I recently stumbled across the latest Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, through Seventeen magazine. After looking her up on Google, I was led to the Miss USA website. After some browsing around, I saw the "Apply Now!" button up at the top. Curious, I clicked it and read further - and what do you know?! There was a teen competition, with my age falling perfectly into the age range. I thought to myself, "What do I have to lose?" so I submitted my picture and information. I got an automated response a few minutes later that said, "Thanks for submitting, we'll email you in a few weeks if we are interested." I thought, "Okay sure, I don't expect to hear from them but I still put myself out there." Then, mind you - not even 48 hours later and much to my surprise, I received a phone call from the Donald Trump Miss USA Organization saying that they were interested in a phone interview!! That eventually led to a face-to-face interview the very next day. After being at the location for 5 hours already, I had my one-on-one interview. By the end, I was invited to compete in the competition! I now get to compete against about 100 other girls in January 2012. I am so incredibly thankful for being given this opportunity and hope to be the absolute best that I can be. Not to mention all the fun to be had along the way!
Another amazing aspect of the competition (probably my favorite part!) revolves around charity. At the end of the competition, the winner gets to donate a certain amount of money to the charity or cause of her choice. We were each asked what charity/cause we would like to support/donate to at the interview. Not even a week ago, I discovered the Dream Again campaign ( Dream Again Campaign ) that works hand in hand with Love 146 ( Love 146 ). Although it officially launches August 2nd, 2011, I still knew that this was the cause for me to support. Dream Again and Love 146 are supporting victims and trying to raise awareness for human trafficking. These amazing campaigns are looking to end child sex slavery and exploitation. These children lose their ability to dream, and they think they have no worth in this world - but they are worth everything. By raising awareness and funding for these campaigns, human trafficking will be put to rest, once and for all. "Awareness=Action; Action=Restoration," as said on the Dream Again website. Each and every one of those children deserves to dream again. Please, visit these websites and support this cause - raise awareness.
"Be the change that you want to see in the world."
-Mohandas Gandhi
So, please check out my Facebook FanPage ( Taylor Ridge Miss California Teen USA 2012 ). I promise you, this isn't an act of narcissism. Facebook Fan Pages are a requirement - we've got to get to 10,000 fans by pageant time in early January. Can you help me get there?! :)
Also, my Twitter is linked on the right-hand side (TaylorMRidge). Follow me, tweet me!
As for now, at 2 AM, I believe I should be getting to bed. I've got a long day of looking for sponsors tomorrow :) Thanks for reading, and expect weekly updates!
xoxo -T
