Blessed.

Sooo, last night's competition was absolutely incredible. We were at rehearsal from 11am-to the start of the show@ 7:45pm. We practiced, stretched, ate lunch, and got our hair done. Then, before we knew it, it was showtime! I changed into my "what you want to be when you grow up" costume, and we were on the stage for the parade of states and countries. That went really well. I was more animated than the night before and I didn't forget anything. So, I felt good about that. Then, the top 10 finalists were announced. I really believed that I would make top 10. So, as they called the others names, I wasn't even nervous. Miss DC, Miss North Carolina, Miss Virginia, Miss...Florida!! I was sooo happy! I had been praying that I would make the top 10 b/c that would mean another chance to perform my talent, walk, answer, and give my speech! YAYY! Then, we all walked off stage and prepared for our first segment:personality and appearence. We also had to answer a question. So, I was number 4. I walked out, did my speech and it was awesome! I was clear, didn't studder, and didn't forget anything. Then, they asked me, "Mary, tell us why you would like to major in physical therapy." I said "I would like to major in physical therapy because I believe it is beneficial to people to understand how their bodies function. I would one day like to become a physical therapist to help people learn more about their bodies!" hahaha! I wasn't so happy about how I said the last sentance, I knew what I wanted to say, it just came our wrong. But, I didn't studder, I just said it, and it sounded fine. After that, I walked off stage and went to my dressing room where I changed into my talent costume: a royal blue tutu. I put my hair up in a bun, because it was down and curly before. Then, when I was done, I went back up to the wings and stretched and warmed up, and prayed. When it was time for my talent, I was ready. I made my entrance, and began. I felt really great about how the entire piece went. My leap was much better, the last pose was strong, and I nailed my double pirouette...which was something I failed to do in preliminaries. I was very pleased with how I performed. I know that I did my best, I felt like my dance was solid and that my performance was fierce! I know that I did all that I could. Afterwards, I went back down to the dressing rooms, changed into my "Cinderella" gown, shoes, and slip. Then I went back to the hair lady and had her re-curl my hair. The next section was appearence. I did my walk. I thought it went really well. I felt very poised. Next, the R&B recording artist "Omarion" performed. Afterwards,the top 10 did their walk, we had a gown number so the audience could see everyone's dresses. It was sooo pretty and was set to "I Believe" by Fantasia. Then, awards were given (miss congeniality, personality, creativity, photogenic). Then, it was time to call the names of the final 5. Miss DC, Miss Virginia, Miss Georgia, Miss New Jersey, and Miss North Carolina. When I didn't hear my name, I was of course dissapointed. 4th runner up went to Va, 3rd to New Jersey, 2nd to Georgia, and 1st to DC. Miss North Carolina won! She performed an incredible contemporary dance piece. I believe that the judging was right. The 5 finalists were definitely in their places. Incase your wondering, I did cry! haha! But only briefly...then I was okay. I wanted to be in the top 5 but that's okay. I know that it wasn't my time. I did my best and I have no regrets about the competition. Just because I wasn't a finalist doesn't mean that I can't go on to do great things. I believe that God will open the doors for me. This isn't the last great opportunity I will have. I am still a little disapointed, but I accept what was given to me. I made the top 10! That really means a lot to me. It is an incredible feeling knowing that I made it that far. Afterwards, I was interviewed by one of Bermuda's local tv news channels! That was really cool. I said my name, age, what state I was from, and what this week and experience has been like for me! Then, I went to the dressing room and changed and gathered my stuff. All of the girls rode back on the bus together. We got back to our room and I started organizng and packing. I was up until 3am packing! Today, I woke up at 7, and ate breakfast. I am going to leave this Bermudiful island in just a little while:(
This experience has been so incredible for me. I have grown as a dancer, an artist, and as a person. I have been inspired by everyone here and have made some awesome friends! I am so much more confident in who I am. I have been able to do some really neat things. For one, this competition and coming to Bermuda. I got to do a local tv news interview, and sooo much more. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I will never forget it. I may not have won the title, but I have won in other ways! I am going to miss this place and all of the talented, beautiful and great girls I have met. I am so thankful to God for awarding me this unique opportunity. I feel sooo BLESSED.
Mary