I was thrilled to speak at the Oklahoma State University chapter of American Association of University Women this past week. It was a group of about 50 young college ladies who are active on campus in various organizations. AAUW has a philanthropy that raises funds for women in the military. I participated in the philanthropy fashion show earlier this year.

I shared my story of the obstacles I faced in competitive Irish dance and eventually preparing for Miss Oklahoma as well as Miss America. I hope that through hearing my journey that another young lady will not give up on her dreams, no matter if others think she isn’t good enough, smart enough, tall enough or talented enough. I stressed to the ladies that they are the one that will have to wake up in 10 years and live with a regret of not trying their best, not the people who tell them they can’t.

That mindset is what made me decide to get back into competitive Irish dance and go one last time to the Southern Region Oireachtas before I study for my TCRG! I’m excited to be back in the Irish dance world!