This blog was inspired by Miss America Teresa Scanlan. Before winning the crown, she posted an explanation for her purpose in competing. I was incredibly impressed with Teresa's faith and outlook on life. If you get a chance, read her post and the comments as well! (http://teresastravelsandtidbits.blogspot.com/)
Kristen Glover, Miss Ouachita Baptist University
So why am I competing? I started competing in 2008, when I won my first Miss Arkansas preliminary. In 2009, I competed in three preliminary pageants and always placed as a runner-up. At that point in my life, pageants had become critical to my identity, and I was literally crumbling on the inside when I was not reaching my goal of winning them. I decided to step away from pageants for that summer and signed up to work as a mentor to pregnant teenagers. That summer was life changing! Working with those disadvantaged, pregnant teenagers opened my eyes to so much. It was then that I realized this life isn't really about me... it's about service. Miss Arkansas is an opportunity for me to fulfill my purpose of service while using the talents and abilities God has given me. Those teenage girls also provided me the motivation to create my platform, "Second Chances: Empowering Youth to Rise Above" which focuses on mentoring!
In 2010, I decided to compete again. After four more preliminary pageants, I finally earned the ticket back to Miss Arkansas. I took the lessons learned and passion for service to the Miss Arkansas pageant. The hard work and perseverance paid off! I was honored to be named Friday night preliminary talent winner and third runner-up to Miss Arkansas, Alyse Eady. I received almost $8,000 in scholarship funds which completed payment for my entire senior year at Ouachita Baptist University! It was a summer full of blessings!
Dr. Rex Horne, President of Ouachita Baptist University
This year, I am thrilled to be representing my "home away from home" as Miss Ouachita Baptist University! I recognize that not only am I representing Ouachita but Christ too! Miss Arkansas has an incredible opportunity for influence and service. It is a job position that I take very seriously, and I would be thrilled to spread my platform message across the state. The chance to promote the Miss America organization while sharing my testimony of personal growth and scholarship would be incredible!
All contestants competing in the upcoming Miss Arkansas pageant!
Although this year has been full of blessings, it hasn't been the easiest year. In fact, I feel as if I am standing in front of the Lord trembling because I realize how much He wants to use me! This year has been a season of changes and I have been desperate to seek Christ for strength. Within the past six months, I have graduated from college, rented my first apartment in Little Rock, and my boyfriend moved to Rwanda, Africa. I have hopes to be the next Miss Arkansas, but we won't know the outcome of the pageant until July 16, 2011. If I don't win Miss Arkansas, then I have an awesome plan B to attend the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Whatever happens, I know that God works for the good of those that love Him! Whether I am in heels and a crown or have my nose stuck in a pharmacy book, I know that God has a great purpose for my life. I find much comfort in that and live to give Him all the glory!
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 1:6
Thank you to everyone who has offered support and prayer! I hope to see you in Hot Springs at the Miss Arkansas pageant, July 13-16. If you can't make it to the pageant, please watch the online webcast at www.missarkansas.org. The newly crowned Miss Arkansas 2011 will then compete in Miss America on January 14, 2012!
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