Nothing in life is ever guaranteed. This is the thought I kept with me as I competed in my last Miss America local competition this past weekend. I had confidence in myself and truly believed that I would be a wonderful 4th year titleholder, but I knew that the judges could feel differently. After all, "different day, different judges, different opinions." All I could do was go into the pageant as prepared as possible and give it every ounce of effort I had. I worked harder than I ever had before. I was training at least twice a week with additional workouts in between, I choreographed and practiced a new dance, my meal plan had completely changed, I began working with a chiropractor, and I studied for interview every day. If I wanted it, I was going to have to work for it. When it came time for pageant weekend, I couldn't say that I was completely calm (I didn't sleep at all on Saturday night), but I definitely felt more prepared than ever before. It was a snowy morning in Cortland as we made our way to the venue. It was there that we would complete our interviews and, later on, compete onstage. Though the contestants were split into two rooms, we still spent time getting to know each other and listening to music to calm our nerves. I was especially happy to be able to spend those nerve-wracking hours of competition next to three very special ladies: Amanda, Dana, & Allison. We've been through so many stages of this pageant world together. I am proud to see how much they have accomplished because they all represent the true passion of service that is behind this organization. Plus, they know how to laugh at themselves and take life as it comes, which are traits I admire and try to emulate, as well. (I mean, look at that picture. Does it look like we take life too seriously?) Before I knew it, it was time. I was contestant #15 (the last of the bunch) and I was ready to get into the interview room and speak to the judges. However, as quickly as it was my turn, the interview was over. I left the room feeling overjoyed. I knew in my heart that I had given them the perfect snapshot of myself and what I stand for. It was more than I could have asked for. *Full Disclosure: I may have done a "happy dance" in the hallway the minute I left the room...oops.* After some last minute touches, the show began. I can only describe it as a whirlwind. It all happened so fast! One minute I was laughing & joking with my "Staten Island Girls" backstage and the next minute we were lining up for crowning! One-by-one the names were called as I stood holding....okay, squeezing...Amanda's hand. 2nd runner-up: Amanda Rae Davis 1st runner-up: Kendal Collins County Queen #1: Ashley Davis County Queen #2: Jessica Brosofsky Okay, now this was really it. I knew I had given it my all, but what if it wasn't enough? And, then, they finally said it... County Queen #3: Jamie Lynn Macchia !! All of my emotions left my body - mainly by way of an ugly cry - as I was crowned by Jillian Tapper, Miss New York 2014. I still can't believe it. I'm returning to Miss New York for the 4th and final time! As a "County Queen" you have the opportunity to pick your title based on your hometown. I knew from the start that I wanted to be Miss Greater New York. Why? There were two main reasons:
Thank you to Jack Carr, the judges, the volunteers, and everyone who took part in preparing me and supporting me! Your time and dedication mean so much. A special congratulations, as well, to Jessica & Ashley, who will also be competing at Miss New York in June! I look forward to everything this year has to offer and, as you all know, I am one to take my crown and run with it! Luckily, I have my sash from 2013 to use until I receive my new one in a few weeks! Here's to a fun-filled, exciting, inspiring, and successful final year with the Miss America Organization. - Miss Greater New York 2015
1 Comment
Gabrielle Walter
4/1/2015 12:43:25 am
HI Jamie- I really enjoy your blog posts and look forward to following your journey towards Miss New York! Best of luck :)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
September 2016
Categories |