Today was the final day of judging interviews!! I can't believe the week is almost over. It's been such a busy but amazing week.
This morning, I got up and went to my first workshop... which was sponsored by Paul Mitchell! Had I known they were doing our hair and makeup, I wouldn't have fussed over doing it this morning. Shucks. So, I had them spruce up what I had already done, but will definitely be going down in the morning to have them doll me up for the evening wear.
After the workshop, a bunch of us hung out in the dining area just talking. I love these times, because it allows me to get to know the other contestants in a personal yet relaxed way. I got to talk further with Ms. Iowa, Angie Plager, Ms. Georgia, Kathleen Rice, Ms. Arkansas, Jacqueline Bettis, and Ms. Arizona, Jolene DeTiege. When talking to some of these girls, we found out that Ms. Massachusetts, Ashley Speicher, was taken away in an ambulance and to the ER for dehydration among other things. Some of the other girls had also been experiencing problems.
Interviews started late because some of the judges were late (and the medical issues some girls were having), so we had to bump our interview times to a later time than originally scheduled. Finally around 4pm, I went into my interview. Here are the questions. The answers are even more brief than normal because it's 2am here, and I'm so, so tired.
1. What would you change about America today?
I would want to eliminate the class system so that there wasn't "poor, middle class, and wealthy." I would want to create a balanced system of equality where everyone helped everyone else out if needed.
2. What is your best and worst quality?
Best is the joy I exude from deep within. Worst is my perfectionism.
3. If you had a friend or family member with a terminally ill disease and they asked you to help them die, would you?
No, and that is based on my morals and beliefs as a Christian. I would never assist anyone in trying to end their life but would instead try to find out why they wanted to do that. But, I would never agree to help them end their life.
4. If you were not selected to win Ms. Wheelchair America, who do you think should win?
Ms. Wheelchair NC, Erika Bogan.
5. Tell me about how you became disabled.
(Go see my website for this answer. I'm not typing it out.)
6. Are you registered to vote? If so, why? If not, why?
Yes, I've been registered to vote since I was 18. I feel it's extremely important to have a voice, otherwise nothing will get done if you don't put in how your say.
7. What would you change about this week if you could?
I would change the length of the days. Many girls have gotten sick, and we have not had an opportunity to get out of our wheelchairs and take care of personal care items that we needed to.
8. What magazine would you most like to be on the cover of?
People or Time magazine. Typically, there are Presidents or well known leaders in America on those covers. I would want to show the world that every day, average Americans like me and you are doing great things, too.
I felt 100% confident in all of my answers, because I answered straight from the heart and knew that I gave it my best shot. Whew! Only one thing left to do now, and that was my platform speech.
I didn't feel as prepared as I would have liked to going into it. I was third from the last, because this year they went in reverse alphabetical order by state. Susan Rotchy, a former Ms. Wheelchair CA (2007) was here with my state coordinator. Thank God, because she helped me with last minute advice that worked like a charm. I videotaped my speech, but I can't figure out how to upload it, so you'll have to wait on that one. But, here are some pictures of me with some of the gals from tonight! (And, the only one of me on stage is blurry. Sorry!)
Me and my mom!
Me and Susan Rotchy, Ms. Wheelchair 2007. So glad she was here!!
My state coordinator, Ruthee Goldkorn, me, and Susan Rotchy (Ms. Wheelchair CA 2007).
On stage, giving my speech!
I stayed within my 2 minute allowance, and as soon as I left the stage, I immediately began crying tears of joy. I was so happy with my speech. I didn't fumble, didn't stop, and didn't get nervous, but delivered it with poise, confidence, and enthusiasm. I was so proud of myself, that I couldn't help but cry and thank Jesus audibly!! To Him goes all the glory!
Tomorrow evening at 6pm, the Top 5 will be announced. I should know soon thereafter whether I made Top 5 but will then go immediately into live on-stage interview questions in front of the audience and judges. They will then go deliberate, and the winner will be announced somewhere around 8pm MST. That's what I'm guessing, but again, it may be earlier or later depending on what happens. If I win, I won't be able to get up to the hotel room to update my status or anything, so please be patient. I'll try my best to let people know, though, as soon as I find out!
Love you all, and thank you for walking this journey with me!
Blessings,
Alyson
The Route 66 Rendezvous 5K Race was held in San Bernardino on a beautiful Saturday morning! It was an honor for Alyson to be there helping cheer on all the racers as well as encourage them prior to the race.
As you can see, it was such a hot day! My pictures start getting not as pretty as we go because we were all sweating so much! But, it didn't keep the little girls from admiring my crown and sash and waiting in line to take pictures with me!
