I had the opportunity to go to Wisconsin for 5 days for Laura’s homecoming! It was such an honor to be a part of such a special experience for her, and to have the opportunity to perform my own talent at 2 of the events. We had a busy week of appearances and homecoming events that celebrated Laura’s first trip back to her home state as Miss America ranging from pep rallies to production shows, birthday dinners to eating at “The Spot.” It was great to get to see her again and hear all about her Miss America journey so far. I wish we could have spent more time with Laura while we were in Wisconsin, but fingers crossed that she’ll have an appearance in Oklahoma!

Another BIG part of my trip was spending time with the “court of honor” Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, Miss Arizona Jennifer Sedler, and Miss California Noelle Freeman! It was in these 5 days that I made some of the closest friendships that I will ever have. I did not get the chance to know any of these young ladies in Orlando or even in Vegas, but I am so grateful that I had the chance to get to know each of them personally. I can honestly say that they made that trip amazing! My roommate was the lovely Miss Arizona. That girl inspired me in so many ways in just the short time that we spent together. She is such a kind hearted, genuine and honest person. Our other “quarters” as Jennifer called them were not only funny, but they had the ability to lift our spirits no matter how tired we were or how desperately we needed coffee! 🙂 By the end of the first day, all four of us had bonded and I think we each realized it was the kind of friendship that will last a lifetime. Not only did we share a very unique experience, but we just seemed to mesh so well together…or maybe more like we balanced each other out! None of our differences mattered at all, and in fact I think that was the best part!

It was amazing for me to get to watch these ladies “in their element” as “Miss State” during events and even more amazing to get to know the young woman under the crown. They are the most intelligent, articulate, passionate, talented and driven young ladies that I’ve ever met in my life. I watched each of them take command of a room when they spoke, light it up when they smiled, and wow audiences with their talents. I truly felt honored to be a part of such an incredible court of honor, and I quickly realized why each of them had captured their state titles and stole the hearts of the Miss America judges and audience!

I wish that I had the ability to express in words the experiences that we shared and the friendship that we formed, but I know I can’t do it justice. I am so grateful that God brought those young women into my life and in a way I never expected. I ran across a quote recently that I thought was very fitting, it said: “Friendship is a knot tied by angel’s hands.” I am so blessed that I am Miss Oklahoma 2011, because like Jennifer said this week, the friendships that you make truly are one of the best things that the Miss America Organization offers!!

Miss America’s Homecoming
Enjoy the video that Miss California put together about our week in Wisconsin!

Also enjoy reading the INCREDIBLE post about the week by Miss Arizona at http://miss-arizona.org/newsletters/miss/