I have officially completed my first full week of classes here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Move-in day was hectic, but my roommate, Olivia, and I made sure our room looks fabulous! Adjusting to college life has been exhausting, fun and exciting. The Badger spirit here is out of this world. I got to experience my first "jump around" at the Badger game two weeks ago. Sitting in the student section at a UW-Madison football game is enthralling; there is so much pride for this awesome school!
On an academic note, I am loving my classes! I am in what is called a First Year Interest Group, or FIG. It is entitled Race and Ethnicity in Latin America. It perfectly into my major, International Studies and Spanish. I have attended meeting for student organizations, visited the study abroad fair and eaten at some delicious restaurants that are unique to Madison. I really do love this city and my campus!
As a first year college student, I have complied a short list of things everyone should bring to college, but forgets.
1. An extra face washing cloth. You need somewhere to set your wet shower caddy!
2. An shower curtain, rod and hoops. Not for the showers, but for your closet!
3. Your camera charger. Guess who forgot theirs.
4. An extra full-length mirror. It's nice to have two, so you and your roommate can get ready at the same time!
5. Storage bins for shoes. It makes everything more organized!
6. Magnets. These are great to hang up flyers on your fridge.
7. A pitcher. During the winter, you won't have to go to the bathroom to get water for hot chocolate and tea.
8. A blank bulletin board. It's important to have pictures of your friends, but you need for new ones, too!
9. Blow dryer, straightener, curling iron. If you share with your sibling, like me, you'll need your own now!
10. Crown and banner. This may not be applicable to everyone, but you never know when a volunteer opportunity will arise!
While I am enjoying my time at college, I can't help but miss home at least a little. Since I am fairly far away, I do not make it home much. But, I will be home the weekend of the 23rd of February because that is the Miss Minnesota United States Pageant! I am looking forward to a great event and encourage every one to check out the website to become involved as a contestant or volunteer! www.missmnus.com
xoxo,
Victoria
Friday, September 14, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Good Things Come in 3s
What an exciting past week it has been! I started off on Monday arriving in Roseville and our host hotel for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition. All the young women got moved into their rooms and we spent some great time bonding! Then, we were treated to dinner at Osaka; it was not only delicious, but entertaining as well. Tuesday morning we were up bright and early to begin judging. I was contestant #2. Personal interview went very well and was followed by lunch with the judges. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know them and it made us all feel more comfortable in the judging room. Mock media interviews flew by and then it was on to the speech competition. I practiced my nearly-memorized speech just one more time before heading into the room and am happy to say I nailed it and only glanced down twice! Extemporaneous remarks were a challenge, but we made it through and moved on to group judging. I was put into a wonderful group and we fed off each other really well during the discussion which made it go super fast. That completed judging and I couldn't have been more relieved! We went out for pizza that night before heading off to the Kare11 Backyard where we appeared on the 10 o'clock news with Belinda Jensen.
Wednesday morning we had a few hours to get ready for the day before traveling to attend the Midwest Dairy Association board meeting and have lunch with all the members. Lunch was great and we had some intriguing conversation with fellow dairy farmers. After lunch we headed over to the state fair grounds for a quick rehearsal then back to the hotel for final preparation before the big night. Family and individual pictures were taken before our banquet. A few short speeches and some yummy chocolate cake later all the finalists were backstage. We had so much fun and each of us got a moment on stage to be introduced and speak with our host for the evening. It was an incredible three days where memories and friends were made to last a lifetime.
As we all paraded back onstage for crowning, I stayed calm. I knew that my fate was already decided and everything was out of my control. I gave judging my best and felt confident it all that I had said and done. First they announced Miss Congeniality; Kelsey Mussman was named and I couldn't have been more excited for her! I am happy to call her my friend. Next, we moved on to the announcement of the top three. I was thrilled to hear my name called first, followed by Kelsey Mussman and Christine Reitsma. Then the big moment, as Mary walked by each of us, we stole one last glanced at the crown. She held the crown over each of our heads before placing it on the 59th Princess Kay of the Milky Way's. Christine could not have been more surprised or excited, I am so happy for her. I am confident she will make a fantastic Princess Kay and serve as an energetic ambassador for the dairy industry in Minnesota. Placing in the top three for Princess Kay is an honor.
Just a little later today I will be headed back to the state fair to spend my three days there. I will engage in several activities with fairgoers, present a My Farm, My Story presentation in the Moo Booth and on Sunday the 26th (tomorrow) I will be getting my head carved out of 90lbs of dairy butter! I am so excited to follow in my mother's and sister's footsteps.
So, if you're at the state fair be sure to check out all the butter heads in the Empire Commons and grab a treat from the Dairy Goodness Bar! See you at the Great Minnesota Get Together!
xoxo,
Victoria
Wednesday morning we had a few hours to get ready for the day before traveling to attend the Midwest Dairy Association board meeting and have lunch with all the members. Lunch was great and we had some intriguing conversation with fellow dairy farmers. After lunch we headed over to the state fair grounds for a quick rehearsal then back to the hotel for final preparation before the big night. Family and individual pictures were taken before our banquet. A few short speeches and some yummy chocolate cake later all the finalists were backstage. We had so much fun and each of us got a moment on stage to be introduced and speak with our host for the evening. It was an incredible three days where memories and friends were made to last a lifetime.
As we all paraded back onstage for crowning, I stayed calm. I knew that my fate was already decided and everything was out of my control. I gave judging my best and felt confident it all that I had said and done. First they announced Miss Congeniality; Kelsey Mussman was named and I couldn't have been more excited for her! I am happy to call her my friend. Next, we moved on to the announcement of the top three. I was thrilled to hear my name called first, followed by Kelsey Mussman and Christine Reitsma. Then the big moment, as Mary walked by each of us, we stole one last glanced at the crown. She held the crown over each of our heads before placing it on the 59th Princess Kay of the Milky Way's. Christine could not have been more surprised or excited, I am so happy for her. I am confident she will make a fantastic Princess Kay and serve as an energetic ambassador for the dairy industry in Minnesota. Placing in the top three for Princess Kay is an honor.
 After Judging! |
Before our Luncheon
 Matt Addington Photography  |
So, if you're at the state fair be sure to check out all the butter heads in the Empire Commons and grab a treat from the Dairy Goodness Bar! See you at the Great Minnesota Get Together!
xoxo,
Victoria
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Princess Kay of the Milky Way
As many of you may have noticed, I am a finalist for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. So, what exactly is this and how did I get involved? That's what this blog is all about!
I grew up on a dairy farm outside of Norwood, MN. Today we milk 66 holstein cows, farm about 25 acres of land and raise calves, heifers and bulls. Growing up on a dairy farm has been a wonderful experience that has taught me so much; the importance of hard work, independence and what it feels like to be part of a tight-knit community. The dairy industry is a vital part of Minnesota and has a variety of healthy, wholesome and nutritious products to offer. Promotion of our industry and keeping consumers updated with how milk goes from the farm to your kitchen table is important; that's where the Dairy Princess program comes in.
Girls ages 18-24 are eligible to run to be a dairy princess, they must be graduating or out of high school, must live or work on a dairy and must not be married or have children. It starts at a county level where many counties have their own dairy princess contests. In Carver County, the competition is held in mid-April each year. The contestants compete in personal interview, mock radio interview and a deliver a speech. Each girl is crowned and a top three are named to continue on to compete at what we call May Event.
May Event is held in St. Joseph, MN each spring. County princesses from across the state come to compete to be named as a top 12 finalist for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. We compete in personal interview, mock radio interview and deliver a speech. When we are not being judged, we go through a series of media training and sessions to learn how to effectively reach our audiences when promoting the dairy industry. This year, we had a special guest speaker; Miss Oklahoma America, Betty Thompson. Betty shared her story with us and told us about her platform (Milk, it really does a body good). Betty was first runner-up at Miss America this year and we were honored to hear from her. The next day after a luncheon, the 12 finalists are named. I was thrilled to be called as the 3rd finalist, following in my mother's and older sister's footsteps.
The 12 finalists spend their summer promoting the dairy industry with their other county princesses. We spend two weekends together, as finalists, and with the current Princess Kay of the Milky Way. I absolutely adore each girl and have enjoyed our summer together so far! Next up is the Princess Kay competition. We stay for three days in the Twin Cities and compete in personal interview, mock radio interview, deliver a speech, group judging and extemporaneous remarks. On Tuesday the 21st of August we will appear on Kare11 in the Backyard with Belinda Jensen. On Wednesday the 22nd of August, coronation takes place at the Bandshell on the state fairgrounds. That night, the 59th Princess Kay of the Milky Way will be announced!
I have had a wonderful experience as a Carver County Dairy Princess and Princess Kay Finalists this far! I would like to invite you all to the following events:
Carver County Fair: August 8-12, 2012
Princess Kay Coronation: August 22nd, 2012 @ 8:30pm. State Fairground, Bandshell.
Ride the fan bus: Leaves from Waconia High School on August 22nd, time TBD.
Order a fan shirt: Contact me with your name and size by Tuesday, August 7 at noon.
My butterhead carving: Tuesday, August 28th. State Fair, 8am-5pm. (Unless I am named as Princess Kay)
Contact me for more information on any event or visit www.midwestdairy.com for all types of dairy information!
xoxo,
Victoria
I grew up on a dairy farm outside of Norwood, MN. Today we milk 66 holstein cows, farm about 25 acres of land and raise calves, heifers and bulls. Growing up on a dairy farm has been a wonderful experience that has taught me so much; the importance of hard work, independence and what it feels like to be part of a tight-knit community. The dairy industry is a vital part of Minnesota and has a variety of healthy, wholesome and nutritious products to offer. Promotion of our industry and keeping consumers updated with how milk goes from the farm to your kitchen table is important; that's where the Dairy Princess program comes in.
Girls ages 18-24 are eligible to run to be a dairy princess, they must be graduating or out of high school, must live or work on a dairy and must not be married or have children. It starts at a county level where many counties have their own dairy princess contests. In Carver County, the competition is held in mid-April each year. The contestants compete in personal interview, mock radio interview and a deliver a speech. Each girl is crowned and a top three are named to continue on to compete at what we call May Event.
May Event is held in St. Joseph, MN each spring. County princesses from across the state come to compete to be named as a top 12 finalist for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. We compete in personal interview, mock radio interview and deliver a speech. When we are not being judged, we go through a series of media training and sessions to learn how to effectively reach our audiences when promoting the dairy industry. This year, we had a special guest speaker; Miss Oklahoma America, Betty Thompson. Betty shared her story with us and told us about her platform (Milk, it really does a body good). Betty was first runner-up at Miss America this year and we were honored to hear from her. The next day after a luncheon, the 12 finalists are named. I was thrilled to be called as the 3rd finalist, following in my mother's and older sister's footsteps.
The 12 finalists spend their summer promoting the dairy industry with their other county princesses. We spend two weekends together, as finalists, and with the current Princess Kay of the Milky Way. I absolutely adore each girl and have enjoyed our summer together so far! Next up is the Princess Kay competition. We stay for three days in the Twin Cities and compete in personal interview, mock radio interview, deliver a speech, group judging and extemporaneous remarks. On Tuesday the 21st of August we will appear on Kare11 in the Backyard with Belinda Jensen. On Wednesday the 22nd of August, coronation takes place at the Bandshell on the state fairgrounds. That night, the 59th Princess Kay of the Milky Way will be announced!
I have had a wonderful experience as a Carver County Dairy Princess and Princess Kay Finalists this far! I would like to invite you all to the following events:
Carver County Fair: August 8-12, 2012
Princess Kay Coronation: August 22nd, 2012 @ 8:30pm. State Fairground, Bandshell.
Ride the fan bus: Leaves from Waconia High School on August 22nd, time TBD.
Order a fan shirt: Contact me with your name and size by Tuesday, August 7 at noon.
My butterhead carving: Tuesday, August 28th. State Fair, 8am-5pm. (Unless I am named as Princess Kay)
Contact me for more information on any event or visit www.midwestdairy.com for all types of dairy information!
xoxo,
Victoria
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Miss Teen United States
I cannot believe that nationals has already come and gone...it flew by! I had an absolutely wonderful time in Washington, DC and could not be happier with how I competed.
After competing in swimsuit for the first time, completing my round robin interview with confidence and feeling so beautiful in evening gown, I know I competed at my best. Unfortunately, I did not make it into the Top 16. Of course, I was disappointed; I went to Nationals in hopes of being the next Miss Teen United States. I do not view any of my efforts though as a waste of time and money or as a failure; instead, I am looking to the bright side. I learned so much while I prepared and competed. I know my walks and interview have never been stronger. I can do all different types of my make up on my own. I can set my hair in curls and walk in heels for six days straight. :)
I need to stop and thank so many people who supported me on my journey to the national crown. Cheri, for helping me compete at my strongest and encouraging me every step of the way. Jason and Jill, for pushing me and making sure I had a rockin' swimsuit body! Maddy and Megan, for being my big sister queens and helping me in so many ways at nationals. Ashlea, for being a fabulous director and providing me with everything I need to be Miss Teen Minnesota. Kara, for my elegant evening gown, jewelry and rhinestoning my opening number cocktail; you are the best! Shantel, for my opening number cocktail. Minnetonka Moccasin, for donating moccasin keychains for all the contestants! All my friends, thank you for your good lucks wishes and support, I could not do anything without you. My parents, you guys are amazing and your unconditional love it what keeps me going.
If I forgot to thank anyone, I sincerely apologize!
Now, it is time to continue my journey as Miss Teen Minnesota United States. I have 7 months left to fulfill my duties and promote the Miss United States Organization. I look forward to making appearances and working with Smile Network International!
If anyone is interested in learning more about how to compete in February of 2013, please contact me at tori3311@hotmail.com.
xoxo,
Victoria
After competing in swimsuit for the first time, completing my round robin interview with confidence and feeling so beautiful in evening gown, I know I competed at my best. Unfortunately, I did not make it into the Top 16. Of course, I was disappointed; I went to Nationals in hopes of being the next Miss Teen United States. I do not view any of my efforts though as a waste of time and money or as a failure; instead, I am looking to the bright side. I learned so much while I prepared and competed. I know my walks and interview have never been stronger. I can do all different types of my make up on my own. I can set my hair in curls and walk in heels for six days straight. :)
I need to stop and thank so many people who supported me on my journey to the national crown. Cheri, for helping me compete at my strongest and encouraging me every step of the way. Jason and Jill, for pushing me and making sure I had a rockin' swimsuit body! Maddy and Megan, for being my big sister queens and helping me in so many ways at nationals. Ashlea, for being a fabulous director and providing me with everything I need to be Miss Teen Minnesota. Kara, for my elegant evening gown, jewelry and rhinestoning my opening number cocktail; you are the best! Shantel, for my opening number cocktail. Minnetonka Moccasin, for donating moccasin keychains for all the contestants! All my friends, thank you for your good lucks wishes and support, I could not do anything without you. My parents, you guys are amazing and your unconditional love it what keeps me going.
If I forgot to thank anyone, I sincerely apologize!
Now, it is time to continue my journey as Miss Teen Minnesota United States. I have 7 months left to fulfill my duties and promote the Miss United States Organization. I look forward to making appearances and working with Smile Network International!
If anyone is interested in learning more about how to compete in February of 2013, please contact me at tori3311@hotmail.com.
xoxo,
Victoria
Friday, July 6, 2012
Swim Prelims- Night #1
Today was an exhausting, but exciting day here at Miss Teen United States!
This morning we swapped contestant gifts, then headed off to rehearsal for a few hours. A HUGE thank you to Minnetonka Moccasin, who donated moccasin key chains for each of the contestants; they were a hit! After rehearsal, we had a sponsored lunch at King Street Blues in Crystal City; it was delicious. Then, we all rushed back to the hotel to make our final preparation for swimsuit prelims. My hair has never been so big!! After a fun and upbeat opening number, we competed in swimsuit. This was my first-ever swimsuit competition and I was surprised and delighted to learn that I love competing in swim! It was such an adrenaline rush and I though it went wonderfully. Shout out to Jason of Youngquest Fitness and Jill Schmitt, my personal trainers, who helped me achieve the ultimate swimsuit body; I could not have done it without you. But, I can't eat pizza just yet! The top 15 will re-compete in swimsuit Sunday, so I will keep dieting in hopes of competing again:)
Thank you to all who watched tonight and sent me good luck wishes; it means the world to me to have so much support and love from MN!
xoxo,
Victoria
This morning we swapped contestant gifts, then headed off to rehearsal for a few hours. A HUGE thank you to Minnetonka Moccasin, who donated moccasin key chains for each of the contestants; they were a hit! After rehearsal, we had a sponsored lunch at King Street Blues in Crystal City; it was delicious. Then, we all rushed back to the hotel to make our final preparation for swimsuit prelims. My hair has never been so big!! After a fun and upbeat opening number, we competed in swimsuit. This was my first-ever swimsuit competition and I was surprised and delighted to learn that I love competing in swim! It was such an adrenaline rush and I though it went wonderfully. Shout out to Jason of Youngquest Fitness and Jill Schmitt, my personal trainers, who helped me achieve the ultimate swimsuit body; I could not have done it without you. But, I can't eat pizza just yet! The top 15 will re-compete in swimsuit Sunday, so I will keep dieting in hopes of competing again:)
Thank you to all who watched tonight and sent me good luck wishes; it means the world to me to have so much support and love from MN!
xoxo,
Victoria
Thursday, July 5, 2012
An Update
Today has been busy busy busy! I woke up bright and early to set my hair and get a quick spray tan to look competition-ready for swimsuit. After orientation, where they approved my swimwear and opening number cocktail, we headed over the Synetic Theater for rehearsals. We learned our walking patterns for swim, evening gown and opening number, so we're almost all set!
Now, we have a little down time before the Runway Competition tonight. We received a cute rhinestoned black top for the competition that we wear with our favorite heels and skinny blue jeans. I am super excited to work the runway (think Victoria's Secret fashion show!!). After the runway competition concludes, we have a director's reception. Then, it is off to bed to prepare for a full day of rehearsals and swimsuit prelims!
For those of you who would like to watch:
You can go to www.missunitedstates.com, on the homepage, you can click on the Heritage TV link, which should bring you to their website. Under "Internet TV" the pageant prelims and finals will be broadcasted live. Swimsuit Prelims are held on Friday, July 6, at 5pm (4pm for Minnesota). Evening Gown Prelims are held on Saturday, July 7, at 5pm (4pm for Minnesota). The Final Pageant is Sunday, July 8, at 4pm (3pm for Minnesota).
Hope you all can tune in!
xoxo,
Victoria
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Red, White and Sparkles
Happy 4th of July! First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has fought to protect our freedoms, those who continue to fight today and those that will fight in the future.
I have having a blast here in our nation's capital for the 4th of July; what a patriotic place to be! I woke up bright and early this morning to get a quick work out in then it was off to our parade on Capital Hill. It was quick warm; but we had a great time marching with our American flags and mingling with the public here in DC. After the parade we have free time, so my mom and I grabbed a quick lunch at a cute little restaurant nearby. Now, after a much-need nap, I am going to practice my walks and stage presentation with my good friend Ashley, Miss Teen North Dakota. Tonight at 9pm we have a fireworks show; I am positive it will be fabulous!
Hope to blog again soon!
xoxo,
Victoria
I have having a blast here in our nation's capital for the 4th of July; what a patriotic place to be! I woke up bright and early this morning to get a quick work out in then it was off to our parade on Capital Hill. It was quick warm; but we had a great time marching with our American flags and mingling with the public here in DC. After the parade we have free time, so my mom and I grabbed a quick lunch at a cute little restaurant nearby. Now, after a much-need nap, I am going to practice my walks and stage presentation with my good friend Ashley, Miss Teen North Dakota. Tonight at 9pm we have a fireworks show; I am positive it will be fabulous!
Hope to blog again soon!
xoxo,
Victoria
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