day I could be at Miss Oregon too. Two years later, I was crowned Miss Willamette Valley.

Is there anything you think you’ll do differently at this Miss Oregon?

This year I can confidently say I am the best version of myself that I’ve ever been. I’m happy, content, and excited about what I am presenting this year. I finally feel I’m being 100% myself and I find peace in that.

How are you expanding your SII, “Art at the Heart” with your new title?

What's great, is I have not needed a title for my work, however the title does open an extra door now and then. I have expanded to the national level in many aspects. I am in the process of completing my first musical instrument donation, I have 22 violins to donate to a local organization. And I’ve begun working more in depth with local cultural advocacy groups all over the state to expand arts access and funding to those who need it most. Next year is a big year for arts advocacy so we are preparing heavily to make major legislative change.

You graduated from Western Oregon University. What did you enjoy most about your time there?

I met lifelong friends at Western, but what I enjoyed most was completing my thesis: "The Dream of a Million Girls: Empowerment, Feminism, and America’s Oldest Pageant". It’s all about my time in the MAO in relation to modern feminist theory. I knew this thesis needed to be written because academic literature provides little to no representation for those who actually compete in the program. I am proud to have added to the conversation surrounding hyper-femininity, societal understanding, and movement towards a post-patriarchal society

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That does sound like an important topic to share!

As always, I want to thank Stephanie for revisiting with us, and for sending along the headshot to go with the interview.

I also want to wish Stephanie the best of luck at the Miss Oregon competition in a couple weeks. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown! 

As you attempt to keep up with everything Stephanie has going on, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track! 

You should also be sure to check out the website and Instagram account for her social impact, Art at the Heart. 

Thanks again Stephanie, and good luck!

Committing to Confidence - a Guest Blog Series 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.

"At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen." - Isaiah 60: 22

Do not overthink. If it's God's will, then it will happen. If it's not, God has a better plan. Be at peace knowing that. Live everyday with a peaceful heart at rest because the Lord has created us with such great purpose! You have a purpose in this world! Every single one of us wakes up with a purpose filled with hope, love, passion, and healing. 

We are now in a new month of June

Let June bring peace
Let June bring love 
Let June bring joy 
Let June bring new beginnings 
Let June bring growth 
Let June bring healing 
Let June bring a new better version of you 

June is a new opportunity to allow yourself to give all your stress, worries, and anxiety to God. Instead of worrying about things out of your control just pray to God. He already knows your plan and purpose. 

You have an amazing life to live out with such great purpose! 

How will you discover your purpose today? 

My purpose is giving back to others and serving the communities! I want to make sure EVERYONE feels loved, comfortable, and confident in who they are(": 

-Katelyn Andrist