Who would have thought the words, “You’re going to Fresno!” could be so exciting?

On Sunday night, a dream that has been a long time coming, came true. When I heard my name announced as the new Miss Central California, I couldn’t contain my excitement and my heart was exploding with joy.

After being first runner up to the dream several times in a row, I begged God to give me the strength and tranquility needed throughout the competition. God not only provided me that, but he also provided me with an abundance of new friends and 7 new sister queens.

For all of those times I had been told, “not just yet,” by Him, He proved to be true and good to those who trust in Him and trust in themselves.

On Sunday, I remember practicing my closing statement in my room and pacing back and forth when I stopped in my tracks and prayed to God to just let me RELAX for once in interview.

At Miss Contra Costa County and at Miss North Bay/Bay Area, I had placed an immense amount of pressure on myself to be perfect and to do everything that I had practiced to a T.

Well, that pressure clearly backfired because I had cotton mouth in my interviews (so bad that I ended up having a lisp and my top lip was stuck to my teeth) and I probably came across as robotic and desperate because I wanted it so badly. When my name was announced as the first runner up at both of those, I couldn’t get out of my head and disappointment to understand why God said, “not just yet.”

After North Bay/Bay Area, I was inundated with advice, constructive criticism, not-so-constructive-criticism, love, encouragement, and support. I had to learn very quickly what to listen to and how to trust my heart.

Going into Miss North Valley/Miss Delta Valley/Miss Central California, I felt an overwhelming amount of trust towards God, towards the process, and towards myself.

When my name was called to go into the interview room, I had never felt as calm or as confident as I was with those six judges. When I exited the interview and I saw some of the other contestants waiting for me, I started crying and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest.

My strength and trust progressed throughout the afternoon and throughout every area of competition, and when the time came for the three new titles to be revealed, I squeezed Nicole and Kayla’s hands and said under my breath, “I trust you,” as I looked up towards Him.

Those feelings of undeniable trust, gratitude, and love that I felt as that crown was placed on my (banged) head and the sash draped across my chest are feelings that I cannot quite begin to explain.

Who knew that hearing the words, “You’re going to Fresno!” could be so exciting?

I am beyond appreciative to everyone who has been a part of this dream- it wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for so many individuals.

To the judges at Miss Contra Costa/Miss North Bay/Miss Bay Area- thank you for seeing me as worthy of being first runner up and for keeping the fire ignited. To Raquela- thank you for crafting the perfect 1:30 second edit in such a short time frame. To Preston- thank you for suggesting the perfect talent song when I was ready to throw in the towel and settle for another. To Kari- thank you for picking me up and pushing me forward before and after each mock interview and for being such a trusting friend. To my friends and family- thank you for coming to each pageant and being an incredible cheering section, your undying support, love, and strength has kept me going and will keep me going. To my MAO sisters, both new and old- thank you for praying with me and for me, for being the definition of a forever sister, for being the hand to squeeze and for being the hug to embrace as results are being read. To Team San Joaquin- I cannot wait to experience Miss California, Miss California’s Outstanding Team, and the rest of this year with y’all by my side. To the judges at Miss North Valley/Miss Delta Valley/Miss Central California- thank you for telling me “yes you can,” for believing in me in that interview room and out of that interview room, and for providing me with the opportunity to be someone truly special. Lastly, to God- thank you for telling me “not just yet,” for creating challenges, disappointments, and successes that have crafted me into the woman I am today, and for finally lending me your hand and saying, “now is your time.”

I am so proud, so humbled, and so jazzed, to be the new Miss Central California and to compete for the chance to go to Miss America this June.

Thank you. Thank you for everything.

…

Stay humble. Work hard. Love well.

XO,

Stephanie

#missamerica #wheelchairfoundation