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 [...]
Shining GEMS: Olivia Nelson
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 [...]
Put On Your Perspectacles, Babe.
"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 [...]
10 Things I Learned After Graduating College & Starting My Career
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 [...]
The Sisterhood Is Sweet
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.
“Your New Miss Wisconsin Is…”
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 [...]
What Is GEMS?
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 [...]
She’s Got That 2018 Mindset
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 [...]
You’re a…Communication Major?
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 [...]
Shining GEMS: Brenda Collins
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 [...]
Shining GEMS: Serena Larie
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 [...]
Shining GEMS: Emily Klein
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 [...]
Why Invest In Girls?
Growing up, I thought I understood the meaning of the phrase "girl power." We hear it all the time; be strong, be confident, stand up for yourself, do whatever you set your mind to. Although this all still rings true, my understanding of "girl power" has changed over time. As I grew up a little, developed [...]
Shining GEMS: Susan Fochs
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 [...]
Shining GEMS: Brittany Moncrief
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 [...]
Just Jessica by Jessica Hammer 