The
following summer in 2010, my dream of becoming a NAM queen came true. I
am so truly blessed and honored to hold this title and I am so grateful
for the friends and family that helped me along the way. My parents and
grandparents have always been there to support me and cheer for me. My
mom stayed up late with me getting my outfits ready and helping me go
over my speeches and routines. I even was able to wear one my mom’s
dresses that she also won a pageant in when she was younger! And my
family and boyfriend were in the crowd the whole weekend cheering me on,
but I think my grandma was the loudest. It was especially cool that my
youngest brother, Lance, was my escort and wore a white tuxedo to match
my dress.

The pageant in itself was an amazing opportunity that will forever
inspire me, but the doors that it opened were even greater. This year as
the National American Miss Missouri Queen, I was able to meet a lot of
great people and do amazing service work. Nationals in California was an
incredible experience that almost felt like a dream. It was surreal
walking along Rodeo Drive, the walk of fame, and seeing the Hollywood
sign in person. And Disney Land was truly magical. But meeting girls
from all around the country was the best part. It was so inspirational
to meet girls that had reached their dreams like me and were heading
towards even greater ones. Of course we all found each other on facebook
after we had returned home. It’s been fun staying in contact with the
girls!

It
was difficult managing my time as a freshman at Truman State
University, but I still found time to help in the community. I have
always loved volunteering at Retirement homes, and this year I was able
to play bunko with the residents at Delmar Gardens. I especially hit it
off with a wonderful lady named Claire. I also attended a Red Hat Ladies
dinner and it was a blast. I have always been passionate about younger
kids, and my favorite experience was volunteering at Ray Miller
Elementary School in Kirksville. I helped the students with homework
assignments at aftercare and with reading, but the best part was playing
at recess. I loved being able to inspire younger girls and boys and to
just spend time with them to show them that I truly care. It really
meant a lot to me when the kids got excited for me to come help out.

More
recently, I helped with a Truman event called Big Event where hundreds
of students go out into the community to do various forms of service,
especially yard work. Another one of my favorite experiences was
participating in the Special Olympics. I had a great day spending my
time with my Olympics Buddy, Ethan. He was so sweet, full of energy and a
jokester too. He did great in the competitions and his positive
attitude and pure love for others was so inspiring! I will never forget
that day.
Being
a member of the NAM family has taught me so many things about life and
has allowed me to build a confidence that will positively impact
everything I do. The pageant as well as the opportunities it allowed,
and the people I have met, have greatly shaped me to be the person I am.
I know I will always strive to make a difference in the world and to
impact the lives of others around me in a positive way.

To
all of the girls competing in NAM this coming year, you are incredible
for making it this far. You took that first step to enter the pageant
and make it there, that is such an accomplishment! Walk through those
doors with a smile on your face, knowing that you are amazing just the
way you are and that you CAN make a difference. If you have the right
attitude, I know that your weekend will be a life changing experience
and a ton of fun! So go out there and reach for your dreams! I truly
believe with a positive attitude any dream can be reached and that by
just a small act of kindness one can work towards changing the world.

If you have any questions or would just like to talk, contact me at www.ashleynicolejohnson.com.

Sincerely,
Ashley Johnson
Miss Missouri Teen 2010