Are We Sure That I'm Not Dreaming?

This past weekend I was given an incredible opportunity that I am so indescribably grateful to have. As I'm sitting in my bed, taking my time getting ready this morning - for the first time in a long time, I'm reflecting on the incredible opportunity that I have to return to Miss Tennessee this year. This morning I've gotten to sleep in for the first time in quite a while, put creamer in my coffee (I hope my trainers didn't read that), and typed some emails laying down the framework for this year. If you know me, You know how much I love the Miss Tennessee organization and all of its volunteers and participants. This program has made me who I am. This program has helped me contribute to organizations and causes that are so much larger than myself, to learn to give back to my community and to my state, and to push myself to be my best possible self. 

Best. Morning. View. Ever.

This will be my fourth year returning to Miss Tennessee this year, which feels very weird to say at only 20 years old. But to be honest, I'm so grateful that I've had so much time in this program, because of who I've become in this organization. I wouldn't have gotten to know some of the most amazing people in my life had I not competed for this long. I've met incredible mentors, spectacular former queens that have left some big shoes to fill, fantastic directors that have poured into me, and coaches that see a vision for a successful future for my life. Being a part of such an amazing organization for so long is a privilege that I can't even begin to describe.

Post crowning with my amazing new directors!

Of course I have to say thank you to everyone who made becoming Miss Scenic City possible- I know I've posted several times on social media but I wanted to say thank you again. Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for cheering for me. Thank you for picking me up when I'm down. Thank you for every text that was sent my way- they didn't go unnoticed. Thank you for your consistent prayers and ceaseless thoughts that you've sent my way.  Thank you for bringing your families to my pageants, for letting me spend time with  your children at appearances, for sending cards and flowers- from the bottom of my heart... thank you. Having a moment to reflect over all the love and positivity that I'm so blessed to have is truly overwhelming. I am so incredibly fortunate to have such loving friends and family in my life. I really do believe I'm so lucky to have competed this long, I really do treat it as a privilege to be able to be a part of this organization. I have had the chance to meet so many people through competing over the years and I wouldn't have known such amazing people if it wasn't for the years of participation in the Miss Tennessee program. So many people have touched my life through this organization, and I sincerely hope I've made an impact on some of your lives- because you have forever touched mine.

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Alright folks, I've got a lot of thank you notes to get through and a lot of homework to catch up on so that I can graduate on time haha! Thank you all one last time for believing in me. I can't begin to say how grateful I am for all of your support, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

All my love,

Christine