Being the husband of Mrs. North Dakota International 2019

Let’s start off by getting one thing straight; I am not Mr. North Dakota International 2019.  I have been referred as such a few times since my wife Jessie won the Mrs. crown, but am uncomfortable being called that.  After seeing how hard she worked and putting herself out there on the stage in front of everyone, she is the one that earned a title, not me.  My main job in escorting her on stage was to not get noticed and keep the spotlight on her.  If I get noticed, that probably means I screwed up.  So I prefer to be called the husband of the Mrs., which I am very proud to be.


My main role through this pageant process is to be supportive of Jessie and help her in any way I can.  Now, this isn’t any different than what I already do as a husband, but there are definitely new things that I learned in this pageant world.  I’ve learned that you can never have too many dresses!  I’ve acquired/sharpened my skills zipping and hooking dresses and taking pictures.  I’ve learned that a clutch is something other than a mechanism in a vehicle.  I think I’ve gotten better at providing the right kind of encouragement at the right time.


I’ve seen Jessie grow throughout this pageant process.  She has improved her skills in public speaking and interviews and is so comfortable doing them now.  She has learned things about herself and how to use all of the talents that she has.  She has been courageous putting herself out there and has become more self-confident.  I’ve seen her work very hard, be mentally strong, and shine on that stage.  While she has always known how I feel about her, I think she understands better that she is always my queen no matter how the competition goes.  I feel the same about her regardless of the outcome.  She is an amazing, wonderful, beautiful woman who I am extremely proud of.


The great thing about the International Pageant system is the platform based focus.  This approach allows the titleholders to take the light that is shone on them and in turn shine it elsewhere in order to make a difference in people’s lives.  Jessie has found her passion in this process to build strong leaders through Girl Scouts.  She has such a heart and compassion for others, especially young girls.


Jessie is giving everything she has to her year as queen.  There have been many unique opportunities which she embraces.  There have also been challenges along the way, but we overcome them together and continue to grow stronger.  I am blessed to have her as my wife and proud of all that she has accomplished.


Ryan Aamodt

Proud husband of Mrs. North Dakota International 2019