The first weeks on the job
Hello North Carolina!
I have only been Miss North Carolina for about two weeks, but so much has changed. In one moment I went from being a graduate student at North Carolina State University to being a representative of the State of North Carolina, the Miss North Carolina organization, and the Children’s Miracle Network. I'd say it's a promotion!
Last week, between moving into my fully furnished, official Miss North Carolina apartment, completing Miss America paperwork, and meeting a number of radio personalities and television journalists, I had to remind myself to breath. At this point I am reveling in my many blessings and praying that I live up to everyone’s expectations, including my own.
If you are anything like me, you feel like change can be difficult and the unknown even more so. This year holds a lot of change, a lot of unknowns. But a deep breath and a prayer center me and I know that the avenues opened by taking a step out of my box and into uncertainty will lead to great things. Great things not only for my personal development and life goals, but for our state and our organization. I have a lot of work to do and I’m ready to tackle it all.
This week I traveled for my first full day on the job. I attended the 4th of July celebration in Southport and a concert at Fort Bragg. Southport is the most charming town. For being so small, it certainly attracts a gigantic crowd for what is the oldest Independence Day celebration in the state. I met Secretary of State Elaine Marshall who shared with me the reason why she loves being a part of the parade each year. The people are polite. And they are! I have never met so many nice people, but I guess it doesn’t hurt when you are Miss NC. The crown is a little conspicuous ... During the parade people were yelling my name as if they know me. I also had people teaching me how to do the "pageant wave." My favorite memory from the morning was posing with a group of ladies who let me wear their Groucho Marx glasses with the big nose and mustache. I felt like I needed an eyebrow wax!
When I arrived at Fort Bragg I worked the VIP tent and enjoyed an energetic Neal McCoy concert…only after he called me out for wearing a crown. The band tried to break into a rendition of a Queen song and they asked if I sing. The answer to that would be, in one decisive word, "NO!" But, in all sincerity, this was the most meaningful 4th of July in which I have ever taken part, simply because I was able to spend time with the people who truly deserve to be celebrated on the holiday. I was honored to be asked to film a shout out to the servicemen and women who are overseas. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to them, especially as a representative of a state that sends so many of her people to serve our country.
Tomorrow I will take part in Lumbee Homecoming festivities. Mom is escorting me to the Coronation Ball and my grandma is going to ride in the parade with me. I am particularly excited about this event because it will give me the first true opportunity to attend Homecoming and see what it is all about; something very important for me to experience in order to better understand my heritage. It is heartening to see that my numerous experiences will be memories shared with family, friends, and all of you!
As more develops I will keep everyone updated. To me, being Miss North Carolina is about the journey and I hope that all of you will join me. I know that my strength as a leader and spokesperson will be solidified by my support system, all of you.
Until next time,
Jessica Jacobs
Miss North Carolina
I have only been Miss North Carolina for about two weeks, but so much has changed. In one moment I went from being a graduate student at North Carolina State University to being a representative of the State of North Carolina, the Miss North Carolina organization, and the Children’s Miracle Network. I'd say it's a promotion!
Last week, between moving into my fully furnished, official Miss North Carolina apartment, completing Miss America paperwork, and meeting a number of radio personalities and television journalists, I had to remind myself to breath. At this point I am reveling in my many blessings and praying that I live up to everyone’s expectations, including my own.
If you are anything like me, you feel like change can be difficult and the unknown even more so. This year holds a lot of change, a lot of unknowns. But a deep breath and a prayer center me and I know that the avenues opened by taking a step out of my box and into uncertainty will lead to great things. Great things not only for my personal development and life goals, but for our state and our organization. I have a lot of work to do and I’m ready to tackle it all.
This week I traveled for my first full day on the job. I attended the 4th of July celebration in Southport and a concert at Fort Bragg. Southport is the most charming town. For being so small, it certainly attracts a gigantic crowd for what is the oldest Independence Day celebration in the state. I met Secretary of State Elaine Marshall who shared with me the reason why she loves being a part of the parade each year. The people are polite. And they are! I have never met so many nice people, but I guess it doesn’t hurt when you are Miss NC. The crown is a little conspicuous ... During the parade people were yelling my name as if they know me. I also had people teaching me how to do the "pageant wave." My favorite memory from the morning was posing with a group of ladies who let me wear their Groucho Marx glasses with the big nose and mustache. I felt like I needed an eyebrow wax!
When I arrived at Fort Bragg I worked the VIP tent and enjoyed an energetic Neal McCoy concert…only after he called me out for wearing a crown. The band tried to break into a rendition of a Queen song and they asked if I sing. The answer to that would be, in one decisive word, "NO!" But, in all sincerity, this was the most meaningful 4th of July in which I have ever taken part, simply because I was able to spend time with the people who truly deserve to be celebrated on the holiday. I was honored to be asked to film a shout out to the servicemen and women who are overseas. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to them, especially as a representative of a state that sends so many of her people to serve our country.
Tomorrow I will take part in Lumbee Homecoming festivities. Mom is escorting me to the Coronation Ball and my grandma is going to ride in the parade with me. I am particularly excited about this event because it will give me the first true opportunity to attend Homecoming and see what it is all about; something very important for me to experience in order to better understand my heritage. It is heartening to see that my numerous experiences will be memories shared with family, friends, and all of you!
As more develops I will keep everyone updated. To me, being Miss North Carolina is about the journey and I hope that all of you will join me. I know that my strength as a leader and spokesperson will be solidified by my support system, all of you.
Until next time,
Jessica Jacobs
Miss North Carolina
