“By the grace of God I am what I am.” Corinthians 15:10.
This verse was my background on my phone for the entire week of the pageant as
a reminder to stay true to who I am. And that’s what I did! During nationals
week I wanted the other ladies to know exactly who I was. The real me. So, from
the very beginning I let them know. I made it a goal to share my platform by
utilizing my personal connection to it- my clubfoot. And, let me tell you,
everyone knew my story by the end of the week! It was so cool to share my story
with people from around the country, wait, around the WORLD! Even the DJ knew
about my Clubfoot, crazy!
I was lucky enough to travel to Charleston an entire week
early with my friend Nicole (Shout-out to you girl!). We explored Charleston
together every day all while cheering on my Mrs., Jessie! Our activities
spanned from breakfast at First Watch to Gala’s where we tried to win
everything at the silent auction...it was a good time! I’m so thankful to have
spent that time with Nicole and cheer on Jessie at the Mrs. Pageant!
The second week was my competition week. In the past, I
found myself really getting into my head about competition. As I said before,
my goal for this week was to be 100% myself and I really focused on not caring
about what the other girls looked like. And I did the best I possibly could!
Some girls were wearing extremely expensive dresses, just for rehearsals. I
took pride in my thrift finds and dresses I got for extremely discounted
prices. Do you know why?? Because I felt BEAUTIFUL in everything that I had no
matter what the price tag on it was. This week really taught me how to be true
to myself without comparison to others. Now, with that being said, let me give
you a recap of my entire competition week!
Monday night was orientation. Here, we each had the
opportunity to introduce ourselves and meet all of the other contestants for
the first time! Each of us were asked a question kind of as an ice breaker as
well as an opportunity to get a feel for the 30 second onstage question. My
question was “What is your anthem?”
Tuesday! Oh, Tuesday was so much fun! There was no pressure
on this day because we all spent time together doing fun activities. We started
the day with a photo scavenger hunt around downtown Charleston. We were split
into groups and had a competition to see which group would get it done first. I
thought my team was winning but when we got back, we all realized we were the
LAST group to return...oops! From here, we went to an organization called Keep
The Faith Corporation to spend time with kids from Charleston and donate our
backpacks filled to the brim with school supplies! Then we toured the Cultural
Center Museum and ended the day with a fashion show at the Charleston Mall!
Wednesday was Interview! Here is where I poured my heart out
to the judges on what I have done as Miss Teen North Dakota International and
what I would do as Miss Teen International. It was exhilarating, as usual, and
the fastest 20 minutes of my life. If I could interview every day, I would!
That afternoon was our first rehearsal and evening was our group photo.
Thursday was prelims! Wowza, the day started so slow but as
it drew closer for the show to start...time went “See ya later!!” before I knew
it I was eating Dominos in my bed as a celebration dinner. I was truly
impressed with myself and my performance and I knew that I left it all out
there. It was in God’s hands at that point. All I could do was be at peace!
Friday, I slept in until 8 and boy did it feel amazing. We
had a free morning and then as a group the Teens went to watch Miss. Prelims!
Ava knocked it out of the water (obviously) and I was so proud of her.
Saturday was the big day...finals! Tensions were a little
bit higher than any other day, obviously we all were itching to hear the top
10. Before we knew it, the curtain was being pulled and opening number began.
Then they started calling top 10. I remember feeling SO calm and at peace. I
was excited for whatever was going to happen. “Teen Top 10 finalist number
1...Miss Teen North Dakota!” Wait- Are you serious?? That was my first thought.
I was on cloud 9! Ava and I had both
made it to the top 10. It was an exciting moment for North Dakota! Onstage
interview was the scariest part...but I had nothing to lose and everything to
gain! My nerves went away, and I felt so good about my answer. As I said
before, I was going to stay true to myself...so before fitness I cracked a Diet Coke as a celebration for top 10! The rest of the show went super well, and I
was just so grateful to be there. Although I didn’t win, I achieved so many
personal goals and grew as an individual. And, hello, AVA WON! I am so proud of
you, girl. You are changing the world!
I am so grateful for my trip to nationals. It changed my
life for the better. Before I sign off, I just want to say thank you to a few
people! Ashley, thank you for preparing me to the best of my ability to
represent myself and my platform in interview. YOU are incredible. Jenna. You
are a lifesaver and one of the most generous people I have ever met. You made
me feel fabulous every single day...no matter what time it was! My family,
thanks for being on call 24/7 no matter what. You are my rocks...wait...no...my
boulders! I love you all. Finally, Meg and Janelle. Yes, I did just start
crying as I wrote that. I am seriously at a loss for words on how thankful I am
for you. I could not have gone on this journey so smoothly without you.
Whenever I needed something, you were there. I am so so so thankful for you.
*insert potato emoji* Thank you! I love you!
Thank you, North Dakota for following me on my journey to
nationals. I can’t wait to see where the next 6 months takes me!
As always,
Redefining Disability and Transforming minds,
MacKenzie Johnson
