Friday, July 20, 2012

Almost a month later...

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 2: 3-5

Has it really almost been four weeks? According to the calendar, yes. According to my level of excitement, not at all. One would think after four weeks have passed, the excitement of being Miss Georgia would settle down. Fortunately, this is not the case for me. I am still enjoying every minute, and am just as thankful tonight as I was on the Saturday night I became Miss Georgia 2012!

I have been busy, very busy. Anyone would tell you that I am an extreme "go-getter," and once I am given a bigger platform in life, I run full speed with it. With this post, I want to update everyone on the places I have gone, bring some clarity to my platform, give you some insight into what I will be doing this year and my preparation plans for Miss America. 

In the past four weeks I have driven 1,600 miles, gone through four or five full gas tanks (my KIA has a 17 gallon tank!), sent more e-mails than I can count, and the list goes on. Right after I won, I was able to attend a really interesting and insightful meeting at Turner Broadcasting, thanks to Kellie Appel from the Capital City board.  The seminar was titled Media Literacy: Unraveling the Power of Portrayal. Jennifer Pozner (Media critic, author, founder/executive director of Women in Media & News) was the keynote speaker.  It was fascinating and gave me much to consider as I represent our state.  I also had a fun afternoon tea at the St. Regis hotel in Atlanta with Amy and Erin Haney, Kellie Appel, and my mom. The event promoted the American Heart Association, so it was neat to be there and witness how they changed their menus to support such a great organization; I of course wore a red dress as well! I then had a board meeting in Columbus the week after Miss Georgia, before which I went to Bonefish Grill with my Miss Georgia Princess, Tori, Ella, and Anna Claire. Ella is a five year old girl who has Leukemia (whom I met through Tori), and Anna Claire is Ella’s nine year old sister. Bonefish Grill was a sponsor for all the Miss Georgia contestants during the week, so when I went there with my crown and banner on, they graciously gave me a free meal. It was such a nice surprise!! A few days later, I made a visit to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and spent some special time with Christopher, a little boy who has a brain tumor.  These past four weeks have been a lot about planning, and my schedule has already filled up for August. I am excited to be going to the Miss Warner Robins pageant on Saturday, then to Dairy Queen in Columbus next Thursday for Miracle Treat Day, a nationwide promotion to benefit the children being treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  All of my newly-crowned Miss America sisters will be participating in their states as well.  I can’t wait to meet them all when we spend a week together in August at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando.





For those who do not know, my platform is the Sibling Support Project, a national program that strives “to increase the peer support and information opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special needs and to increase parents' and providers' understanding of sibling issues.”  In just the past three months, the organization and its work have been featured in the New York Times; CNN; and NPR. The Sibling Support Project is important to me because the youngest of my older brothers suffers from a few different disabilities. Robin, 21 years old, is deaf and has cerebral palsy, brain damage, epilepsy, and OCD. We have always been extremely close growing up, and our relationship only strengthened when I moved back home from Houston, Texas. It was not only challenging living on my own at age 15, it was difficult living without Robin. He has unknowingly taught me lessons no one ever could have: unconditional love, patience, resilience, and the importance of laughter and humor. We often say in the Jordan house, "sometimes all you have is laughter to get you through!"

All of that aside, I have truly seen the need and want for sibling support. I am forever thankful that acceptance of special needs people has improved, and I want to help their siblings as well. Many people may not realize this, but the siblings will be the disabled person's lifelong friend, due to chronological aging... not the parents. We are the ones who often worry about how our disabled brother or sister will receive care and fit into our lives over the decades ahead. I have really valued my partnership with the Sibling Support Project, and I am so thrilled to expand my work with the organization. This past month I have already been in close contact with the head of the Georgia Sibling Support Project, and we are planning some great things: more ways to integrate my platform with the Miss America Organization, as well as with Children's Miracle Network. More details to come in a few weeks!! For now though, I will say I have been busy writing proposals, creating distribution lists, and making sure I stay on top of everything. I think you all will really like the opportunities that are becoming available. :-)

With the Children's Miracle Network, I am already so immersed in the organization, I am grateful to be able to do even more. My career path is to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner. This dream was quickly solidified when I met precious little Tori. (journeywithtori.blogspot.com) Instead of continuing on as a weekly college volunteer, I will now visit the hospitals throughout the state (including my regular visits to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta) as Miss Georgia. It was such a thrilling experience when I went two weeks ago. The children always appreciate and enjoy any "young" person who comes to play with them, but if you have a crown on and a sash that says "Miss Georgia," that excitement doubles! I have a visit planned to Columbus Regional Hospital next week, and another CHOA visit in the weeks following. My goal before Miss America is to visit all CMN hospitals in Georgia... preferably more than once. ;-)

Miss America preparation has begun... and I LOVE it. We have been discussing wardrobe, talent music and choreography, interview preparation, staying fit, paperwork, etc. It has already been fun discussing these things, and I look forward to seeing what we all decide. Luckily we have some time but I feel great participating in the process.

There are some great opportunities that have come about since I got this job. Some include going to schools around Georgia to speak with students who have a special needs sibling; working closely and collaborating with the director of the Sibling Support Project (even more so than I did before!); planning fundraisers for my platform and CMNH; and visiting CMNH quite often.  Now, I have a very unexpected, but extremely exciting opportunity. I have been invited by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) here in Atlanta to become involved with their Developmental Disabilities Branch. When I have my first visit in August, we will discuss the CDC’s work on developmental disabilities, both in Georgia and across the United States; meet trailblazers in the field of developmental disabilities; and go on a tour of the CDC. I could not be more thrilled about this significant new partnership to help raise awareness of developmental disabilities and the needs of children and families in Georgia.

The other thing I wanted to address in this blog was "me." I am somewhat new to pageants, and I feel that many people do not really know me. Because of this, here are some fun facts (some random, some serious):

- I love writing, obviously.
- I have amazing parents, two older brothers (21 and 23 years old), and two dogs.
- I am the only girl in my family (other than my mom, grandma, and aunt. No girl cousins!)
- I never thought I would compete in pageants, but am so thankful I was lead to do so.
- I did not have typical college plans because my ballet career was moving so quickly. However, God had different plans! After two major surgeries on my ankles, and three other injuries to my feet, I made a difficult and life-changing decision to step off the ballet route and pursue my childhood dream of becoming a nurse. Because we had not been saving for college, I attended Georgia Perimeter College for two years to save money. I was accepted and registered to begin my junior year at Georgia State University the week after Miss Georgia, but now that will be deferred for a year! I am SO thankful for the scholarship money I have won... that has lifted a heavy burden off both my shoulders and my parents’ shoulders. Thanks be to God!
- I drink a gallon of water or more a day, not joking.
- I am a "sugarholic."
- I believe my strengths are my compassion for others, responsibility, and the ability to connect with many different people. I love talking with others and building relationships... hints to why interview is my favorite part of competition!
- My weaknesses include a sense of perfectionism and insecurities that I struggled with as a teenager in the "ballet world."
- My lucky number is 379... actually, they are 3, 7, and 9, but for convenience, I just combined them :-)
- I will never leave the house without a pair of earrings on.
- While I love dressing up, fixing my hair, and doing my makeup, I like just as much to wear sweats, no makeup, and a ball cap.
- I am such a clean and organized person anywhere outside of my own bedroom at home. Even in my bedroom in Houston, I was a "clean freak," but in my bedroom in Georgia, that seems to change!
- I love football, and am getting into the whole baseball thing (go Braves!)
- I am fluent in sign language.

That’s the update for now! My next post will be all about my wonderful and generous sponsors that I have been blessed with this year.

-Love in Christ,
Leighton Jordan

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

A new journey...


“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11

The verse above is one that has guided my life since I had to make the grueling decision almost three years ago whether to continue my ballet career. It has brought me to where I am today, and it determines my mindset in all that I venture out to accomplish. Since I won my preliminary title (Miss Capital City) back in October, this verse has kept everything in perspective. It has reminded me time and time again God knows my future…He holds my future in His precious hands. How peaceful it is to know and accept that promise; how satisfying it is to see His plans line up with my dreams. He is such a God of detail and faithfulness, sovereignty and love.

Only did I dream, but never did I think, that my amazing sister queen Jameson, who came into my life in October, would continue to be with me throughout my state reign. We have both worked incredibly hard since winning our preliminary, have had a lot of fun (too much fun almost!), and have grown so close as sisters in Christ. To be on this journey to nationals together is a blessing I have yet to comprehend. Again,
God is so good.

The Capital City board has helped me in more ways than I could ever express. Their love, support, wisdom, knowledge, and experience truly helped my dream of becoming Miss Georgia turn into reality. They took the time to understand me, my faith, and my dream. Most importantly, they believed in me. It was always about what I wanted and needed, never about them.

Here is a slight recap of Saturday, June 23 (the parts I can remember!)…

I left the farewell luncheon so tired and in desperate need of a nap, but very thankful I got to see my princess, Tori; my mom; and my board. When I got back to my dorm room, my intentions of napping were quickly erased as I began to pack up my room. My thought process was “it sure will be easy to get up and load the car to go home Sunday morning! And if by chance I win, this will be easier for my parents.” I wasn’t packing because I expected to win, I was packing so I could wake up and get going, but still with the hope that maybe, just maybe, I would be packing to make it easier on my parents. We left the dorms to go to dinner at Chili’s, and then off to the theater. I had such a sense of peace all day. Not
once did I have nerves or anxiety. I almost think it was because I was so tired from the week and didn't have the energy to get all hyped up. Or it was simply because I knew that God has already chosen the winner. I knew that I had worked my hardest, did my best, and it would either be me or it wouldn't - and whatever the outcome, I was going to be okay.

As I was getting ready in my dressing room, I kept finding myself praying - praying that God shine through me; praying that He be with each and every one of the contestants; and praying that He work through the judges to pick the girl who He needed to use this year for the job. Opening number started and ended, the teens’ opening number started and ended, and then it was time for the announcement of Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen 2012. As much as I wanted it to be and thought it could be Jameson, I completely lost it when it was indeed her. You would have thought I just won! I could not have been
more proud of such an incredible and deserving person. But I knew I had to quickly gather myself together for the announcement of top 10 Miss. I definitely did not succeed at composing myself, and as the curtain went up, there I stood with blood shot eyes and on the verge of more “happy tears.” As my name was called 6th, I knew I needed to calm down the excitement about Jameson and focus on doing my best.

The night flew by…I hardly remember it. The only thing I remember is feeling so calm all night, and I knew that I did the best I could. Top five was announced, and then it was time for the announcement of Miss Georgia. I stood on stage holding hands with Carly Mathis (1st runner up) and Briana Jewett (2nd runner up), and just thanking God for where I had already made it. I knew that no matter the outcome, I had improved from last year and I would get much needed scholarship money to help with school. 4th runner up was called, and then 3rd and 2nd runner up. There I was standing as one of the last two. It still had not sunk in yet. The fact that I made it to the top two, that I had a 50% chance of being Miss Georgia,
and that my life was going to be different whether I won or not all seemed too good to be true. While standing there, I was trying to keep Carly calm. I remember telling her that Stephen (our trainer) would be so proud. I kept staring at the emcees waiting for them to let us know who it would be! Finally, Georgia Cotton was announced as 1st runner up, and there I stood a complete mess. The roles were now reversed! Carly was the one having to tell me to calm down. I knew it was me, but at the same time I couldn't believe it was me (confusing I know!). I could barely stand up. Carly was so gracious and so kind. I could not have been happier to have been standing there with her!

After the show, pictures were quickly taken, interviews were done, and it was time to get in the limo with Jameson. Those who know me well know that I am NOT a limo type person. It was a huge deal to have someone fix up my makeup after winning (thank you, Meredith!!), let alone ride in a limo to the breakfast. I am surely not used to any of that! It was very much a blessing. The breakfast was enjoyable to say the least. I got the keys to my new KIA thanks to Ed Braun; got to hug Kirsten Haglund and speak with her for a quick minute; found out Tori was being sponsored to be a princess at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen; and I got to thank those who helped me get to where I am. We then walked across the street to change into some comfy clothes. Boy was I taken aback by the Marriott’s Presidential Suite! I
knew Miss Georgia got to sleep in a suite at the Marriott the night she won, but never did I envision a two story suite and a huge bathroom equipped with marble countertops! It was yet another blessing that I was sure to soak up. Meeting the judges at 2:00 a.m. was so very fun, as was staying up until 4:00 a.m. looking through my phone that had exploded within a matter of minutes after I was named Miss Georgia 2012. It was all beginning to sink in, and I could not stop thanking my heavenly Father for this incredible opportunity.

My alarm was set for 8:30 a.m., but my body decided it was ready to go at 7:00 a.m.! That’s right, three hours of sleep. The contract signing went smoothly! I was reminded again of how blessed I was and am to be Miss Capital City, and how great of a year it will be with the Miss Georgia Board. That night I had a live TV interview with WRBL and a filmed interview with WTVM. Monday morning I got up early, got ready, and headed to KIA to get my new car. I was told at the breakfast that I would get a 2013 loaded KIA Optima, but I was not really sure what this entailed. I was quickly taken aback Monday morning when Ed Braun showed me my new car! I have been driving a 2004 VW beetle with 106,000 miles on it
and in need of a lot of work. When I sat in my new car for the first time observing the double sun roof, GPS, reverse camera, etc., I wasn't sure what to do! It seemed to be too nice of a car for me - I surely didn't deserve something this nice. However, Ed was more than gracious and reassured me that it was okay for me to take it. I am still in awe every time I drive it!

That afternoon I had another interview with WRBL; a phone interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution about what patriotism means to me; and another interview on the Dee Armstrong show. With each interview, I was getting more and more comfortable and the feeling of being Miss Georgia was beginning to really sink in. Monday night I got to go see my precious princess Tori and was greeted with a cute sign out in their front yard. She was anxious to hear about everything! For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting Tori or reading about her, please go to my other blog. If you don’t have much time, read the very two first entries to get to know her better. http://www.journeywithtori.blogspot.com/

Since I have been home I have been able to get back into the gym, somewhat unpack, organize my life for the next year, defer my enrollment to Georgia State University, plan some meetings/appearances, and come up with a game plan for my year of service as Miss Georgia 2012! Although the Miss Georgia aspect of it all is setting it, the fact that I will be at Miss America in six months is still such a far fetched dream that I have yet to realize is coming true. I am waiting for the day that it hits me!

This blog post is now very long…for those who have read the whole thing, thank you!! They won’t all be this long, I promise - maybe ;-)

Though many bible verses and sayings will help me through this year, the one I am reminding myself each day is the one that defines my purpose throughout this year for special needs individuals, siblings of those with special needs, children battling illnesses, and all others I meet:

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” – Colossians 2:2-3

My next post will have more detailed information on my platform, involvement with CMN, and mission as Miss Georgia.

-Love in Christ,
Leighton Jordan
Miss Georgia 2012