It has been three months since I became Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota and I’ve been extremely busy since the moment I was crowned. From planning a fundraiser, finding the perfect gown, prepping for nationals, TV and radio interviews, and making appearances there hasn’t been a lot of free time. But I am enjoying every minute of this. I didn't know what to expect when I signed up to enter the pageant, but to say life is surreal now would be an understatement.

I knew appearances were part of the package and quite frankly it is my favorite part of being Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota. I never expected such celebrity status to be put on me. You realize you are the one woman representing the entire state of South Dakota. Pressure? Maybe just a little bit. I think it really hit me that things were going to be very different when I got asked for my autograph for the very first time.

I have made some amazing and life-changing appearances these last three months. On top of the list would be fishing with the Paralyzed Veterans of America North Central Chapter on the Missouri River in Chamberlain, SD. Firemen volunteered their boats and equipment and took 25 disabled people out on the river. I met some fantastic men and women on this trip and had an absolute blast.

One appearances usually leads to another -- you meet so many wonderful people and they want you at their events. Sometimes I don't want to leave I am having so much fun. An appearance can range from flipping a coin at football game to hanging out and talking with as many people as you can at the host organization. I hand out business cards and take photos with people and sign a headshot for whoever wants one. My favorite appearances are with special needs kids and adults. I loved being part of Special Olympics, Dare to Dream and the Children's Miracle Network. I met some very inspirational and talented people.

As a titleholder you have to raise money to get yourself to the Ms. Wheelchair nationals. The application fee is $1500, plus you have to pick up your own travel expenses and you need a formal gown. Fundraising opened my eyes to the generosity of the people of South Dakota and the country. Businesses have been more then willing to donate prizes and people from all over have donated to my PayPal account. I cannot thank these people enough.

I'm not nervous for nationals. Yet. But I'm sure the nerves will hit me when I am boarding the plane in August to go to Grand Rapids. Everyone I have met has been encouraging and very supportive and I appreciate that so much.

I don't know what the next year entails for me, but I am looking forward to meeting many more wonderful people in South Dakota and who knows, if it's in the cards, maybe the entire United States.

Copyright 2010, Kristina Allen