It's hard to believe that Miss New York 2013 was 4 weeks ago! I have finally gathered my thoughts and am ready to tell you all about my week.
Going into this year, I knew that it would definitely be a tough competition. Not only was the last Miss New York crowned Miss America (yes, Mallory!!), but we had some of the most amazing titleholders that New York has ever seen this year! For me, it was an honor to have even been a local titleholder in this incredible group of women. And so, I began the week on July 9th ready to have some fun, with no expectations other than to be the best I could be.
Going into this year, I knew that it would definitely be a tough competition. Not only was the last Miss New York crowned Miss America (yes, Mallory!!), but we had some of the most amazing titleholders that New York has ever seen this year! For me, it was an honor to have even been a local titleholder in this incredible group of women. And so, I began the week on July 9th ready to have some fun, with no expectations other than to be the best I could be.
I arrived at the hotel on that Tuesday, bright and early. I was excited to see so many of the titleholders that had become my friends over the past two years, especially my roommate, Miss Syracuse - Nina Davuluri. After checking in, we all prepared for the long day (and week) ahead.
Here is a look into what our week was like:
Tuesday: Commons Cafe, 9/11 Memorial,
Pink and Pepper Showroom, Mr. New York
**Highlight of the day: Our bus breaking down --
because it led to an unexpected tour of the World Trade Center!**
Pink and Pepper Showroom, Mr. New York
**Highlight of the day: Our bus breaking down --
because it led to an unexpected tour of the World Trade Center!**
Wednesday: Tunnel To Towers, Eger Harbor House, rehearsals
**Highlight of the day: Painting a house affected by Hurricane Sandy with all of the contestants!**
**Highlight of the day: Painting a house affected by Hurricane Sandy with all of the contestants!**
Thursday: ALL DAY REHEARSALS!
**Highlight of the day: Spending "down time" with some of my favorite girls - Katelynn & Lonna**
(SORRY - No pictures in rehearsals!)
**Highlight of the day: Spending "down time" with some of my favorite girls - Katelynn & Lonna**
(SORRY - No pictures in rehearsals!)
Friday: Interviews & Preliminary Night
**Highlight of the day: Debuting my brand new evening gown**
**Highlight of the day: Debuting my brand new evening gown**
Saturday: Miss New York's Outstanding Teen & Miss New York!
**Highlight of the day: Watching my beautiful roommate win Miss New York!**
**Highlight of the day: Watching my beautiful roommate win Miss New York!**
My week was surely a busy one, but it went by very quickly. On Thursday night I remember thinking, "How is it possible that interviews are tomorrow?" Yet, here we are four weeks later. Time has really flown by and I'm glad that I made the most of every second.
Though I didn't place in the Top 10 this year, I am proud of the work I put into my platform, my interview skills, my body, and most of all, my community. I am most proud of this year, because I know that I held my own in a talented, beautiful, and brilliant class of women. Luckily, I have two more years left -- and you bet I'll be back, again!
Congratulations to the amazing, Nina Davuluri, for being crowned Miss New York 2013. I told her from the start that I knew she was going to take home the crown. There is just something about her that gives you a warm feeling when you meet her. She's not only beautiful, but humble, as well. I don't think there's a better combination than that! Just as with Mallory Hagan, the stage erupted when Nina's name was announced. Though she was in shock at first, I think it has finally all sunken in, and she will do wonderfully at Miss America -- I'm sure of it! Thank you for choosing me as your roommate, gorgeous! : ]
Though I didn't place in the Top 10 this year, I am proud of the work I put into my platform, my interview skills, my body, and most of all, my community. I am most proud of this year, because I know that I held my own in a talented, beautiful, and brilliant class of women. Luckily, I have two more years left -- and you bet I'll be back, again!
Congratulations to the amazing, Nina Davuluri, for being crowned Miss New York 2013. I told her from the start that I knew she was going to take home the crown. There is just something about her that gives you a warm feeling when you meet her. She's not only beautiful, but humble, as well. I don't think there's a better combination than that! Just as with Mallory Hagan, the stage erupted when Nina's name was announced. Though she was in shock at first, I think it has finally all sunken in, and she will do wonderfully at Miss America -- I'm sure of it! Thank you for choosing me as your roommate, gorgeous! : ]
As with every pageant, I've learned so much and have grown from the experience. This isn't the last you'll see of me; I have some big plans. See you next year, Miss New York!