The end of my freshman year of college was definitely bittersweet. I had one of the most memorable years of my life living in Columbia in A529 in the Honors Dorm on the corner of Main and Blossom. New lifelong friendships were established, a new way of life was established as an adult away from the comforts of home, and an abundance of new material was learned under the care of my wonderful professors. I was definitely blessed this year. There were no major meltdowns, no significant disasters, and tons of good times. I will not soon forget the memories I made this past year. It was a difficult move emptying out my dorm room of all my belongings and packing them up to come home. I can genuinely say that all of us that lived on my hall truly became a family. We came together to laugh, to eat, to whine, and to complain. It was sad knowing that our family would be spilt apart by housing arrangements next year. It definitely won't be the same, but I have faith that we will all stay in touch. I'll be living on 5A again next year, with friends from this year and new freshmen. Another extension to my family tree will be made and I couldn't be more excited! The prospect of new adventures and more discoveries is thrilling for me, so naturally next year is sure to be a blast with more Gamecock football games, late night study sessions, and too may trips to get ice cream.
I had to jump the hurdle of moving out of college in order to face the exciting events that this summer holds! I achieved all my goals for my freshman year, and I fully intend to do the same thing in July as I work to become the next Miss South Carolina! Like most of us, I grew up watching the Miss America pageant, with the dream of one day walking across the Miss South Carolina stage to get to my ultimate goal of the national stage. This is my opportunity. This is my chance. This is my time to live out my dream. Each day is a day closer to competition week, and each day I become more and more excited! Preparations for that week are in full swing! Whether I'm packing the roads to get my wardrobe straight, be coached, or promoting my platform of blood donation, things are getting done and moving me towards July! I feel like I'm a tornado sometimes, propelling full steam ahead, never stopping to catch my breath. At home, we have the "behind the scenes" preparations that are must-do's and trying to keep a personal life as well is challenging! I wouldn't trade a minute of it, though. I love this hectic, crazy, Miss South Carolina lifestyle! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I'm so blessed to be experiencing it!
I have been to many events the past few weeks. It all started with the Miss South Carolina Golf Classic benefitting the Miss South Carolina Scholarship and BI-LO Charities! It was the perfect weather for a day on the golf course and overall it was a successful venture! I had such a good time not only bonding with my fellow queens, but also getting to know the golfers as they came around the greens where we were stationed! Then we had the Taste of Hartsville the first week of May. I was one stuffed girl leaving that appearance! The food was delectable and the people were welcoming, as usual! It never fails that every time I go to Hartsville, I learn something new! This time, I learned that the people of Hartsville sure can cook and that the people in the community come together in fellowship with each other to celebrate and enjoy the tastes and treats others can offer! I passed out over 500 people's choice tokens that night, one to each person who came through the gate. It was an amazing turnout for a great event! The next week, I took part in the Bojangles 500 Race Weekend events in Florence and Darlington! Now that was an adventure! I grew up with a great grandaddy who was a tremendous race fan, and a father who used to travel to cheer on the legendary Cale Yarborough. Me, though, I had never considered myself to be a race fan. I did have my favorite, Kasey Kahne, but honestly, anyone should have known that. (Have you seen those piercingly beautiful baby blue eyes...?) Race weekend all started with festivities on Thursday night beginning at the Civic Center and ending up in Darlington Square with the car haulers parade. Walking between the huge haulers while signing autographs, meeting race fans, and experiencing the electric atmosphere was definitely something to be remembered. Then, on Saturday, I spent part of the day at the racetrack selling lapel pins to benefit the NASCAR foundation and McLeod's Children's Hospital. That was the most rewarding day for me all weekend. Anytime you can raise money for such wonderful charities while still having a blast with your fellow queens is a win-win situation in my opinion! It most definitely enjoyed my first race experience, even without attending the actual race!
Even with everything else that is going on, I'm thrilled about hosting my two blood drives in support of my platform, "Be a Hero: Donate Blood, Save a Life." Tomorrow (May 19th) is the big day in Hartsville! I will be hosting my drive from 10 AM until 3 PM at the First Presbyterian Church! I would be overjoyed to exceed our set goal of 28 pints, but I can't do that without your willingness and participation! Then on June 5th, I will be extending my platform involvement into my hometown of Manning at the drive taking place at the Cypress Center from 12 PM until 6 PM! I'm hosting that drive in collaboration with The Zone, so we have set a goal of around 60 pints! I hope to see you at one of these drives! Come be a real life super hero and give the gift of life through blood donation!!
