The Night I WON!

Elizabeth Hawthorne (Miss Michigan Teen USA 2008) and I after she crowned me. I don't think anyone could have handled the responsibility of this job better than she did!

Taking pictures, waiting for Miss Michigan USA to start!

The girls from Top 15!

Miss Michigan USA 2009, Lindsey Tycholiz and me after I put the sash around her.

We found out we live across from each other, on the same street, in Sterling Heights! This picture is priceless!

Immediately after I won!

2009 Diamond Group <3>

in this group! It's been known to be good luck!

Top 5 minus one girl (Danielle Goike)!

Hi, everyone! I guess I should start my blog off by sharing my experience of winning Miss Michigan Teen USA 2009. I remember everything, but I will try not to get too carried away, although at times it's hard to hold myself back. I walked in the first morning and felt so out of place because every single girl there had family or friends with them to cheer them on. Unfortunately, my mom and close friend couldn't make it until later that evening. I went into it thinking everyone was going to be for themselves when, to my surprise, I realized all the girls there were so welcoming to one another. With that said, I encourage any girl to get into this sort of stuff because I know a lot of good friends and experiences could be made through it. I was titled Miss Sterling Heights for the weekend. I have to admit, it was not all rainbows and butterflies. During rehearsals my dress was getting stuck to everything. I had to literally CUT my dress with scissors to make it work. I was running on 4 hours of sleep each night. Worst of all, I could not see my mom at all, which is very hard for me because my mom and I are inseparable. My two closest friends were Danielle and Samantha which is very ironic because my middle name is Samantha and my last name is Danielle. These two girls moved forward with me to top 15. It was so nerve wrecking because all the girls I made the strongest bonds with were being called for top 15 and I was so proud of them, but I thought i was not going to get called. I got called 14th and at that point, I felt accomplished. I would not have minded if that's where i placed the last time. I moved on to top 5 to mine and my family's surprise. It was weird because there were girls who have been doing it for years that I thought for sure would make it before me. I was asked an onstage question, "Do you think shows like Gossip Girl are influential to teens today?" I replied, "Yes, but i don't think the girls portray positive role models. There should be more shows with role models that display good intentions directed towards teens."I could not have been asked a better question because I stand so strong on that belief. Immediately after, finalists were called. They called 4th runner up which I was sure I would have been. My name wasn't called. They kept counting down the finalists and I was so surprised to not have heard my name by then. Finally, it was the last girl and me. My mom always reminds me of the time when it was just us to standing and I looked towards her like... What the heck is going on I'm so confused. Finally, they called runner up which wasn't me, meaning I won. I did not know how to react. I couldn't laugh, I couldn't cry. I felt frozen. My mom, brother, and best friend ran up to me. My mom is very bad at showing her emotions and I've never seen her in so much joy like she was that night. That's when I started crying. I felt like I made her proud. She reassured me when she said, "Kristen, this is what I've always dreamt for you." I got more gratitude out of that than the whole night. As Miss Michigan Teen USA 2009 I put the sash on Miss Michigan USA 2009 who ironically lives right across the street from me. It was too much fun. I know I said I was going to try and not write a lot, but I cant help myself. In all, I love the Miss Teen USA system. The people all around me were always helpful and caring. I loved the judges and my pageant director, along with her husband, who I got to meet up close and personal. Most of all, I learned a great deal of respect for pageants. I had the greatest opportunity to gain confidence, meet great friends, and make a memory that will last a lifetime!

P.S. My next blogs will not drag on as much I PROMISE! <3

Love Always,

Kristen