With t-minus one week until I travel down to Columbus, I thought it would be appropriate to use this post, perhaps my last one, to address my fellow 2021 Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition candidates.
Ladies, although we have not spent a ton of time together, just know that I am already inspired by every one of you. Just following each of you on social media and keeping up with your hard work as you prep for one of the biggest weeks of our lives has given me a glimpse into your work ethic and dedication to your community.
With that said, I am PROUD to be one in a group of such polished, professional, and poised young women. I mean that from the bottom of my heart- this blog post is not intended to inflate my own ego or put a spotlight on me.
We represent an organization that some say is obsolete, but I disagree. The Miss America and Miss Georgia organizations are just as relevant today as they were when they were first founded. Personally, I know I would not be where I am today, or who I am today, if I had not competed in Miss Georgia preliminaries. I already know that competing at the state level will have a profound effect on my life, as well.
I have been asked multiple times in media interviews and by friends and family what I am the most excited for at Miss Georgia. While I am certainly looking forward to hitting the Rivercenter stage, I am also thrilled to learn more about each of you and especially your Social Impact Initiatives. I have LOVED keeping up with each of your SIIs and watching as you make headway in your communities- some of you are so creative with your titles and approaches!
Our commitment to our communities is one of many reasons that I say the Miss America and Miss Georgia organizations are still relevant. Through our commitments to our communities, academics, and each other, we provide inspiration to generations of young girls looking for ways to make their voices heard.
As I was pondering what to include in this letter, I thought back to a practice interview session where a “judge” asked me if, in my experience, candidates are kind to one another behind closed doors. I answered her honestly when I said that in my experience, candidates were nothing but kind, respectful and even supportive of one another.
I like to think that as I make final preparations and head down to Columbus, I am not competing AGAINST each of you, but WITH each of you. Whoever ends up winning the crown, each of our names are etched into Miss Georgia history for multiple reasons.
Not only are we the class that has braved a pandemic and waited two years to compete, we are carrying the torch for future generations of local titleholders and Miss Georgias. In addition, the Miss America Organization is turning 100 this year- what an honor to be a part of such a significant milestone!
Our commitment to supporting one another is what, I believe, will keep these organizations alive and well for another 100 years.
In conclusion, no matter how stressed or busy we are this time next week, my sincerest hope is that I have time to speak with each one of you. I want to support you, your dreams, and ambitions as my fellow local titleholders.
See you soon!
Lauren, Miss Greater Atlanta
