I've had a lot on my heart lately. Actually, since 1996. I've been anxious for as long as I can remember. Don't believe me? Most 5 year-olds get some separation anxiety when they start full-day kindergarten, but for two months, I only went to school until noon every day before I panicked and had to [...]
Suuuummer has come and paaaassed... Green Day was right. Life moves so quickly. I am such a menopausal middle-aged woman for saying that. HEY I love being sappy and reflecting on EVERYTHING. Events, memories, friendships, relationships, you name it. I love remembering the moments and thinking about all the shhhtuff that took place since the [...]
Miss America 2020 aired one week ago, and while social media was buzzing over the few days following, I think the dust has settled. Kind of. I'm kicking it back up again because I still have feelings. The purpose of this is simply to share my thoughts on the telecast and current state of the [...]
JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE ALL THE WAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! I am oozing gingerbread out of my pores. That's gross, my b. While I was home for Thanksgiving last weekend, my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I drew a blank. World peace? A way to reverse global warming and Alzheimer’s? Love and affection? [...]
It's been a year since I walked into my little office for the first time, eager for the start of something new *cue Gabriella and Troy's duet* Cute outfit *check* Planner *check* First day of school pukey anxious feeling *check* I waited a few months after graduating college to embark on the pursuit of my [...]
I’ve been really frustrated lately. Like kick-yourself-losing-sleep-puffy-eyed-crying frustrated. Hi, my name is Jess and I'm exhausted. I'm burnt the f*** out.*cue the anonymous support group chiming, Hiiii, Jess. We're glad you're with us today.* In typical Jess fashion, instead of seeking something easy or taking things one day at a time, I decided to JUST. [...]
Ok so picture this: a world where every human actually really truly unconditionally loved themselves. Crazy concept, but I believe it's possible. I've been chatting with a few friends lately and meeting some new baby GEMS (wtf is GEMS? Click here.) and I've been noticing a trend. Regardless of where we come from, how old we [...]
In 2016, a program called “GEMS- Girls Empowered and Motivated to Serve” was born. I saw a need for positive female role models in our communities to influence, encourage, and inspire the youngest generation of leaders. As a contestant in the Miss America Organization, I aimed to create a community of strong, powerful girls who [...]
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Dr. Wayne Dyer Today I'm sitting alone in a coffee shop listening to the weird indie music I've been into lately and sippin' on hot peach tea. It's about 10 degrees outside here in the dairy land, and I'm [...]
Six months ago, I moved my tassle from right to left and walked across the big stage to receive the most expensive piece of paper I own. "This is it," I thought. 10+ years of standardized tests, research papers, quizzes, late night study sessions, early morning classes, and endless microwave popcorn led up to this [...]
Very recently, I had one of the best experiences of my life. Like, ever. You know that feeling you get when you see someone you really missed? Or when you hug your mom after being away? Or being re-united with your best friends after years apart? Combine all of those feelings and call it the National Sweetheart Pageant.
That sentence gives me butterflies. I've written and re-written this post countless times, trying to come up with the right words to express how I feel about Miss Wisconsin week 2018, one of the most mentally and emotionally challenging experiences I've had in quite some time. Don't get me wrong, I'm forever grateful for this [...]
If you follow my social media or have watched my journey through the Miss America Organization, you've probably heard me mention something called GEMS a few times. You may already know about it, or you could be wondering, "What is GEMS?" Well, today is your lucky day, because I want to share one of my favorite [...]
5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR! January 1st is one of my favorite days, mainly because I can bust open my brand new 2018 planner. Does anyone else get that same feeling? There's just something refreshing about a clean slate of another 365 days to fill with an abundance of events and new opportunities. I'm into it. As [...]
I've heard it all already. "You're a communication major? What are you going to do with that?" "Isn't that an easy major?" "Communicating is just common sense." I recently read an article, written by a Communication major, about how she felt the stigma of Communication majors is significantly negative. Communication has the reputation of being [...]
Just Jessica by Jessica Hammer 