My Story

By Hannah Alexander

Despair. Despair was what my brother experienced twenty-three years ago, when I at two years old watched my brother walk away from a puppet show crying, and asking why he was not allowed to be there. The staff of the event told my parents that he was not allowed to attend children’s activities at a family camp that we had signed up to be a part of because he was “being too distracting,” by pacing and having a hard time sitting in one place. Unfortunately, this was only one instance of many that we experienced as a family. We belonged to numerous play groups in the El Dorado County area, to which all the parents loved my brother before he received his diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum, which was not widely understood at the time. Because of the ignorance of what autism spectrum disorder is, these parents believed that autism would “rub off” on their children. Children who loved to play with my brother were told “do not play with that boy. There is something wrong with him.” 

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental condition that affects how a person experiences the world, interacts with others, and communicates. It is called a "spectrum" because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and abilities, varying from person to person. People with ASD may have may have unique strengths, like exceptional focus or talent in specific areas. My brother is now a radio technician for the state of California and creates, builds, and repairs radios for first responders that are needed immediately all over the state. This means, that our first responders would not be able to respond or communicate during emergencies without the radios that he works on. What if the Los Angeles fires were unable to be managed without proper, immediate, communication between first responders? What if paramedics could not communicate with dispatch or hospitals to give people in need of emergency services care? Can you imagine how that would affect the nation, and even the world?

As an aspiring special education teacher, my goal is to inspire and empower the education system and other teachers to nurture the abilities of every student, no matter how their abilities appear. As educators, we have the responsibility to either enable or crush the next generation’s future. While I accomplished winning two pageant titles and numerous awards for various things throughout my life, I consider teaching a nonverbal student to communicate in full spoken sentences my life’s greatest accomplishment. If I accomplish nothing else in life, I hope to be able to give more students the gift of words, because that is what I consider success. I am currently your Miss West Coast Petite USA, which is a pageant that empowers petite women 5’6 and under to achieve a national USA title just like our taller counterparts. Our system transforms women into confident competitors and national level pageants queens through sisterhood and women’s empowerment. Becoming your Miss West Coast Petite USA has given me the platform to advocate for disability training throughout the education field as well as for lawmakers to continue to fund special education programs and resources. My platform operates by the belief that you can accomplish anything you want, if you believe that you can. And winning the national title of Miss Petite USA would mean that I would expand my outreach to a global level, (with a little West Coast flair!). 

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Photo by Natalie Vell

Hannah Alexander is the current Miss West Coast Petite USA. You can follow her on Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Speaking Up

By Katie Milbrandt

If you had told me three years ago that I’d be here today—studying architecture, sharing my mental health journey with communities across South Dakota, and feeling stronger in both body and mind—I probably would’ve smiled politely and gone on my way, never imagining that this version of life could be mine. But life is funny like that. Sometimes, our darkest chapters are the ones that light the path forward. 

Hi! I’m Katie—a full-time college student, future architect, mental health advocate, fitness lover, and someone who tries to bring a little extra sparkle to everywhere I go. But I’m also someone who lives with depression and anxiety. And that’s where my story really begins. 

My mental health journey started when I was young. I was just a kid when I witnessed firsthand how mental illness affects not just the person struggling but everyone around them. It wasn’t until years later that I understood the weight of what I’d seen in my own home. I couldn’t quite put it into words back then; I just knew something felt heavy. 

In high school, things got worse before they got better. Transferring schools after constant bullying gave me a fresh start—and a reminder that we get to write our own next chapters. I found friends, purpose, and joy in cheer, choir, and volleyball. I started to believe that maybe life could be beautiful again. 

College was my big reset button. I moved four hours away to a new state, ready to start a new chapter with a clean slate. But even fresh starts don’t protect you from heartbreak. My world stopped the day I got a call telling me that my cousin had died by suicide. I was in shock. Lost. I couldn’t go home right away, and the distance from my family made the pain even harder. 

Not long after, on a day that’s supposed to be all about love—Valentine’s Day 2022—I hit my lowest point. I tried to end my life. 

But thanks to a brave friend, the campus police, and a counselor named Amanda, I got the help I needed. Therapy became my safe space, and little by little, I began to heal. I learned that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s courage. I learned that it’s okay to not be okay. Most of all, I learned that my story isn’t over yet. 

Fast forward to today: I’m still here, and I’m more passionate than ever about using my story to help others. That’s why I created my community service initiative, “Speak Up: Stopping the Stigma by Starting the Conversation.” 

It’s more than a platform—it’s my personal mission. I know what it’s like to feel invisible. Like you're surrounded by people but still feel completely alone. And I don’t want anyone else to feel that way. 

So far, I’ve shared my story with over 4,000 South Dakotans through speaking engagements, panels, and school visits. I’ve partnered with incredible organizations like NAMI South Dakota and Lost&Found to bring meaningful conversations and mental health tools to communities

across the state. I was also part of a digital video series called “Stories of Resilience.” Because everyone’s story matters—and everyone deserves to be heard. 

I often get asked why I keep doing this. Why I keep sharing such a vulnerable part of myself with the world. The truth is, my vulnerability is my superpower. I’ve learned that our stories—especially the hard parts—hold the power to connect, to heal, and to change lives. 

I’m living proof that even after the worst day of your life, there can be better ones. That you can fall apart and still come back stronger. That you can speak up—and when you do, you make it a little easier for someone else to do the same. 

So here’s to speaking up. To starting conversations. To sparkling—even on the hard days. You matter, your story matters, and the world is a better place with you in it!

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Katie Milbrandt is the current Miss Rolling Plains (SD). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

The Impact of Technology on Kids: A Growing Concern and a Personal Journey

By Destiny Anglemyer

Technology is everywhere in our lives today, and for kids, it’s not just an added convenience, it’s something they rely on daily. According to Common Sense Media, 42% of kids have a smartphone by age 10, and by age 12, that number climbs to 71%. The digital world is becoming a bigger part of their lives every year, and it's important to recognize the risks that come with it.

Through my years of working with children, I’ve seen how deeply technology affects them. While it can be an amazing tool for learning and connection, it also brings challenges, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the mental toll of too much screen time. Many kids are immersed in this world without fully understanding the potential dangers.

This is why I started Safe Tech, Smart Futures. My goal is to teach students how to use technology safely and responsibly. It’s not just about protecting them from online dangers, but helping them harness technology in positive ways, whether for creativity, learning, or personal growth.

I’ve been competing in pageants for years, but my dream was

always to be part of the Miss America organization. In my first attempt, I decided to compete in the final preliminary pageant for Miss South Carolina. I was crowned Miss Yellow Jasmine, earning my chance to compete at Miss South Carolina. This experience marked a turning point for me, not just in my personal growth, but in my commitment to making a difference. I now use my platform to raise awareness about digital safety and equip students with the tools to navigate the digital world confidently.

Having seen the impact technology has on kids firsthand, I know how important it is for them to learn how to use it safely. Through Safe Tech, Smart Futures, I’m dedicated to helping students take control of their digital lives and navigate the online world with confidence and awareness.

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Destiny Anglemyer is the current Miss Yellow Jasmine (SC). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Empowerment in Action

By Xiamara Achilles

Hello! I’m Xiamara Achilles, a 22-year-old woman with a passion for empowering others, and I’m proud to hold the title of Miss Stratton Mountain 2025. Born and raised in Brattleboro, Vermont, I have always felt deeply connected to the Green Mountain State. Loving skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer, I’ve embraced the outdoor lifestyle, tight-knit communities, and spirit of resilience that make Vermont so special.

But what I love most about this state is the way we show up for one another. We are a community that comes together—whether it’s supporting local businesses, helping neighbors in need, or rallying behind causes that matter. That sense of unity was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Vermonters stepped up in incredible ways. During that time, I saw a need and took action, sewing and selling hundreds of masks to raise money for my college education while also donating $800 to Groundworks Shelter. I later became a COVID-19 tester, swabbing thousands of noses to protect my neighbors.

These experiences reinforced something I’ve always believed: true leadership is rooted in service. I have dedicated my life to advocacy, healthcare, and empowering others, and I am running for Miss Vermont 2025 because I want to represent the values that make our state so strong.

A Fighter’s Mentality: Embracing Challenges with Strength

I know what it means to fight for your voice to be heard. I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that affects nearly every part of my body. On the outside, I may not look sick, but behind the scenes, I deal with symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, frequent joint dislocations, and brain fog—invisible struggles that make everyday life unpredictable. I also have ADHD, another unseen disability that has shaped how I navigate the world.

For years, I felt misunderstood in healthcare settings, dismissed when I spoke up about my symptoms, and forced to advocate for myself in ways that no one should have to. That experience shaped my path. I am on my way to becoming a Physician Assistant because I want to ensure that no patient ever feels unheard, unseen, or invalidated in their care.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that having a disability does not mean giving up on the things you love. It means finding ways to adapt, pushing through challenges, and discovering what works for you. For example, I love activities like kayaking, working out, hiking, and skiing, even though they put extra strain on my body. Instead of giving it up, I listen to what I need, build in rest days, and make it possible for myself to keep doing what I love. No one should have to let go of their passions because of their disabilities. I want to help others find the accommodations and support they need to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

From Science to Service: The Power of Knowledge and Advocacy

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology from the University of New England, and my studies, combined with my personal experiences, solidified my passion for healthcare, advocacy, and education. Studying abroad opened my mind to different cultures, perspectives, and healthcare systems, reinforcing my desire to bridge the gap between medicine and accessibility.

That passion led me to become the founder of EmpowerAbility, Inc.: Advocacy with Impact. This nonprofit is dedicated to empowering individuals to advocate for their needs, increasing disability awareness, and creating more inclusive environments for all. Through EmpowerAbility, I have worked with HireAbility 

Vermont and spoken at the Vermont State House, advocating for an official Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. But EmpowerAbility isn’t just about disabilities—it’s about equity, opportunity, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.

Vermont has the potential to be a leader in disability inclusion, setting an example for how states can better support students, employees, and individuals with disabilities. As Miss Vermont, I would continue to work toward that vision, ensuring that accessibility, advocacy, and empowerment remain at the forefront of our state’s progress.

A Story Written in Our DNA

On stage, I will showcase my passion for science and storytelling through my talent performance—a live DNA extraction from a strawberry. As I break down the science behind genetics, I will share a message that is deeply personal to me: we are all connected. No matter our backgrounds, abilities, or experiences, our DNA tells the story of who we are and how we are more alike than we are different.

As a Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Indian, I have a deep appreciation for the richness of cultural identity and the importance of equitable healthcare. Indigenous communities, like many marginalized groups, face significant healthcare disparities, and I believe in fighting for a future where access to quality, compassionate care is a right, not a privilege.

Why Miss Vermont?

I never saw myself in pageantry. I used to believe that I wasn’t confident enough, bold enough, or “pageant material.” But growth comes from pushing past fear. In college, I saw how men around me frequently pursued opportunities without hesitation, just by having the audacity to take a chance, and I asked myself, “Why not me?”

Joining the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization has already been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve connected with strong, ambitious, and driven women who inspire me every day. If I am chosen as Miss Vermont, I will dedicate myself to service, advocacy, and leading with compassion, strength, and purpose.

I am not just competing for a crown. I am fighting for a future where no one feels invisible. I want to show others that they are capable, worthy, and powerful—that no struggle should ever make them feel lesser. Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about impact. And I am ready to make a difference.

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Xiamara Achilles is the current Miss Stratton Mountain (VT). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Photo by Jon Adams Photography

What is Anorexia?

By Valerie O'Neill 

Today I would like to educate you all on Anorexia; what it is, what the warning signs and symptoms are, and the difficulty of having it. This subject is very personal to me as not only is it my platform that I have aimed to raise awareness for as a titleholder, but I also have Anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is more than just an eating disorder, it’s a battle that consumes both the mind and body. It’s a relentless struggle with self-worth, control, and an internal voice that convinces you that you’ll never be enough. I know this because I have lived it. For the past nine years, I have fought against anorexia, facing its darkest moments and the toll it takes on every aspect of life. It has brought on me, depression, intense anxiety, suicidal thoughts, social anxiety, and one too many health issues that keeps on adding to the list as I get older. 

Now, as a titleholder, I am using my platform to bring awareness to this silent and often misunderstood illness. Too many people believe that anorexia is purely about wanting to be thin, but it goes far deeper than that. It is a complex mental health disorder, one that affects millions of people regardless of age, gender, or background. Through my advocacy, I aim to educate others on the warning signs, break the stigma surrounding eating disorders, and provide resources to those who are struggling, so that we might bring the fatality rate down. 

No one should have to fight this battle alone. My mission is to be a voice for those who feel unheard, to show that recovery is possible, and to create a world where those suffering from anorexia can find the help and hope they deserve. Anorexia has taken too much from us and it’s time to take our lives back and be in control again. 

So, let’s get into it! 

What is Anorexia? Anorexia is a serious and complex eating disorder and mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and extreme food restrictions. People with anorexia often go to great lengths to control their weight, including excessive dieting, compulsive exercise, or purging behaviors. Despite being dangerously underweight, individuals with anorexia typically perceive themselves as overweight and struggle with deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism.

What are the warning signs of Anorexia?  

Refusal to eat certain foods or pushing foods around on the plate, frequent to extreme dieting, avoiding public meals or finding excuses not to eat, obsessing over the number of calories taken in, constant weighing and counting calories, the inability to maintain a medically appropriate body weight, low energy, fatigue, feeling cold constantly, insomnia, mood swings, withdraw from social activities, dizziness, anemia, heart problems, intense anxiety, low self-esteem, hair loss, bone loss, kidney problems, and low/high blood pressure. 

Now that we know what the warning symptoms of Anorexia are, let discuss the importance of acting quickly if a diagnosis is made. The longer someone lives with Anorexia, the harder it can be to counteract the disorder. This may seem like a minor problem, but Anorexia is a dangerous disorder that can cause death. In fact, it is the highest-case mortality rate for mental illnesses out there. 10,200 people die a year from Anorexia. This number really pushes the importance of getting treated right away if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from anorexia symptoms. Because not only can Anorexia also make other health risks pile up such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, and suicidal ideation. It also has long-term effects if left untreated. These being, malnutrition, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, loss of bone mineral density, hormone imbalances, fatigue, slow healing, and increased risk of stress fractures, cardiovascular issues, and memory loss. I really want to push the importance of catching anorexia and getting the help you need in the early stages. Because I did not catch my Anorexia in the early stages. I did not ask for help or let anyone know I am struggling and because of that, I am past the point of early recovery. Now I get sick very easily and it takes me a lot longer to recover than most, I have reduced bone density, hair loss, memory loss, and a lot of stomach issues. I personally know firsthand the setbacks Anorexia can cause in your life and that it why I am here. Because I do not want anyone to go through what I have. I want every individual struggling with an eating disorder to get the help they deserve and make a full recovery. Okay, now let’s now discuss the importance of a strong support system. 

The Power of a Strong Support System in Anorexia Recovery

Recovering from anorexia is not a journey that should be taken alone. Eating disorders thrive in isolation, and one of the most important factors in healing is having a strong, compassionate support system. Whether it’s family, friends, therapists, or support groups, the people surrounding someone with anorexia can make a life-changing difference in their recovery.

Why Support is Crucial

Anorexia is more than just an obsession with weight or food, it’s a deeply rooted mental health disorder that can be incredibly isolating. Many individuals struggling with anorexia experience feelings of shame, anxiety, and fear, making it difficult to reach out for help. An eating disorder such as anorexia cannot be treated like a common cold or headache; you can’t simply take a few aspirins and expect the outcome to become positive. Instead, the individual’s emotional, physical, and psychosocial health must be all treated, but for eating disorders, a person’s relationship and family dynamics are key causal factors, and they also can act as triggers for disordered behaviors.

This is why having a support system is so important:

Emotional Support: Eating disorders often come with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Encouraging words, patience, and understanding can help someone feel less alone.

Accountability & Encouragement: Recovery is full of challenges. A strong support system helps keep an individual motivated, whether it’s reminding them to eat, attending therapy with them, or simply being a listening ear when they’re struggling.

Recognizing Warning Signs: Loved ones play a key role in noticing when someone is relapsing or struggling. Because anorexia often convinces a person that they don’t need help, having trusted people who can gently step in and provide guidance is vital.

Breaking the Stigma: Many people with anorexia suffer in silence due to fear of judgment. A compassionate support system reassures them that their struggles are valid, and they deserve help without shame or guilt.

How to Support Someone with Anorexia

If you know someone struggling with anorexia, here are ways to be there for them:

Listen Without Judgment: Let them share their feelings without trying to "fix" them or dismiss their emotions.

Educate Yourself: Learn about anorexia so you can better understand what they’re going through.

Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest therapy, nutritional counseling, or medical support if they are not already receiving treatment.

Be Patient & Avoid Pressure: Recovery is a process. Avoid making comments about their weight, appearance, or eating habits. Instead, focus on their well-being, progress, and strength.

Remind Them They Are Loved: Many people with anorexia feel unworthy of love and support. Reminding them that you care and are there for them, no matter what, can be incredibly powerful.

You Are Not Alone

For anyone struggling with anorexia, please know that you don’t have to fight this battle on your own. Finding people who support, uplift, and encourage you through the highs and lows of recovery can make all the difference. You are worthy of healing, of love, and of a future free from anorexia. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out. Help is available, and there are people who care and want to see you thrive. Recovery is possible, and you are never alone.

There are plenty of resources out there to support and give you the help you need. Such as, ANAD, NEDA, Eating Disorder Hope, Open Path Collective, and ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders & Severe Malnutrition. 

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Valerie O'Neill is the current Miss City of Sunshine (OR). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

She has been kind enough to write several posts for Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read all of her guest blogs.