It’s absolutely mindblowing to me that just a year ago today, I was getting ready for senior year prom. So much has happened since then, including wrapping up my freshman year at SMU. The girl I was a year ago could not have ever imagined the blessings and hardships I would face this year. Reflecting back on my first semester, I struggled a lot with homesickness and loneliness. Moving away from home was a huge transition for me, as I’d never been a huge sleepover girl and had never gone to sleepaway camp. Everyone around me seemed to adjust fairly easily, whereas I struggled most days to leave my dorm and introduce myself to people in and outside of class. I felt overwhelmed with anxiety during my first few weeks at SMU, and I was terrified that I had made the wrong decision to move so far away from my friends and family. The more time passed, the easier it became to fully immerse myself in college life. However, SMU didn’t feel like home until I met my big sister, Kylie. I remember talking with her for the first time in Fondren Library and thinking, “If I’m anything like her by the end of my four years here, I’m doing something right.” We clicked instantly, and I walked away from coffee, feeling less alone and ready to immerse myself in college life. After making a promise to myself (and my mom lol) to stop isolating and be outgoing, I became extremely close with the people in my dorm, in my classes, and several older girls I view as role models. I remember packing for winter break and holding back tears because I didn’t want to leave my new home and then holding back even more tears because I finally, after all the years I spent praying for this feeling of belonging, now knew what it meant to be loved unconditionally for who I am by friends I know will always have my back. When I got back to school post break, I went through SMU rush! From the moment I walked into Pi Phi's house during recruitment, I felt a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. The warmth and genuine kindness of the sisters were palpable. They saw beyond the surface and welcomed me with open arms, embracing my uniqueness and celebrating my individuality. Running home to Pi Phi was surreal and so incredibly emotional. There aren’t words to describe the joy of running home to your best friends. Everything after rush just flew by. One second, it was January, and the next, I was packing up my entire dorm room and moving into my first apartment. But the most notable and important thing this year was my constant preparation for Miss California Teen USA, which is taking place this very weekend. To be transparent with y’all, I really haven’t stopped preparing since the day I signed up. I can wholeheartedly say that after 3 years of competing, this is the year I feel the most comfortable in my skin. I am so ready to bring my all this year, and I cannot wait to represent Newport Beach! I hope I make y’all proud. Your prayers and support mean the world to me, and I would not have been able to do this without you following along and being interested in my journey. This year was the best of my life, and I can’t wait to kick off the summer with the Miss California Teen USA pageant!!! Thank you to my family, friends, and team for cheering me on in every season of life. I love you. Signing off 🤍
(PS: you can watch Miss California Teen USA on Pageant Vision this Saturday & Sunday!)
Commentaires