|
|
For the love of the children…. |
"What was your favorite part about being Miss Rodeo Iowa?" This is a question that I answer almost on a daily basis. As Miss Rodeo Iowa, some of my most treasured memories are those of the children whom I had the opportunity to meet and become friends with throughout the year. Nothing made me feel more like a queen then the look on a child’s face when I would walk up to them to shake their hand and talk to them about the rodeo or whatever they happened to come up with. I loved signing autographs and listening to their young voices tell of their favorite part of the rodeo and how one day they hope to be a World Champion bull rider, barrel racer or even a rodeo queen. I have many pen pals under the age of 10 who I would have never met had I not won the title of Miss Rodeo Iowa. I look forward to their every letter and hope that I have made them feel just as special as they have me. When I would visit schools and talk about citizenship and responsibility, I would leave praying that each of those children understood the value of determination and hard work and would set goals just as I did and continue to do everyday. These special appearances were so important to me and I know the kids really enjoyed them too. After competing in the Miss Rodeo America pageant, I visited with a barrel racing friend whom I had met the past year and we started talking about her daughter and my goals to move south after graduation to begin my teaching career. Lori told me that after her daughter found out that I was planning to move 2,000 miles away she broke down in tears and was so upset because she was sure that she would never see me again. Lori promised to take her daughter to the store, buy a frame and put my autographed picture in it. Hearing that story made me feel so special that I had touched that little girl’s life so greatly that it no longer mattered how the results panned out in the week long pageant. My purpose in being Miss Rodeo Iowa was to serve all year, not just in the pageant in Las Vegas and in one little girl’s eyes, I am a winner and always will be. Knowing that I have impacted so many lives, young and old in such a positive manner means more to me than anything. The pageant was one week and was a lot of fun but my reign was fifty two weeks and holds so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever! |
|
 |
|
