One of my favorite quotes is, “Attitude determines altitude.” It’s a mantra that carried me through some of the toughest moments of my life. I remember taping the windows of our trailer, the air thick with the scent of unwashed laundry, my hair tinged green from well water. Depression and self-harm were battles I fought silently, seeking refuge in the hallways of school. But even there, whispers and rumors scrawled across bathroom stalls followed me from day one. Still, I often relied on school lunches and food bank boxes, making school a reluctant sanctuary.
Thankfully, I had my guardian angel—my grandmother. Her gentle voice and generous heart were my safe haven. She supported me as much as she could, offering warmth and love in a world that often felt cold. But this year, cancer took her from me. The home I found in her embrace is one I’ll never feel again.
My childhood was a blur—bouncing between homes, sleeping on friends' couches, visiting my mother in visitation, and watching my father build a new family which I struggled to feel a part of. But those hardships forced me to become my own advocate, even when I felt utterly alone. I made a choice: to change my attitude and build a life I could be proud of—one that would propel me toward my dreams.
At 16, I worked tirelessly—stocking the salad bar at Sizzler, balancing cheerleading, and keeping my grades flawless. I bought my first car, saved every penny, and moved out the moment I turned 18. After high school, I became a teacher at Head Start, dedicating five years to early childhood education while earning my associate degree. It was during this time that fate introduced me to a woman on the Miss Klamath County Board of Directors, who encouraged me to enter our local MAO pageant. After just one practice, something clicked. For the first time, I felt a sense of purpose—I had the chance to use my perseverance and passions to inspire my community. In 2022, I won my first title: Miss City of Sunshine.
Health and fitness became my anchor. I had witnessed chronic illness and addiction growing up, and I was determined to break that cycle. At 18, I committed to lifting weights, eating a plant-based diet, and prioritizing my well-being like never before. It became my source of empowerment—something no one could take from me. Through connections at the gym, I found my way to the National Physique Committee, stepping onto the bodybuilding stage for the first time. I won my class, and from there, everything changed.
Wellness isn’t just a hobby—it’s my foundation. I track my workouts, habits, water intake, sleep, and nutrition, all with the goal of optimizing my performance and feeling my best. This commitment to self-improvement translated into my pageant journey, fueling my confidence in ways I never imagined. Before my NPC competition, I never believed I could win Miss Oregon. I was grateful just to be there, but deep down, I didn’t think I belonged. Losing a regional pageant only reinforced that doubt. But between that loss and Miss Oregon, something shifted. The dedication and discipline I put into my NPC show transformed me. Four weeks later, I placed in the top five at Miss Oregon.
That moment was a turning point. My confidence soared, and with it, my passion and determination. Since stepping off that stage in 2023, I’ve dedicated myself to growth—honing my skills as a speaker and singer and using my platform to advocate for nutrition access and education. Now, I help provide for people who are struggling just like I was, raising 6,000lbs of food for my local food bank, providing nutrition education to students, and creating free wellness events and supply kits in my community.
Winning titles in the Miss America Opportunity isn’t about the crowns; it’s proof that the struggles, the sacrifices, and the relentless work are for a greater purpose. It’s an opportunity to share my story on a larger platform, to show people that “Attitude determines altitude.”
I feel closer to my family now more than ever, and have welcomed new siblings just this year I cannot wait to watch grow and thrive and be a stable person in their lives.
Our dreams—whether they involve a pageant title, streaming video games, or becoming a surgeon—don’t define our worth. We do. It’s our mindset, our internal dialogue, and how we treat ourselves and others that truly matter.
At the end of the day, we all face adversity. We all have moments where life tests us. But we have the power to rewrite our own narratives. So be kind—to yourself and to others—because we’re all on our own journey, discovering just how high we can soar.
With love and applause for you, wherever you are in your journey of life,
Allyssa Defillipo, Miss Klamath County 2024
2x 4th Runner Up at Miss Oregon
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