My reign as Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota has come to an end and I have bittersweet emotions about this. I am going to miss being the one representative for the wonderful state of South Dakota and I am saddened that I am not passing the crown and opportunity onto another woman this year. After numerous attempts by many to find two candidates to run for this year’s South Dakota pageant, we were unsuccessful in finding anyone to compete. In this small state it is hard to find enough candidates; it is my hope we will have contestants next year. It is too great of an opportunity for women to pass up.
I know this experience isn't for everyone and I am glad I waited until I was older and didn't have so much on my plate when I chose to run. It takes a lot of time and commitment to raise money and make appearances. The speeches intimidate almost anyone and that's a big part of both the state and the national competition. It scared me and I am one of the least shy people you could ever meet in person. But I persevered through it and worked through my fear of public speaking. I can't say it is my favorite thing to do, but if asked to speak on the spur of the moment -- like at the Ski For Light banquet (thanks for the warning George and Vern) -- I can buck up and say a few words and not make a total fool of myself. It is all a valuable learning experience and one I think women in wheelchairs should take a chance at it. It definitely makes you a stronger, more confident woman.
I am going to miss the appearances and meeting the people of South Dakota. That was by far my favorite thing to do. I got to meet some incredible people and I got to participate in so many wonderful, amazing events over this past year, some that I will still continue to be a part of even though I'm no longer a title holder. There is no favorite event or memory because they are all special to me in their own ways, but the Special Olympics, the North Central Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Ski For Light will remain very near and dear to my heart.
The week of the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant forever changed my life and left me with beautiful friends for a lifetime. Twenty-eight women, sharing the commonality of using a wheelchair, expressed ourselves to each other and to the world in many different, but positive ways. There will be a new class this year and the years to come, but the Ms. Wheelchair America Class of 2010 is something special. I hope someday all of us are reunited to share some laughs and memories. Maybe a reunion at Mojos is in our future? I sure hope so because I miss each and every one of you.
If I could give some advice to the women who will enter the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in the years to come, it is to embrace not only your time as a state title holder, but embrace your time at the national pageant too. It all goes by incredibly fast! You will blink and it will be over. Reflect and don't forget to breathe during your speeches. I know you will all represent your states proudly!
Even to this day, a year later this is a surreal experience…from autograph signings to people asking to have their photo taken with me. I loved the touching emails from parents who said I inspired their kids; this always brought a tear to my eye. I am just me, a simple laid-back woman from South Dakota, but one who felt like she was on top of the world this past year.
In closing I want to thank my friends and family, especially my dad for being the best pageant dad around. He couldn't help me with my hair or makeup, but never said no to carrying my purse or crown box, would fetch rings and earrings I forgot in the hotel room, always kept me stocked in Diet Pepsi and 5 hour Energy Drink and pushed me when I needed a boost. I want to thank people of South Dakota for embracing me everywhere I went this past year and for letting me represent our wonderful state. Last, but certainly not least a huge THANK YOU to EVERYONE that took the time to donate money to help me get to nationals. I could not have done it without you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am forever grateful!
It has been a wonderful ride this past year and I am glad I entered the state pageant. As I write this I am thinking back at how nervous I was at this time last year practicing my speech over and over with a stop watch. I am part of an elite class of women that hold the title of Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota. It was an honor and a privilege to hold this title for 2010 and I hope to be crowning a new winner next year.
