Benefits of Pageantry… 5 Years (and counting) Later

For a good portion of my life I danced and was surrounded around women who competed in pageants, specifically the Miss America pageant. Although in the end I never made it to the Miss America stage, instead I competed at Miss USA, I still cherish the life skills learned through competing in pageants. I learned how to accept constructive criticism and honed skills in self-evaluation, all of which are important for continual self-improvement in any field. My naturally introverted personality blossomed into something more of an extrovert. Many people would be surprised to know that I was a flower girl in two weddings and did not make it down either aisle. Or, the times in dance when I would puke my guts out while competing at a dance competition because of my “nerves” or… (ok, you get the picture). My keenness for proper etiquette was heightened because as a titleholder, one must always “be on” since you are representing not only yourself, but also an organization and a state/city. Lastly, let’s not even begin the countless hours spent perfecting the personal interview, on-stage question, and talent portions. One must always be able to think on her feet, speak eloquently and with confidence. My years of dancing prior to my competition days served as preparation for the talent portion, but it is more than simple "talent" that equates to a good talent performance. Not only must the contestant be technically sound in their area of expertise, but they must also be entertaining. Those of you who watch American Idol, Duets, ABDC, etc. should know what I am referring to. They simply have the "wow" factor and captivate the audience while they are performing. 

These are a few of the benefits that I personally gained through pageantry, but I do at times ponder about the role of pageants for the 21st century. I first began competing in pageants because well… I was surrounded by it. I then began simply enjoying the competitive nature of the “sport.” As I got older, I realized the impact titleholders have on their community. State and local titleholders are models to young girls and figureheads/representatives to many organizations. If you are interested in competing in pageants, I suggest that you do your research and actually attend a few local/state pageants depending on which system you prefer.

Recently, Lisa Quast, published an article entitled “Find Your Inner Pageant Queen to Excel Your Career” in which she paralleled pageantry to landing and excelling in your career of choice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her article and found myself nodding many times in agreement. I had always realized that my pageant life transferred to my everyday life, but Lisa did a nice job explaining how pageantry tips can also help you excel in the business/work force, as well.  Although I have linked the article, I would like to take a moment to bullet her five points (or tips) for women to excel in obtaining their perfect job:

Tip #1: To ace the interview: Be extremely knowledgeable.

Tip #2: Walk the walk: Stand tall and show your most confident self

Tip #3: Show off your talent: Know your strengths and play them up

Tip #4: Pick the perfect pageant attire: Dress for the job you desire

Tip #5: Smile, smile, smile: Positivity is an incredible tool.

The above-mentioned tips can also be helpful if you are marrying a college and/or professional sporting coaching. For me, these tools really come in handy during the college basketball season in which I personally and mentally prepare myself for (ha, I act like we have been married for 20 years.). The season can be so long and there are so many events to attend which I have personally equated to titleholder appearances. For me personally though, I am completely unknowledgeable about the sport of basketball so I fail every time with Tip #1 so I guess that means that I am extremely good at Tip #3 because I typically talk to the “other” wives about non-athletic topics.

<3

Michelyn

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Career Woman Inc and/or Lisa Quast. All opinions are mine.

Gratitude for this Reprieve & Life

Since my previous post, I have done quite a bit of reflection and discussions with love-ones about this time off, or ‘reprieve.' Although I did end my previous post with somewhat of a positive outlook and realization that this month break is most-needed, I realized that I should be more gracious since so many others never get this type of opportunity… an opportunity to sit back and relax. As a sign of homage to this period in my life, I also wanted to share the top five things that I am gracious for:

Getting married in 30 days to my best friend! This definitely tops off my list as I am ready for the day to be here. 90% of planning is complete and if it is not planned to date, I am not fretting over it. I am simply ready to be married so that our lives can be forged as one. I know there are many fun adventures in our near future!

Going on a surprise honeymoon. No explanation needed!

I have a job! More importantly, I have a job that I am utterly excited to begin.

Health. I am healthy as a lark and besides Jason’s few dental issues (I pestered him to visit the dentist for 1 year. Guess who didn’t listen….), he is healthy, as well as, my parents and other family members. Praise the Lord.

Summer. It is my favorite time of the year.

So that’s my list- how about you?

<3

Michelyn 

How Many Days Until....

I am sure that many of my followers are thinking that this post is related to my upcoming nuptials. Although I am beyond excited about getting married in 33 days (of course I have a countdown), instead I am referring to my angst of not having something to do!

It has only been nine days since the last day of my internship and I am going crazy. See, my entire life I have been on the go, multi-tasking, even triple-tasking. Whether I was competing in dance competitions, pageants, training for a race, completing my dissertation, or something else.... I have always been moving, doing something, working, or planning my plan for my next move. In the previous post I discussed my need to take a moment to breathe! Ok, I have breathed enough! I have caught my breath and am ready for the rollercoaster of my life as a married woman with her first real job to begin!

Cheers to my current boredom because I am certain the next few years will bring much positive energy and movement to our household.

<3
Michelyn

Take A Moment And Breathe…

As I sit back and reflect on all that has surpassed in these short 10 months since moving to Fargo and even the journey through my doctorate and tenure as Miss WI USA, I am amazed at how much I have accomplished. More importantly, I am trying to take a moment to breathe, meditate, and appreciate my journey thus far. I have honestly been on the move for 6 years constant.

The other night while watching television with the fiancé, I exclaimed: “What should I be doing right now!” You see, in the past, it was a rare occurrence that I ever watched television or read books for leisure. Slowly, I am making these changes in my life, and I think it is good. I must attest that after that statement I arose to continue work on the wedding program. There always seems to be something wedding-related to be done. Although I have a fabulous mother who has done awesome and a wedding planner, I must admit that I am still trying to manage from the sidelines. I am going to promise to sit back and relax (with a few adult beverages) the day of the wedding. I pinkie swear (with my toes crossed, lol). On a positive note- a few hours ago I got returned from signing my contract for my first REAL job! Sure, I have had summer and part-time jobs before, but this is career-- not simply something I am doing for a few months. Next week I plan to deposit my dissertation and then I only have six more weeks of my internship!  So in honor of these celebrations, I picked up a six-pack of Summer Shandy and placed two lawn chairs on our balcony. I am simply awaiting my Love!

But seriously, I need some tips on ways to relax. What do you to unwind?

Here are some things that I currently do and one’s that I am thinking to pick up.

Leisure Reading on my Nook Tablet!

I must find a yoga studio in Fargo!

Treat myself to a relaxing massage.

A Word of Thanks!

On Friday, my dream and goal came to fruition. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with my doctorate in Educational Psychology. The days leading up to Friday were quite intense as I also passed my dissertation oral defense on Wednesday. Even though it made for many stressful days, I am glad that I packed it all in. To be hooded during the School of Education's Hooding Ceremony and then to walk across the stage during the Ph.D. Commencement knowing that I was D-O-N-E is a feeling I can not explain.



The six years leading up to my graduation would not have actualized if it were not for the many wonderful family and friends that I am surrounded by (some pictured).






I am not certain why God placed them in my life, but I am fortuitous and appreciative. I thank them from the bottom of my heart!

<3
Michelyn

Coaches Corner

Welcome to 'Coaches Corner' where one can learn some insider perspectives about those 'living' the sport of basketball.

I felt it was fitting to start off this inaugural series with an interview with my beloved fiancee, a Division I college assistant basketball coach. Let's see what he has to say about his profession:

What is the formal description for a Division I assistant basketball coach?

The role of an assistant coach is very diverse and includes a number of responsibilities.  The first and most time-consuming task is the recruitment of quality student-athletes.  Another aspect of the job would be coaching and player development on the court.  The most important responsibility as an assistant, in my opinion, would be the development of a trustworthy relationship with the student-athletes.  One of the cornerstones to the success of any program is the ability to create a healthy environment for the players you have recruited to your school.  The assistant coach plays a large role in making that happen.

Ok, so what do you actually do?

Simply put?  We recruit, coach in practice, then we recruit, do scouting reports, recruit, attend booster functions, recruit…oh and then we recruit some more!

What is the best part of being a college basketball coach?

I would say working with young people is the most rewarding aspect of coaching.  Also, as a competitor, the rush you get from coaching games is amazing.

What is the most difficult aspect of being a college basketball coach?

There are a lot of difficult aspects of being a college coach when it comes to recruiting and the pressure of winning games, however, I couldn’t think of a better profession.  I can go to my job every day feeling as if I am not working.  It’s the best!

What is your most memorable basketball experience to date?

My most memorable experience was winning the Summit League Regular Season Championship in 2009 at Oral Roberts.  Going into the game, we were in a situation where if we win, we would attain the outright title.  A loss would end in a tie for the conference championship.  We got down by 11 points in the first half and came back right at the end of the game to win 77-74.  A week and a half later we qualified for the NCAA Tournament, again in dramatic fashion. 

Thank you Coach Kemp for providing us with an inside perspective into your field. It always amazes me with the number of individuals surprised that he does not also teach courses or hold some other job on the university campus. I think so much of what the assistant coaches (and even head coach) do occurs behind closed doors. Little discussions surround the many hours spent analyzing film and developing players. Even less is discussed on the more important role the coaches have on developing the student (hence student-athlete). 

Blog Facelift Edition 1.0

It has been nearly 10 months since I last updated my blog. I am here to announce that I am officially BACK to blogging and had the pleasure of receiving a facelift! My wonderful, oh so fabulous fiancee spent the last few hours working his magic on Adobe Photoshop. So, what are your thoughts on my new looks? I am not apposed to some periodic enhancements... This is simply the first of many to come, hence Edition 1.0.

As you can also see the name of the blog has been updated to include my newfound affinity to basketball. Affinity in the sense that I am "marrying into the field." I would consider myself more of a cheerleader than a basketball oficionado. For this reason- this book will be purchased A.S.A.P....
 
A few recaps of the content will be shared for all of you unknowledgeable to the game of basketball. Or for those that would like to chuckle as I try to make sense out of the X's and O's.

<3
Michelyn