Miss America Memories
This time last week I was making my way home from one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of my life. One of those weeks where you think, "I can't believe that happened to me!"
And I still can't. It all seems unreal. I. Had. The. Chance. To. Compete. At. Miss. AMERICA. I feel blessed beyond belief.
Of course each of the 10 days was jam-packed with rehearsals, meetings, filming promos, and appearances at the Rambo premiere and STOMP! But despite the lack of sleep and personal time, it all went by so quickly. I think this is largely due to the fact that all of the contestants felt like friends. It was a relief to show up in Vegas knowing all of the girls...actually looking forward to seeing them. Having taped the reality show not only promoted Miss America LIVE!, but it removed the awkward meet-and-greet period and allowed us to truly enjoy the events. It also allowed for us to show sincere support of each other in all of our successes throughout the week.
But the other contestants were not the only ones showing support. I received cards, emails, messages from people at home and hugs from people in Vegas. These are all people who showed support as I worked to get to Vegas; people who cared about me and my goals before I was Miss North Carolina. Thank you for embracing me and the dream of competing at Miss America! It became a dream for us all and we are fortunate to have had the chance to see it come true.
The highlights of the week for me demonstrate how the whole experience really was a dream come true. Receiving a place as a Quality of Life finalist the first day was a nod to the hundreds of hours logged in schools distributing the gifts of books and spreading a love for reading. My work with Communities in Schools of North Carolina has been my favorite aspect of the job, so it was a joy to get to celebrate it and share the details with the community service panel.
The opportunity to interview with the Miss America panel was another highlight. I was especially thrilled to see Robin Meade on the list. When I first met my boyfriend's parents, she was our first topic of conversation because of my journalism studies background and because she is from their hometown in Ohio! A funny world! My every hope for my interview was fulfilled. I was able to speak about things that are important to me and have fun at the same time. My involvement with Miss America began as a result of a couple of people encouraging me to compete after a mock interview session during high school. It is a celebration to look back on those beginnings and how I have evolved in that aspect of competition.
Performing my talent on national television was yet another highlight. Many of you have told me how nervous you were when it came down to the dramatic, American Idol-style eliminations. I honestly did not realize that I had been a character in the "final two moment" during talent until the pageant had concluded. I felt an incredible peace during that moment (and throughout Saturday, really). I felt uplifted by my family, friends, and faith. I knew I was not going to be led into a situation that I could not handle, whether that meant dancing for 19 million people or graciously accepting the fact that I would not continue in the competition. Now that I have watched the show on TV, I see how quickly that elimination morphed into my turn to perform. I had promised myself on Saturday morning that, no matter what happened, I would live in the moment of the event because it only happens once and it would be a shame not to embrace it all. I am glad I made that promise because I do remember it all, including each and every step of my dance. And as I left center stage to reclaim my seat on the bleachers I, for the first time in my life, saw my parents' expressions after an important performance. Now that's a celebratory moment to remember.
And, of course, being named fourth runner-up is a highlight that leads to many more. After catching up with my Vegas contingent (which included family from North Carolina, Michigan, California, and Florida, friends from Raleigh, and 16 sorority sisters from college) I got to come home! Flying into Raleigh, sleeping in my Miss NC apartment, seeing family and friends, and receiving the warmest of welcomes as I continue to travel...these are my life's pleasures and celebrations.
Jessica Jacobs,
Your Miss North Carolina
And I still can't. It all seems unreal. I. Had. The. Chance. To. Compete. At. Miss. AMERICA. I feel blessed beyond belief.
Of course each of the 10 days was jam-packed with rehearsals, meetings, filming promos, and appearances at the Rambo premiere and STOMP! But despite the lack of sleep and personal time, it all went by so quickly. I think this is largely due to the fact that all of the contestants felt like friends. It was a relief to show up in Vegas knowing all of the girls...actually looking forward to seeing them. Having taped the reality show not only promoted Miss America LIVE!, but it removed the awkward meet-and-greet period and allowed us to truly enjoy the events. It also allowed for us to show sincere support of each other in all of our successes throughout the week.
But the other contestants were not the only ones showing support. I received cards, emails, messages from people at home and hugs from people in Vegas. These are all people who showed support as I worked to get to Vegas; people who cared about me and my goals before I was Miss North Carolina. Thank you for embracing me and the dream of competing at Miss America! It became a dream for us all and we are fortunate to have had the chance to see it come true.
The highlights of the week for me demonstrate how the whole experience really was a dream come true. Receiving a place as a Quality of Life finalist the first day was a nod to the hundreds of hours logged in schools distributing the gifts of books and spreading a love for reading. My work with Communities in Schools of North Carolina has been my favorite aspect of the job, so it was a joy to get to celebrate it and share the details with the community service panel.
The opportunity to interview with the Miss America panel was another highlight. I was especially thrilled to see Robin Meade on the list. When I first met my boyfriend's parents, she was our first topic of conversation because of my journalism studies background and because she is from their hometown in Ohio! A funny world! My every hope for my interview was fulfilled. I was able to speak about things that are important to me and have fun at the same time. My involvement with Miss America began as a result of a couple of people encouraging me to compete after a mock interview session during high school. It is a celebration to look back on those beginnings and how I have evolved in that aspect of competition.
Performing my talent on national television was yet another highlight. Many of you have told me how nervous you were when it came down to the dramatic, American Idol-style eliminations. I honestly did not realize that I had been a character in the "final two moment" during talent until the pageant had concluded. I felt an incredible peace during that moment (and throughout Saturday, really). I felt uplifted by my family, friends, and faith. I knew I was not going to be led into a situation that I could not handle, whether that meant dancing for 19 million people or graciously accepting the fact that I would not continue in the competition. Now that I have watched the show on TV, I see how quickly that elimination morphed into my turn to perform. I had promised myself on Saturday morning that, no matter what happened, I would live in the moment of the event because it only happens once and it would be a shame not to embrace it all. I am glad I made that promise because I do remember it all, including each and every step of my dance. And as I left center stage to reclaim my seat on the bleachers I, for the first time in my life, saw my parents' expressions after an important performance. Now that's a celebratory moment to remember.
And, of course, being named fourth runner-up is a highlight that leads to many more. After catching up with my Vegas contingent (which included family from North Carolina, Michigan, California, and Florida, friends from Raleigh, and 16 sorority sisters from college) I got to come home! Flying into Raleigh, sleeping in my Miss NC apartment, seeing family and friends, and receiving the warmest of welcomes as I continue to travel...these are my life's pleasures and celebrations.
Jessica Jacobs,
Your Miss North Carolina
posted by Jessica Jacobs, Miss North Carolina at
6:57 AM
