Life has been busy as usual, both with my Miss Minnesota schedule and my "real life." For those of you who don't know already, it's official: After completing all of my pre-med requirements and surviving them with an awesome GPA, I have decided that medicine is not my calling at this time. Someone connected to the field gave me great advice: if you can see yourself doing anything else, do it. Since winning Miss Minnesota in June, what I was truly passionate about - public speaking, performing, communicating - became clear to me. So I decided to switch gears. I don't exactly know what that means yet (theater, television hosting, news casting, radio, etc.), but I am excited to find out. The world is my oyster!
My Only Contribution to Athletics

On February 18, I performed the national anthem at the St. Olaf Women's Hockey Game against Gustavus Adolphus. It was extra fun because I have a number of friends on the hockey team (which is probably the reason I ended up getting the gig!). Aaaand....drumroll please: St. Olaf won! I must be good luck! Congrats ladies!
It's too bad that luck didn't carry through to the Timberwolves vs. Lakers basketball game last Friday. :(

I cannot believe I got to perform the Star Spangled Banner at the Timberwolves vs. Lakers game. What an amazing experience! The game was SOLD OUT (there are about 19.5 thousand seats at the Target Center) and the score was incredibly close. It came down to the last 18 seconds or so, and unfortunately, the Timberwolves didn't come out on top this time. (I know my sister Michelle, a Los Angeles resident and huge Lakers fan, is smirking right now. We'll getchya next time!) Also, my heart goes out to Ricky Rubio for his ACL injury. Prayers for his recovery!
A huge thank you to Aaron Dodge from the Timberwolves for inviting me to perform and for giving me 6 tickets to the game. My boyfriend Alex was starstruck standing on the court so close to Kobe Bryant. The experience was special for everyone involved.
Celebrating I Love to Read Month!
Minnesota House of Representatives
P.S. My outfit was provided by the Miss America Organization's new sponsor, Express!
P.P.S. Special shout out to the FFA representatives I met on the same day!
Artistry Glamourama

Glitz Fashion Show

It's prom season! Head on over to Glitz Gowns at the Mall of America to get the best prom dresses in town! Thank you Glitz for supporting the Miss Minnesota Organization!
Side Note: I love Girl Scout cookies!
IHOP National Pancake Day for Children's Miracle Network

I woke up at 4am to get ready and be at Bloomington IHOP by 6:30am. I appeared on the Channel 4 and Channel 9 morning news shows. I also spent some time with Frank, the manager and fabulous supporter of the Miss Minnesota Organization, as well as Gillette patient Elijah and his twin brother Aaron. They are 8 years old and HILARIOUS! What a great way to start my morning! By 6:00 that night, I had also traveled to Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Apple Valley IHOP locations. A little girl named Paige got so excited because we had the same last name! I told her she had my permission to say we were cousins. I also met Terri, whose mom is a former Miss Minnesota: Jean Sheils! Jean took over as Miss Minnesota 1948 when Bebe Shopp won Miss America that year! Small world! I was also proposed to by a 5-year-old boy named Clinton. I still have the ring his dad helped him make out of a napkin ring tucked into my cell phone cover. What a fun day!
Home & Garden Show Celebrity Kitchen

Click here to see recipes from other celebrities who appeared at the show!
Miss West Metro/Miss City of Lakes

I had a BLAST emceeing with Allison Lordbock, my fellow blondie. I hope we get the chance to share the stage again! Best of luck to her as she starts a new, exciting chapter in her life.