Meet Miss North Dakota International 2017
It is still so unreal to me. I am not sure if the
excitement or disbelief will ever fade away?!
As my crowning was only a couple weeks ago my heart was and still is so
over whelmed with joy from all the love that I have received from friends and
family. Since I am your new Miss North Dakota International 2017, I figured we
should take some time to get to know each other…
Waun-Jai Shannon Simpfenderfer was born in Thailand on
February 21, and shortly after moved with her family to Stanton, North Dakota.
Siam is a preferred nickname that was given to her at birth. Siam is youngest
of three girls in her family. She attended Stanton Elementary School and then
secondary school in at Center- Stanton High School.
During high school, Siam loved to be involved
extracurricular activities. She held positions such as president of the student
council, class vice president, vice president of Students Against Destructive
Decisions, captain of the varsity volleyball team, and captain of the dance and
drill team. She was also involved with the science club, band, peer youth,
golf, track and field, and basketball. Being from a small town there were many
opportunities to hold such positions and titles in each extra curricular
activity. This helped develop Siam’s love for being involved in the community
and organizations. She has been involved with activities and organizations such
as Salvation Army bell ringing, ditch cleaning, the American Foundation of
Suicide Prevention, and volunteering for Nokomis Child Care. Siam is currently
involved in the Student Nurse's Association on campus at North Dakota State
University.
Siam currently is a junior at North Dakota State
University currently obtaining a bachelor's of science in nursing while
minoring in human development and family science. Siams’ love and experience
with children have influenced her to pursue this degree to help others. She loves
the joy and playfulness that the tiny humans of the world bring. Siam plans to
work in pediatrics after receiving her RN, BSN.
Other than promoting the American Heart Association,
Siam’s platform is It's Okay to Not Be Okay - Suicide Awareness and Prevention.
Siam lost her own mother to suicide at the age of 5. She wants to rid the
stigma that surrounds suicide in order to reach those who are suffering and
educate others on warning signs. During her year of reigning she would like to
travel the state of North Dakota making appearances and encouraging young
people to understand that it is okay to ask for help and offer support to those
affected by suicide. Siam is also very excited to have the chance to travel and
meet so many people and make a difference. She is particularly excited for
nationals in Charleston, West Virginia this August as she has never been to
West Virginia.
During Siam’s free time, you can
find her either studying, or at the lake enjoying the sun and friends. She also
enjoys doing things such as traveling, snowboarding, surfing, wake boarding,
baking, watching television series, or working at one of two jobs. Siam and her
sister queens have already made so many plans for the year and ready to give
nationals their best shot!
Forever and Always,
Your Miss North Dakota International 2017
Siam Simpfenderfer
#itsokaytobeyoutoday
