I am back in South Dakota and reflecting on one of the most amazing experiences of my life, that being the Ms. Wheelchair America national pageant representing the great state of South Dakota. The only expectation I had going into the pageant was being nervous for my speech; the rest was going to be a piece of cake, from the judging sessions to the workshops to meeting the other contestants.

I think any woman in a chair in whatever state you may be in should take the opportunity to try out for their state pageants. To get the opportunity to represent your state at the national pageant is a rewarding and a life changing experience. There can only be one winner, but you are a winner in so many other ways. Some amazing people put on workshops, from ADA lawsuits to self-defense from a wheelchair. I was brought to tears in some of the workshops, the speakers were that powerful.

I'm not going to lie or sugar coat anything, but the week at nationals is exhausting and somewhat stressful. You will want to sleep for a week when you get back. They keep you busy from morning until night. They tell you when and where you are supposed to eat. We did have a couple of fun days, including a scavenger hunt of downtown Grand Rapids. The people in the city were wonderful in welcoming us. The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel was more then wonderful in accommodating us for the entire week. The staff was wonderful. I even scored hot chocolate in the middle of August at dinner one night.

Judging goes by quickly. It will make you somewhat nervous, but just be yourself and answer honestly, that is the best you can do. It is in the judge’s hands once you leave the room. There are five judges and each asks you as many questions as possible in the allotted time allowed. There are three judging sessions. Wednesday session is just five minutes long, but when you are in there it feels like 30 seconds. Thursday and Friday sessions are ten minutes long. They have your application in front of them and they draw questions from that and they also have some of their own. I never got stumped on anything in particular. Before you know it your session is over. Try not to second guess yourself once you leave the room because that will overwhelm you. In the short time you have with them you are not going to get everything you want to say out or remember everything you want to say. Just be yourself, dress appropriately, and answer honestly and you will do just fine in judging.

Everything at the pageant is structured and to the point. The coordinators hand you a book of everything you need and where you need to be. It is our bible for the week. It was drilled into us from day one that we were to be on time to everything and to never miss a workshop. They would come get us when it was time to do our judging sessions, the rest of the time it was up to us to be where we were supposed to be. You are also not allowed to talk to any of the judges outside of the judging sessions. The reason for the strict time schedule? We were being judged on this too. They do not want to appoint a winner that couldn't be on time or be where she is supposed to be when asked.

I was cool, calm, and collected all week -- until it was my time to give my speech. We were all nervous for this. I nailed my speech, according to my dad, my companion and my escort up to the stage. Quite a few others said I did a great job too. I remembered every little bit of it and I did not go over the two minutes. I don't think I breathed the entire time I was up there. I did it, I survived it, and I did the best I could. I have no regrets of my time to shine in front of everyone.

For my platform I chose line of sight (risers in stadiums and arenas so those of us in wheelchairs can see the stage); the other women stuck to issues close to their state. I don't know if going nationwide was a good or bad thing and no one had done a line of sight platform before, but I did not qualify in the top five. But I did my best and line of sight is very near and dear to my heart as I attend a lot of concerts and sporting events.

After the crowning we were allowed to speak to the judges. Two told me they were quite impressed with my knowledge and passion for line sight issues and they hoped that I continue to work on it. Having the title of Ms. Wheelchair America would have been nice to have to get my platform off the ground more quickly or possibly made things easier, but not having the title isn't going to stop me from pursing in getting my goal of getting risers on the floor at every venue in this country that doesn't have accessible line of sight seating on the floor. If the almost 60 year old Sioux Falls Arena can do it, there is no reason the newer venues can't provide a riser too.

I want to congratulate Alexander McArthur, Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina, on becoming the new Ms. Wheelchair America. Not only she is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, she is also beautiful and intelligent. She is planning on going to law school and she will make a wonderful Ms. Wheelchair America and make an impact on all the lives she touches. I hope to see her when she makes a trip to South Dakota for Ski For Light, just one of the mandatory appearances Ms. Wheelchair America has to make. Congrats Alex, I know you will do an amazing job.

A special thanks goes out to all our companions that made the trip with us. My dad especially. He went above and out of his way to grab earrings when I forgot them, go down to the local store and get me five hour energy drink, and do just about anything I asked him to do.

As stated before I made some lifelong friendships on this journey to Grand Rapids, MI. I know the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant will not be the last time I see these inspiring women. It makes me sad that our states aren't closer, but we all have a bond that no one can take away from us. We are the Ms. Wheelchair America Class of 2011. The 28 women that were in this pageant are special and unique and have left an impression in my life and in my heart that I will never forget. I hope our class of 2011 will be able to meet up in the years to come. Thank goodness for social networks and cell phones that will be help us to stay in contact for years to come.

This is an experience I will never forget. I hope one day all 50 states are represented and I hope one day to see the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant televised for all to see. These women should be seen and heard by the nation and by the world. We are powerful, we are encouraging, we are beautiful, and we inspire those around us and I am so very proud and humbled to be a part of this group of women.

Copyright 2010 Kristina Allen