"I Live In Kansas, My Home Is Kansas..."

Hi everyone!

I hope this message finds you happy and in good health. So much to write about- I better get started!

Competing for the job of Miss America is everything I thought it would be, and more! I had an outstanding time, met some of the most incredible people, and have memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life- and best of all, I was representing our beautiful state and all the people who live there. I so proudly wore my sash that said "KANSAS" on it, knowing in my heart that I was there for all of you, representing you to the very best of my ability. Although I did not make the Top 15, I am happy to tell you that I left Las Vegas knowing that I laid my heart on the line and gave every last drop of effort into the experience.

Now eight months into working for the Miss Kansas Organization, I'd like to take a moment to remind you exactly what our program is about. Yes, the Miss Kansas Organization is about scholarship. Each year we provide over $50,000 in cash scholarships to women competing for the title of Miss Kansas. We also very proudly offer $2, 750,000 through in-kind scholarships as well. We are so proud to help young women further their college education and fulfill their personal and professional goals. However, what many do not realize is that the Miss Kansas Organization is not just about the scholarships. Although many women compete for the financial assistance, just as many compete for the personal growth. Through my personal experience in the Miss Kansas Organization, first as a competitor and then as the state representative, I have had the privilage of watching the women around me push themselves outside of their comfort zone, learn about themselves as women, and blossom in confidence and self esteem. These women are strong, independent, scholastically ambitious, focused on bringing positive change to their communities, courageous, and my favorite, just plain fun to be around. Now that my journey through the Miss Kansas Organization is starting to come to an end, I catch myself reflecting on my own personal growth. Because of the opportunities the Miss Kansas Organization has provided for me, I can now handle any style of interview, I can communicate effectively with all kinds of people, I can fundraise, I can think on my feet, I can give presentations at the drop of a hat, I can shop in a mall and feel confident in the purchases I make for myself, I can get ready in the morning and feel proud of how I look in the mirror, I can perform my talent to any kind of audience, and most of all, I can give more of myself to others than I ever thought I could. We are an organization unlike any other, because we provide the financial help and personal growth to last a lifetime.

I have had some wonderful appearances since I have been home from Miss America and am looking forward to a great last few months as Miss K! Since I have been home, I have visited Salina, Liberal, Kansas City, Manhattan, Meade, Belle Plaine, and Wichita.

The shout out for this blog goes to the many friends and family that traveled to Vegas to support my efforts at Miss America. To Deb, Whitney, Melissa, Christina, Brian, Brandon, Sam, Stacie, Shameem, Erica, Cassi, Chelsea, my MKO family, Mom, Dad, Mandy, and so many more, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support was so special to me!

Blessings,
Becki