They say that patience is a virtue. Well, that's too bad because right now I have none of it. Could Miss America PLEASE be here? (They say politeness is a virtue, too).

I have never anticipated something to this degree in my life. Luckily, I leave on Thursday or I might bust. And not because of nerves. My trips to Orlando for MAOT, Florida for the cruise, and L.A. for the reality show allowed me to meet the entire group that I will spend the next week and a half with and took care of any of those butterflies. And you have to trust me when I say that my mother and several others are nervous enough for all of us!

Instead, I anticipate this upcoming event because I see it as a celebration. It is a celebration of years of hard work and dedication. It is my final bow on the talent stage. It is a display of my healthy lifestyle. It is a stepping stone on my educational path. It is an arena in which to share the wonders of my state and the great things that, with the help of Communities in Schools and Children's Miracle Network, I have been able to do for the children in it.

And it is not only a celebration of me and my accomplishments, but of all of those who have helped me get there. In other words, a celebration of all of those people who are nervous for me!

Preparing for Miss America has been a North Carolina project, not an individual one. So many of you have a little stake in what happens on January 26. But no matter the outcome (because not one of us knows if this is in my life plan), I want all of us to revel in the celebration. There could not be a better place to celebrate than Las Vegas!

From a young age, my dad taught me to be a James Taylor fan. I remember hot summer nights with no air conditioning when we would trek down to the cool basement to sleep and listen to my dad play his hits on the guitar. His lyrics ring true to me and my family, especially a particular song that Dad brought up at the dinner table last week:

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time
Any fool can do it
There ain't nothing to it
Nobody knows how we got to
The top of the hill
But since we're on our way down
We might as well enjoy the ride

I have certainly enjoyed the passage of time and will continue to do so. I have a peace and contentment knowing that I have put my all into my job as Miss North Carolina and my preparation for a possible promotion...Miss America. Thanks to all for your help and support.

Love,
Jess