Miss Minnesota Organization - The Miss America Experience

I have dreamed of competing on the Miss America stage since the age of five, and am still in shock that I was given the opportunity to do so. I am sure that many of you are wondering “What is Miss America week really like?” Here is a behind the scenes overview of the entire competition and all of our appearances.

Thursday January 17, 2008
The morning started early with some last minute packing and goodbyes to loved ones. I arrived in Las Vegas midmorning where I was greeted by Miss Kansas, Miss Tennessee, and Miss Nevada. It was so great to see them again because we had really missed each other after filming Reality Check in Los Angeles. We hopped in a limousine and headed to the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino where we would be spending the next 10 days together. After checking with the Miss America staff, dropping my bags (all six huge suitcases), I went down to our dressing room for a fitting. It was so nice to have a team of seamstresses there to make sure that your entire competition wardrobe fit you perfectly. Next I went back up to my room to change for our introductory ceremony. I met my roommate, Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo, for the first time. She is such a sweetie! I knew it was going to be a great week! At the opening ceremony we introduced ourselves and then the Quality of Life Finalists were announced. When Miss Minnesota was announced I beamed with pride and stepped forward with the other eight finalists. At that moment I couldn't have been happier! I had worked so hard promoting my platform and that nomination signified that I had been doing my job as a titleholder. Next, we headed to an informational meeting with the Miss America staff. We were introduced to our hostesses, security, and officials from the Children's Miracle Network. We were also shown a preview of the next episode of Miss America: Reality Check. I caught short glimpses of myself, but I knew what was to come in the final episode so I wasn't too disappointed that I didn't get much air time in the third episode. After the meeting we headed up to bed knowing that tomorrow would be another long day and my goal was to conserve as much energy as possible. It was sure to be a grueling and exciting 10 days!

Friday January 18, 2008
It was an early morning, but we were in for a surprise. IHOP had come to the hotel and there was a huge breakfast awaiting us downstairs! IHOP is also a partner with Children's Miracle Network and it was so nice of them to treat us to an unlimited number of pancakes. We were even taught how to flip them properly! With an extremely full stomach we were taken straight to our first rehearsal. We met the production staff and went to work right away. I was excited to find out that the director of American Idol would be directing our show! How neat is that?! Rehearsal lasted the rest of the afternoon, but it was great because during the down time I was able to sneak in a small workout. We then changed clothes and were off to the Venetian for a gondola ride. The Venetian is a beautiful hotel and I must say that the gondola ride was quite relaxing. Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007, was there and I will admit that I was a little intimidated at first. With some coaxing from Mike Allegretto, (Miss America CEO) I was able to pull her away for a few minutes to chat about some of her experiences. Speaking with her completely made my night, how often do you have the chance to talk to Miss America one on one? She gave me some great insight into what her year had been like and calmed some of my fears about competing. After a few photo opportunities we came back to the hotel and immediately crawled into bed. At least I know I did—whew these were long and exciting days!

Saturday January 19, 2008
We began the day early in the morning, and spent most of the day in rehearsal. We learned the show format and worked hard on the opening number including our introductions, which we were told, were to consist of something unique about our state. I learned fast that it would be wise to bring a blanket and pillow to rehearsal because during the time my group was not being used, I could sneak in a short but much needed nap. During lunch at the buffet, I even had time to squeeze in a quick interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. They were going to run and article about me and the changes that were being initialized into the Miss America program this year. When I arrived home I was able to see the article and was quite impressed with the content, excluding the fact that they did use a swimsuit picture of me haha! That night we attended a VIP reception at one of the Planet Hollywood night clubs. We signed autographs and met with patrons. I was able to get several autographs from fellow contestants which are now hanging in my brother Caleb’s room! I knew he would be happy with me! We ended the event earlier than scheduled and were told that we could enjoy some shopping time around the hotel if we chose. I decided to go back to my room, enjoy some phone time catching up with friends and family members, study current events in preparation for my interview, and catch some goodnight zzzz's.

Sunday January 20, 2008
This was probably my most favorite day of the entire trip. We had so much fun! Although the day began with another rehearsal, we then headed to the mall where we would be modeling in a fashion show. The stage actually rose up from the basement floor which was so cool! We strutted down the catwalk and then signed autographs for the remainder of the time. Later that night we went to see the show Stomp which was so exciting! I am still in awe of all that they were able to do, and the music they made was incredible. After the show we were able to meet with all the actors and take pictures. Then we were taken to the merchandise room where we were able to buy Miss America products before they went on sale to the public. I was the big spender of the night, I wanted to buy as much as I could. I figure that you only get to compete at Miss America once, so I wanted to take home as much as possible to remember the experience. After holding a self tanning session in our room, we headed to bed because tomorrow would be the most important part of competition, the dreaded interview!

Monday January 21, 2008
I was awake bright and early knowing that I would be the third interview of the entire group. I spent the morning answering possible interview questions in my head, perfecting my look, and yes, trying to calm my nerves. The first five of us were taken to a room where we were told to wait until it was our turn. After what seemed like an eternity, it was now my chance to prove to the judges that I could handle the job. I had spent years preparing for these 10 minutes and before I knew it, they were over. I left the room with a weird feeling. Usually I am pretty good at determining whether I thought my interview went well, but this time I wasn't sure what to think. Overall, it was just different than what I had anticipated. When I say I had a weird feeling about it that is because it was a weird interview . . . I can't think of a better word to describe it. It wasn't that the questions were overly hard just different, including several questions about whether I would ever pose for Playboy. I tried to make a joke about it, but I don't think it went over so well. Although I wasn't very confident in my interview I tried to keep my spirits up, and it helped knowing that most of the girls felt the say way about their own interview. After a nerve-wracking morning it was nice to go to rehearsal knowing that part was over. That night we went to dinner at Planet Dailies and blew off some steam chatting about what are lives were like back home. We were given an hour to spend time with our friends and family members who had already arrived. It was great to see my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and of course my boyfriend. I couldn't believe how proud of me they were, and how excited they were to be there. Seeing them was just what I needed!

Tuesday January 22, 2008
We spent the entire morning in... take a lucky guess... rehearsal, while the rest of the girls finished up with their interviews. I can not stress how great it was to be finished with that of the competition. Today would be an easy day for me because I was only competing in on stage question. Opening number went well and I suited up in my leopard print dress and headed on stage to answer my question. I wasn't very nervous for this part because it would be ask about our platform, and I know mine inside and out. I can't for the life of me remember what my question was or how I answered it. I just remember that it wasn't very hard and that it was difficult to elaborate on. Everyone said I answered ok so I took their word for it. At visitation I was able to see all of my friends, committee members, and my family. I just remember that the time went by so fast that I wasn't ready to leave them yet. They are so good at making me feel confident in myself and letting me know that no matter the outcome, I would always be their Miss America.

Wednesday January 23, 2008
Today began with yet another rehearsal, although I was very grateful for this one. Tonight I would be competing in swimsuit and evening gown, so we were given the chance to model in a dress rehearsal. I was slightly nervous for competition because my gown contained so much fabric that I had to learn how to move and have fun in the dress without tripping. I had tripped several times in rehearsal so I said a prayer hoping that everything would go well that night. I left after rehearsal because today I had my Quality of Life interview which would determine the winner of the award. I stepped into a room where I was questioned about my platform by three former Miss Americas! It was so amazing to not only meet them, but to have a relaxed conversation about what I am most passionate about. I tried to hold back the tears as I talked about my brothers but they came anyway. I left feeling good about it, and was then introduced to Miss Oregon 2006. She identified with me in so many ways because we had both shared the same platform. We had a great connection and even realized that we had been working with some of the same organizations. After spending some time with Dannileigh, I headed back to the theatre to get ready for the nights competition. I gave it my all in the swimsuit category. I will admit that there is only so much you can do with a 5'3" frame, and believe me-I worked it! Now it was time for evening gown. I felt like a queen and it couldn't have gone better. Someone snapped a picture while I was modeling and the next day it was on CNN, Fox News, and even Yahoo! I couldn't believe it! Evening gown was by far my most favorite part of competition. I met my cheering section at visitation and once again they boosted my confidence. Although I didn't win the Quality of Life Award, I was so extremely proud to be a finalist and I felt like the day could not have gone better.

Thursday January 24, 2008
The morning began with my talent rehearsal and it was so great to see my directors, committee members and family there to support me. After my rehearsal I headed to the other side of the theatre where I gave two live-feed interviews to news stations back in Minnesota. Unfortunately this was the day I choose not to do my hair and makeup, but luckily there was a makeup artist there to fix me. I learned that it is really hard to hear with that little ear pieces they give you, but the interviews made for a fun morning. Before competition we had the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the premiere of Sylvester Stalone's new movie, "Rambo." I was slightly disappointed that I didn't catch a glimpse of Mister Sly himself, but the event made us all feel like stars. The competition began and I have to say that this was probably my least favorite day, only because I wasn't feeling well, but the show must go on. It started off a little rocky because I slipped on stage during opening number, but I was in the back at the time so I don't think anyone really noticed. Before I performed my talent I saw my favorite Miss America, Dorothy Benham, back stage where she offered me words of wisdom and encouragement. I have come to terms that I will never win American Idol, but I sang my heart out on stage and there is no room for disappointment where you give it your best. I absolutely loved performing my talent on the Miss America stage, and it will be a memory that will last me a lifetime. The only bad part was that I slipped again when I was exiting the stage. I am a bit of a clutz so I didn't let it get me down. Two slips on the Miss America stage both on the same night-now that is what I call Talent!

Friday January 25, 2008
This morning we were taught where the cameras would be and when to look at them in order to get the best facial shot for the show's Saturday night finale. Still praying that I would get the opportunity to be shown on national television during competition, I listened intently. This night we dressed in formal gowns because we would be going to a gala to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. The gala was a unique event where we experienced great food and even better company. We listened to Lauren Nelson speak about the different ways she was able to volunteer her time as an advocate for Children's Miracle Network. Her heartfelt speech moved us to tears because as volunteers in our own states, we understand the importance of this wonderful charity. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we were rushed back to our rooms knowing that tomorrow one of us would be crowned the new Miss America. I probably should have gone straight to bed, but the anticipation nearly killed me. Miss America: Reality Check was going to be replayed at 1am and there was no way I was going to miss it! I was so excited when I realized that I wasn't edited out of the final show and the shock on my face when I was called into the top 10 was hilarious! I had been daydreaming because I knew they wouldn't call my name, but they sure proved me wrong. I was completely astonished but very proud. It shows that a lot of hard work really can go a long way. My lips had remained sealed for several months and I couldn't wait to see what my friends and family would say!

Saturday January 26, 2008 The Finale
Waking up, I couldn't believe that years of hard work had finally come down to today. Tonight one lady's life would change forever, and I hoped it would be mine. I can still vividly remember standing on stage during the announcement of the top 15. Each time they called out, "and we have another member of the Blue Group," my heart raced. Could it be me? I remember looking into the crowd and seeing my family, hands clinched with nervousness. I listened for the "m" sound that would come from "Minnesota!" I waited as 14 spots had been called, 1 left to go. "And we have another member of the Blue Group," was announced. In my head I prayed it would be me. "Mi-" my heart literally stopped, "ssissippi!" I remember thinking, Yeah Kim! I was so proud of her! But then my heart dropped as I realized that I hadn't been called. I wanted so badly to be the first contestant from Minnesota in over 20 years to make it into the top 10-15. I smiled up at my family and then looked around the stage. Whatever discouragement I had felt was then gone. I stared at the other 36 contestants who hadn't heard their name; 36 beautiful, intelligent, and talented ladies who would have each been a fine representative for the Miss America Organization. I knew right then that I had no right to feel sorry for myself because I had come this far. I had lived my childhood dream of competing on the Miss America stage. And it’s funny how things work out. I had thought that I would want to go backstage and cry, but instead I swelled with pride knowing that I had represented my state and myself to the best of my ability. I accepted my spot on what we had nicknamed "Loser Mountain," and cheered on my fellow friends as they continued to compete. I would be leaving Miss America with a top 10 spot on Reality Check, and as a Quality of Life nominee, and I couldn't be happier. Miss Michigan, Kirsten Haglund, was crowned Miss America that night, and I know she is the right person for the job. I had the chance to get to know her personally while taping in Los Angeles and she is such a remarkable young woman. She is a jewel, and I know that she will continue to shine throughout her year. The only time I cried that night was when I saw my friends and family at the after party. I was overcome with emotion knowing that so many people had dropped what they were doing in their personal lives to come and support me. Although I hadn't won the title, they didn't care! I am so grateful to have them in my life and to I have friends and family who love me so much. I couldn't ask for more! Needless to say the night ended with a celebration including lots of French fries and a night out on the town.

Sunday January 27, 2008
Everything had gone by so quickly! I rushed to the airport with my brother Caleb only to find out that our flight had been delayed for a few hours. It gave us another excuse to indulge in lots of French fries. I saw many of my friends at the airport and I was glad to have another opportunity to thank them. On the flight home I thought of all the things I had left back in my hotel room, but quickly shut those thoughts out. I arrived home feeling content knowing that I was still Miss Minnesota. I still had a job to do.

The Aftermath:
I say "aftermath" because I was sooooo exhausted! I literally slept for 3 days straight! My committee allowed me a week of recuperation, for which I was extremely thankful. While resting, I realized that I could not wait to get back to my duties as Miss Minnesota. All of my appearances are completely rewarding, so I dived into all of the interviews and questions that awaited me. I never feel embarrassed when I am asked, "so how did you do at Miss America?" I simply reply, "I did my best." As dramatic as this sounds, life does go on after Miss America. So here I am, back and ready to take on all of life’s new challenges!

Always your Miss Minnesota 2007,
Jennifer