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.

Hi (“: it’s me again and I wanted to check up on you and let you know how proud I am of you Keep going and fighting in this beautiful crazy world. I promise things will go your way soon. Have faith and hope in God. I wanted to share with you all my lock screen saying:

“You are worthy of great love. You are worthy of the pursuit of happiness. You are worthy of being known to the endless depths of you.”

- Morgan Harper Nichols

I love this saying and it spoke to my soul. You are worthy. Say it again. Read it again. SCREAM it from the top of your lungs. It’s time we take back OUR LIVES!! Take back our mental, emotional and physical health. It’s time to talk about seasonal depression and anxiety. First off it’s okay to feel this way, you are not alone and this is not your fault. It’s time to start the conversation and be honest, pure and real. This is real life. People every day wake up with anxiety and depression and lay in their beds at night thinking they aren’t good enough. 

If this is you it’s okay, I promise it will get better. Keep pushing yourself and openly talk about it. In 2022 let’s start talking more about our thoughts, feelings and our insecurities. It’s OKAY!! These are the things that make us human and special because no story is the same. Everyone has their own story. It’s time we share our stories, our beautiful stories that make our souls us. The good and bad create our futures. Here’s to more beautifully designed journeys to find our souls. I hope you find something that lights a fire under your soul and sparks fireworks in your life. You deserve it. 

You are worthy. Beauty is in the way you hold yourself. It’s how you treat people and yourself. The way you love. It’s self acceptance. Beauty is in your soul running through your fingertips and toes(: Remember to have respect for yourself, your mind, your heart, your soul and your body. Respecting and loving yourself will go a long way."

-Katelyn Andrist, Miss Walnut Valley 

I want to thank Katelyn for sharing this story. 

Answering Your Miss America 100 Questions - Part 2 of A Guest Blog by Lauren Bradford

 On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America 100 candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama 2021, was kind enough to take a crack at answering them for us. This is the second of a two part post. I hope you enjoy it!

Miss America is often inexplicable, absolutely unequivocal, and deeply meaningful. As every Miss America candidate has said before me, Miss America is something that very few people have experienced and thus, very few can truly relate and identify; we bonded so much because of the wildness of our shared experiences. 

What was the favorite interview question you were asked?

My favorite interview question was probably about Morgan Freeman. On my resume, I have a “Fun Facts” section and one of mine is that I’ve exchanged gifts with Morgan Freeman. I got to share that story and make the judges laugh - and shamelessly ask them if they had any plugs so I could meet the man who has accepted my gift from his doorstep and returned the favor on mine at my family’s home in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 

I also loved talking about the plans I had curated to deploy if given the job of Miss America. I had spent a lot of time in my preparation curating a Strategic Marketing Plan that I viewed from the lens of an investor and what it meant to truly form collaborations and partnerships at the national level to advance our organization into the next 100 years. I was very eager to talk about this because my studies surround finance and global markets, and I felt that knowledge directly coalesced to helping me become ready for the job of Miss America. 

What kept you grounded during the week?

My faith kept me grounded during every single moment. Even in the moments where I was tempted to completely give up and succumb to the numbing and overwhelming fear and anxiety about my talent on the final night (and in remembering that every moment was internationally broadcasted), God was there. He kept giving peace that I absolutely did not deserve. He taught me so much about His protection during the entire process, and I learn more about this and about His provision, especially in relation to Miss America, every single day. 

Since Miss America, I have been so inspired to continue leaving a legacy and making the broadest impact possible. I know that with or without a crown, I have already received an eternal one - and that is where I want my impact to lie. I am so honored and so humbled to be one of the few women who ever get this experience, and never want to take the experience for granted. 

Here’s to serving Alabama for the next few months — and to a lifetime of service after that. 

I can't thank Lauren enough for answering these questions for us. I hope you enjoyed both of her posts. 

Answering Your Miss America 100 Questions - A Guest Blog by Lauren Bradford

On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America 100 candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama 2021, was kind enough to take a crack at answering them for us. This is the first of a two part post. I hope you enjoy it!

Miss America is often inexplicable, absolutely unequivocal, and deeply meaningful. As every Miss America candidate has said before me, Miss America is something that very few people have experienced and thus, very few can truly relate and identify; we bonded so much because of the wildness of our shared experiences. 

How did you spend your down time?

I spent my down time reading my Bible, journaling, in prayer, and listening to music. I’m not a huge napper, so I didn’t do much of that because I found that our curfew and room to ourselves made for a great deal of sleep at night. I was thankful to spend a lot of the waiting and “margin” time with other Miss America candidates, and would not trade those delirious laughs for anything. 

What goes through your mind as you’re standing on the Miss America stage?

Standing on the Miss America stage presents a feeling unlike any other. I think more than anything, I was proud to be there, and proud to represent my state. To represent the entirety of one’s home state is a responsibility and a privilege that few will ever have. The Miss Alabama Organization is an incredibly supportive program and I had worked harder than I ever had for anything in my entire life. I knew that I left no stone unturned in my preparation process, so there was nothing else I could have done to prepare for that moment. That led to a lot of peace, which I am so thankful for. 

What was the preliminary process like?

Prelims were so much fun, especially the first night, because it’s the first time you’ll ever perform on the Miss America stage. You can’t get that moment back. My first night of prelims was talent, and the story behind my talent is one that was filled with challenge, and learning what it meant to truly uphold tenacity. I actually tied with another candidate for the song I originally wanted, and lost the runoff, as only one Miss America candidate can perform each song. Therefore, I didn’t have a song picked out until 50 days before Miss America. Those 50 days were filled with hours upon hours of playing, and going to physical therapy twice a week to avoid injury in my shoulder, back, and arms due to overuse of those muscles to support the violin. After all of this and working so hard day and night, playing my electric violin and punk rock version of “Beethoven’s 5th Symphony” on the Miss America stage with a performance that I was so proud of brought me to nonstop tears in the dressing room until the closing number. I have never felt more proud of anything ever before. It was such a reward that was well worth the physical pain and emotional stress leading up to it. 

I can't thank Lauren enough for answering these questions for us. I hope you enjoy both of her posts. 

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! 

---

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. 

Answering Your Miss America 100 Questions - Part 2 of A Guest Blog by Elle Mark

On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America 100 candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Elle Mark, Miss Minnesota 2021, was kind enough to take a crack at answering them for us. This is the second of a two part post. I hope you enjoy it!

Photo Courtesy Miss MN Org

When you’re crowned as a state titleholder, people love to ask you “Has it hit you that you’re going to Miss America yet?” and you respond with a polite variation of “no”. My favorite response to the question was, “I don’t think it will hit me until I’m on the flight home!” and frankly, I wasn’t wrong. The flight home from Miss America was the hardest of my life - processing everything that had happened and realizing that the event I had worked towards for so long was over. 

Now that a few weeks have passed and the many emotions have been processed (well, partially processed that is), I’m having a lot of fun reliving my Miss America experience by doing some Q+A! When Section 36 offered me the chance to answer a few of the fans’ questions, I couldn’t resist! 

Without further ado, let’s chat Miss America 100! 

What was it like backstage during the competition?

Photo Courtesy Miss MN Org

It depended on where you were! If you were in the dressing room, the vibe was fun, chatty and supportive! If you were in the general backstage area where candidates were rehearsing and getting in the zone, it was a little more quiet and intense. If you were in the wings ready to go on, it was surreal. Everyone was just in awe of what was happening around us. It’s hard to describe! But it wasn’t like the movies with the cattiness or drama - the vibes were always positive. 

 

What goes through your mind as you’re standing on the Miss America stage?

“Wow - I can’t believe I’m here.” 

 

I never competed in pageants as a kid, but I watched Miss America every single year. Back then, I never knew how to get to the Miss America stage or even how to become Miss Minnesota - yet there I was! It was so surreal, and I was just awe-struck. It was very emotional! 

 

How did you select your gown?

They say “you know when you know” - and golly, I just knew! I went to our gown sponsor, Regalia Magnificent Apparel, and saw the dress on the hanger. I loved the fringey sleeves, but I thought I “didn’t want a black gown”. When I put it on and it zipped up, I instantly started crying. That’s when they told me it was a one-of-a-kind Jovani that had arrived two days earlier and I was the first to try it on. And get this - NO ALTERATIONS NEEDED (which is pretty amazing, if you didn’t know). It was meant to be! 

Photo Courtesy Miss MN Org

What were your first thoughts after it was all over?

“I wish I could go back and do it all again” - and no, not because I had regrets. I wouldn’t change a thing about my performance. I wanted to do it all again because it truly was the time of my life. People tell you how life-changing the experience is, but nothing prepares you for just how empowering it is to be around so many like-minded, motivated, and kind-hearted women. Nothing prepares you for the realization that you are a part of such an incredible legacy. I am humbled beyond belief to have been part of the 100th anniversary class of Miss America. 

I can't thank Elle enough for answering these questions for us. I hope you enjoy both of her posts. 

Answering Your Miss America 100 Questions - A Guest Blog by Elle Mark

On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America 100 candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Elle Mark, Miss Minnesota 2021, was kind enough to take a crack at answering them for us. This is the first of a two part post. I hope you enjoy it!

Photo Courtesy Miss MN Org

When you’re crowned as a state titleholder, people love to ask you “Has it hit you that you’re going to Miss America yet?” and you respond with a polite variation of “no”. My favorite response to the question was, “I don’t think it will hit me until I’m on the flight home!” and frankly, I wasn’t wrong. The flight home from Miss America was the hardest of my life - processing everything that had happened and realizing that the event I had worked towards for so long was over. 

Now that a few weeks have passed and the many emotions have been processed (well, partially processed that is), I’m having a lot of fun reliving my Miss America experience by doing some Q+A! When Section 36 offered me the chance to answer a few of the fans’ questions, I couldn’t resist! 
Without further ado, let’s chat Miss America 100! 

Photo Courtesy Miss MN Org

How did your arrival in Connecticut go?
From the moment I arrived, I felt like a celebrity! We were greeted at the airport by our security team and shuttled (in big black SUVs!!!) to the Mohegan Sun where we checked-in in their beautiful Aspire lobby. From there, we were escorted to our rooms via the private elevators (and yes, I confirmed that J-Lo had used the same elevators) and got to enjoy our beautiful rooms in the Sky Tower. We never went anywhere alone and I truly felt like I was a star. 
 
What kept you grounded during the week?
Alone time! Though I’m an extrovert, I made it a priority to let myself process / relax every night over a cup of tea and a Christmas movie (which was harder than it sounds given how much I wanted to spend time with the other candidates). I also journaled quite a bit and was sure to check-in with my support team before bed. 
 
Did you have a favorite fan/friend/family encounter of the week?
Honestly, I have so many stories about impactful moments with “fans” and friends - from unexpected cards to meeting people who have followed my journey that I didn’t know - it’s hard to pick just one! But if I had to pick JUST one…
 
We had a break in the day on Saturday, and a small group of us wanted to walk around the Mohegan and visit their different stores. There were strict rules on being able to see family / friends during non-visitation hours, but my family decided to try and “catch a glance” of me from the lobby. When I saw them, I freaked out and (because we were in such a small group) one of the security guards said I could go hug them if I was “really quick”. I sprinted over, gave them hugs, and ran back. It seemed so silly and small, but after several days without seeing them during this high stress time, it meant everything to me. 
 
What was the favorite interview question you were asked?

Photo Courtesy Miss MN Org

Gosh - I can barely remember them! I’m one of those people who tends to “black out” a little in interview. What I can remember is that every question was purposeful and it was evident that the judges were prepared / had done their research! I appreciated that a lot. 
 
How did you spend your down time? What were some of your favorite activities with the other candidates? 
There was surprisingly a lot of down time that I spent one of two ways… Napping, or laughing! While we got plenty of sleep, the week is very emotionally exhausting and I knew if I didn’t sleep whenever I felt the need that exhaustion would catch up to me! But when I wasn’t sleeping, I was hanging out with the other candidates. We made a lot of TikToks, sang many random songs, and just bonded over our shared experiences. The job of a state titleholder is unlike any other, so it was empowering to be around so many women who knew exactly what it was like and had gone through the things I was going through. 

I can't thank Elle enough for answering these questions for us. I hope you'll enjoy part two when it comes out.