Let the Journey Begin!!

The first thing I said after finding out that I had won Miss Orem was, "What?!?" I was shocked, surprised, and overjoyed all at the same time. Being the first attendant for two years I guess had inadvertently prepared me for being 1st attendant again. I was on cloud 9 and time seemed to pass in slow motion for the next few minutes. Because I was so surprised, it took a couple days for the magnitude of it all to sink in. 

I feel so incredibly lucky to have won with the competition that I had. Every one of the contestants are amazing, inspiring women who all "won" in their own way. That sounds cheesey, and it took me a while to figure that out, but it really is true. I remember when I got 1st attendant 2 years ago, I was really upset and disappointed. Over the course of the year, however, I realized that what I learned throughout the pageant process was irreplaceable. The people that I was able to meet, the experiences that I had, and the amount of self-growth that occurred wouldn't have happened any other way. That was my first time performing in front of an audience and figuring out who I was and where I stood on tough issues. I am so thankful for every   experience that pageants have given me in the past, and I am looking forward to the new adventures that this year will bring.

I am especially excited for the lovely ladies on the Royalty. They are all such fun, beautiful, and smart, and I can't wait for the wonderful times we will have this year. 

Okay, now for the thousands of people I have to thank. I wish I could tell every one individually who helped me out with the process of doing this. I would never be here if it weren't for the committee, friends, and family. I was so happy to see all of them out there supporting and cheering for me.

As soon as the pageant was over, guess where I went first? Iceburg, of coarse! Diets are rough, and I was stoked to be done!

I met these sweet girls who just came from a dance performance, and right away became a celebrity in their eyes. It was awesome to feel looked up to, and tell them they can all be princesses too.

Right after my interview and before the pageant was about to start. I was so nervous!

My cute escort Mark Bonney. He did so good! 

Even my dog Jakey was happy for me!

The royalty was in the Daily Herald Newspaper on Thursday!

This journey has started out as a blast and I am thrilled for the adventure of a lifetime!

With Love,

Sydney Flanigan Miss Orem 2013