Good Evening parents, judges and friends
When Jr. Miss signs ups came last September, I was a little hesitant to sign up. I did not see myself as the typical Jr. Miss. After a lot of pushing from family and friends I decided to see what it was all about. We were all so nervous, not knowing what to expect or what was expected of us but as the first week of practices began we grew to enjoy the company of one another and the dedication to become our best selves. Practices were often hard and frustrating at times but we pulled through as a team.
The night of the show came, all of us pacing nervously through the hair spray fumes, dresses flying, and bobby pins that engulfed the air. We stormed the stage with an opening number followed by talent, poise and physical fitness. The time for awards came as we all stood holding hands a little tight because of the nervous tension. Awards for each category were announced including interview. Soon followed interview and my name shortly after. Shocked, I walked across the stage to receive my award. Next came 3rd, 2nd, and 1st runner up soon to be trailed by the title of Jr Miss. As the announcer began to announce everyone paused, And Moriahs 2004 Jr Miss Erica Tesar. My jaw dropped as I staggered across the stage to receive my title.
The following months were so busing, Wow your Jr Miss, and Guys its Erica!! screamed little girls as they walked by me in the halls. Everyday I was met by a young promising girl who was completely fixated on the fact that I was Moriahs Jr Miss. Santas helper, volunteering, and parades, being completely bombarded by young girls who seemed to have wanted to become the person I was. I soon realized the affect I had on young girls and the hope and inspiration I gave each little sister. I began to take my title as a role model much more seriously.
States began with a new group of amazing people. Work started the day we arrived, meeting with our little sisters, practices all day, interview conventions, and meeting inspirational personel. As soon as practices began they ended and the night of the show came my friends and I invading the stage. Act by act the program slowly came to an end as we all re-entered the stage for awards. Feeling as though we had all done our best and worked hard we held hands until the very last award.
States ended and I came back home with a better appreciation of my title. I had never seen myself as the typical Jr Miss but my experience came to show me that Jr Miss is about inspiring, being a role model, doing your best, appreciating every opportunity that comes your way, and enjoying the ride instead of expecting an outcome. Jr Miss is a once in a life time experience and I know that it changed my life for the better.