The last 2 months have been a very exciting and busy time for all of us in Bay County. The journey really started years ago when I first started competing in Miss Bay County. It was the first time I said to myself, if I make it to Miss Michigan I am going to skate for my talent.
For those of you who aren’t aware of my background, I spent 10 years of my life as a competitive figure skater. I lived and breathed skating. I was home schooled for it, and when I was in school I was at the rink every day after school and at times even before school. I was in route for one goal, to compete at the Olympic Winter Games.
Now obviously that did not happen, but from that time of my life I learned so many invaluable lessons. Lessons that led me to creating Ignite the Passion Within, my platform message.
In January we addressed the state director in Michigan with our idea, and she excitedly pursued the necessary approvals we would need. In early February we received full approval from the state and national boards. So then we began what we knew could be the toughest part of this journey, raising funds to purchase the synthetic ice. But it was only minutes long in comparison to every other part. In a tearful phone call, the entire cost was donated by my late Aunt Alison through an angel on earth. A BIG thank you to Aunt Reg, it has been such a blessing for everyone a part if Miss Bay County, my family and community.
It was less than two weeks later that my dad was carrying all of the panels two by two off the delivery truck, and I stepped on to the synthetic ice for the first time.
It was a very interesting first few steps, really first few times on the ice. I felt like I was 7 trying to get used to ice again for the first time – but it was soon taken over by an amazing experience of skating… inside.
And on March 3 at Miss Michigan orientation, I announced my talent as figure skating. It is unbelievable, and has been a very exciting, tough, and personal journey. More to come later but so edited to share this news with everyone.
AND a big thank you to my incredible family who has jumped completely in to my craziness, stepping up at every moment and idea I’ve thrown their way. I am so blessed.
DREAM BIG.
Miss Bay County Scholarship Program 