The J.O.Y. Project

By Olivia Jarrell

Confidence isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something we build. It starts by being honest with ourselves: knowing our strengths, our values, and even our fears. When you understand who you are, you stop trying to fit into molds that don’t suit you. That self-awareness becomes a quiet, steady foundation. Real confidence doesn’t need to be loud; it just needs to be real.

One of the biggest obstacles to confidence is the inner critic, the voice that questions your worth or abilities. That voice might always be there, but it doesn’t have to lead. Confidence grows when you take action in spite of fear. Each time you speak up, take a risk, or try something new, you prove to yourself that you’re capable. Even when things don’t go perfectly, the fact that you showed up counts more than you think.

Building confidence also means surrounding yourself with the right people, those who support, challenge, and remind you of what you bring to the table. Prepare when you can, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself credit along the way. Confidence isn’t about perfection or pretending; it’s about showing up as yourself and trusting that’s enough.

The J.O.Y. Project: 

The mission of The J.O.Y. Project is to empower individuals by equipping them with a skill set of self confidence, perseverance and authenticity to navigate life’s academic and personal challenges. 

Through community-building, mentorship, and personal development tools, the project encourages young adults to embrace the journey of growth and rediscover the joy that comes from living true to who they are.

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Olivia Jarrell is the current Miss Greater Columbus (OH). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Getting to Know Me

By Kalli Gregory

Hi! My name is Kalli Gregory and I am Miss Marion Popcorn Festival! I have had the privilege over the past ten months to travel the state of Ohio representing the WORLD'S LARGEST Popcorn festival! Marion is the Popcorn Capital of the world and is the only city to be home to a President (Warren G. Harding, 29th U.S. President) and a Miss America (Marylin Meseke, Miss America 1938). I am so blessed to represent such an incredible part of American history! 

This incredible title has led me back to the Miss Ohio Stage to highlight the incredible city that Marion is, while also advocating for a cause that is my mission in life. 

When I was in the sixth grade I made a promise to my brother, Trent, to teach the world what it really means to have cerebral palsy. This led to a statewide initiative called Trent's Triumph, that has changed the perspectives of over 75,000 people, I have had the privilege of Partnering with national organizations, raising thousands of dollars to help further research, and I have launched a free children’s activity to help teach those with cerebral palsy. My work with Trent's Triumph seeks to educate, amplify, and provide for those living with cerebral palsy all in honor of the incredible life of my brother Trent. 

I am currently a Senior Studying Neuroscience and Psychology at Bowling Green State University! This path was chosen because of my experience of having a brother with cerebral palsy. I know what those with Cerebral Palsy are capable of and I want to help other reach their fullest potential. Those with Cerebral Palsy are just like us, they just move differently! 

In my spare time I love to travel, Volunteer and create art! I even own my own art business called, Kalli's Creative Corner! 

I also love to dance! I've trained in nine different styles of dance with tap and contemporary being my favorite!

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Kalli Gregory is the current Miss Marion Popcorn Festival (OH). You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Service Over Changes

By Caitlin Seifert

In Miss America’s over 100 year history, a lot of changes have happened but there’s also a lot that has stayed the same. On the surface we know that it is no longer a way to keep tourists coming to Atlantic City and we no longer even see a swimsuit on the stage but there are a lot of ideals that stay true to who Miss America was at its start. More times than not we’re too focused on the negativity or uncertainty that we forget what is at the core of this organization and that is the women who are a part of it. 

In the nine years that I’ve been a part of this program I’ve competed in the teen program, wore a swimsuit, did a social impact initiative statement and now rock Rebel Athletic in fitness. While the phases of competition and the percentages they have been worth have changed, one thing that hasn’t is those that I’m competing with. The women that have the dream of becoming Miss America have always had the drive, determination and passion like no other. When I talk to people about the Miss America Opportunity, one of the first things they bring up is the women that I am competing with. The conversation always turns to how they must be so catty, rude, fake or unsupportive of those around them and I love being able to explain to them that 99% of the time it is completely the opposite.

While most people can get caught up in the doom scrolling and imposter syndrome of seeing what others in this organization are able to accomplish, I love being able to watch young women make such a difference in their communities. This program is full of doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs and so so many more diverse careers, putting in the work to advocate for their community service initiatives. More often than not, we even have the ability to collaborate with each other and create an even bigger impact across communities and even state lines. It's such a special thing to be able to reach out to those that I'm competing with and attend fundraisers, walks, community events or children's programs and make those memories together.  

So, while Miss America as a program may be making some updates and finding their new groove, this is a program that is still extremely relevant for so many people. The women that are a part of it and continue to advocate for it know that it can make an impact on not only your life but the lives that you are able to touch because of it. Miss America is still relevant because the phrase “Preparing great women for the world — and preparing the world for great women” is true no matter what we wear on stage, what phases of competition we compete or where Miss America is held. Strong women will continue to create an impact no matter the circumstances with like minded individuals by their sides!

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Caitlin Seifert is the current Miss Central Ohio. You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.