The past week.

This past was an extra busy week but for some reason I have no appearances this weekend (I don't have any idea how that happened).

On Monday I was on WJJY's radio segment called "Community Focus" talking about the upcoming Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen and the Miss Central Lake's Outstanding Teen pageants. Both my and I, along with incredible new director of the Brainerd pageants, Cyndi, were there talking about how amazing this program is and encouraging girls to compete. The pageant will be January 6th at 3pm at Central Lake's College so those interested :)

Tuesday I traveled to Ramsey, Minnesota, to speak about Alzheimer's at an Adult Foster Care Conference. My mom and I just shared our story and opened it up to questions so it was very laid back.

Wednesday I was in Pine River to speak to the Lion's Club about Alzheimer's and the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen program. They were a fun group of people!

And finally, Thursday my Mom and I were in Detroit Lake's, Minnesota speaking to one of our favorite support groups at Oak Crossing. This support group is for people affected by Alzheimer's. They are always so warm and inviting! I love when we get the opportunity to travel there.

And to end my week, I was babysitting and I'll be carving pumpkins tonight with my boyfriend, Dylan. Happy Halloween!

Bailey
Miss MN's Outstanding Teen 2012

This crown has changed my life.

I think the title of this blog can pretty much sum up what this entire blog will be about. This crown has changed my life.

Trying to explain to people how much of a difference this organization (Miss America) makes in our world today is easy - You can easily Google "Miss America" and see that this organization has provided over $45 million in scholarships to its contestants. You could find how much money contestants raise for the Children's Miracle Network. You would see that this is the largest scholarship provider for young women and is one of the longest standing traditions in American history.

But what you can't see and what you can't Google is how much of a difference this organization has made in my life. This is my best attempt to try to open my heart to all of you through the media so that you can see what is at the core of this organization.

My life changed drastically when the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen crown was placed on my head, but to say that that was the only moment that changed my life is a lie. My life has been changing  since I started competing in 2009 and I have decided that instead of going on and on about every little thing that has been changed in my life I will share with you ten of the most important moments or things in my "pageant career" (if you will)

Most important moments or things:

1. When I asked Christ to be my Savior. It was one of the most emotional moments of my life and one that I will treasure forever. Asking Him to be my Savior was like releasing 15 pounds off of my shoulders and handing it over to Jesus. I never felt so light in my entire life.

2. My Father being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Yes I know that sounds strange but as I think about that moment I realize that without this disease so close to my heart, I would not have nearly as much passion for my platform. I can't imagine having anything but Alzheimer's for my platform. I've learned to look at Alzheimer's, not as a roadblock, but instead as an obstacle to overcome.

3. Being first runner-up in Miss Minnesota's Outstanding 2011. This was quite possibly the lowest point in my life. I had felt like I hit rock bottom and if any of you know what that feels like, it is the worst feeling in the world. Yet, it was an eye-opening moment in which I realized that life is so unfair sometimes but it is in those times that you must turn to Christ for He is the rock. In the words of J.K. Rowling "Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life on". The Lord never once turned on me and was (and still is) a constant motivator in my life.

4. The moment when I realized that I may never be Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. It came about a month before I actually ended up winning MMOT 2012. I was going through old emails and came across an email from "The Pageant Planet". Steve Roddy said that "you have to find peace in knowing that if you don't win the crown, you are just as successful if not more so because of your effort and the lives you have touched." You have no idea what it felt like to have this statement hit me so hard. Not only is it true, but so inspirational. I found peace in this statement as I led up to the moment that ultimately let me on the journey I am on today - being Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen.

5. Of course the moment I was crowned Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. I was given the honor to travel this state and to grow the Outstanding Teen program but I've remembered to not take any appearance for granted. My goal has been to touch a life at every appearance and make Minnesota proud of the teenager they have representing them.

6. Meeting Stacie. For those of you that have had the opportunity to meet and work with Stacie, I know that she has touched your life as much as she has touched mine. The servant-leadership and the kindheartedness she exudes is one to look up to. I'm so thankful that Stacie has continually picked me up, even when I fell and felt that I could never stand back up.

7. Receiving 28 hand written letters from the 5th graders at Roseville Elementary School a couple years ago. It was at this moment that I realized I'm making a difference in this world. Every single student thanked me for coming in to speak to them about Alzheimer's and told me some of the things they learned. It changed me life because it finally hit me that there is incredible power behind a voice that chooses to rise above the doubt that many people throw at you. I was told many times that getting children to relate to Alzheimer's disease is close to impossible, but receiving these letters proved to the people that ever doubted me just how wrong they were for believing children wouldn't understand Alzheimer's.

8. To those that have reached out to me and have told me how much my blogs give them inspiration. It is because of you that I continue to write these blogs. To be honest I did think many people read my blog, but lately many people has stepped forward and thanked me. I'm incredibly grateful to you if you have. I feel that I was put on this Earth to not only make a difference, but also inspire others. My hope is that each blog can give just bit of inspiration to those of you who are reading this now or who have read in the past.

9. The people I have met through pageants. I was going to say the friends I have met through pageants but decided to say people because I have certainly drifted away from people I thought were my friends.  I'm grateful for both the friends I have met and the people who I've drifted away from. There's a reason each of you were placed in my life. I was on Twitter the other day (which reminds me... follow @Mmot12 on Twitter!), and read a quote that went something like this; We met for a reason. Either you are a blessing or a lesson. There have certainly been more than a couple people throughout my pageant career that fall under the "lesson" category and I wanted to take this time to say that I'm sorry but sometimes things don't always go the way we planned them to go. There is a thing called forgiveness and I hope you can accept my apology and move on. Life is too short to talk bad about me or put down the very organization that has pushed me to be a better Bailey. I may have changed since I started I competing but I'm still Bailey - I'm just a better version.

And finally that lucky number 10 goes out to those who never once doubted me and the things I wanted to accomplish. Life is so great and I'm so happy I have all you here supporting me and my journey. Special thanks goes to my Mom and Dylan for being my two best friends. Mom, you have sacrifced so much for me and have never complained about any of it. Dylan, you never fail to make me laugh when I'm having a bad day. I thank both of you for supporting me in more ways than one.

With all my love,
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

Bemidji, Nisswa fashion show, and "Balance" workshop

These last couple of weeks have been absolutely crazy! It seems that I always start blogs off like that, but it is true. I'm amazed at the places this crown has taken me and how fast the year is flying by.

A couple weekends ago, I was in Bemidji for the very first Miss Northern Lakes and Miss Northern Lakes' Outstanding Teen pageant. How exciting! I'm happy to welcome Maggie Wothe, the new Miss Northern Lakes' Outstanding Teen to the MMOT Class of 2013. Maggie is a true example of hard work and dedication. Also congrats to the new Miss Northern Lakes, Kayla Brown! I know the year you two have ahead of you will be filled with many fun and exciting new adventures.

Last week, I had to opportunity to attend the Nisswa Women of Today Fashion Show and model for Lundrigan's Clothing (my summer job). It's always fun to get all dressed up and have a nice dinner... Need I say more?

This past Saturday, I was down in Maplewood, Minnesota for a "Balance" workshop. This event was organized by an incredible woman, Stacie McBride-Cox, who has been a constant support and motivator in my life. This workshop was for the young girls at her church with a focus on a healthy life style both physically and spiritually. There were many activities in which girls could exercise their bodies while keeping in mind that a healthy body is just as important as a healthy mind and spiritually  The goal was to show these girls how to "balance" the two and give glory to the Lord. I spoke a bit about nutrition and how feeding your body with healthy foods goes hand-in-hand with feeding you mind healthy things that are pleasing to the Lord. It was a fun event and I'm happy that I got to share it with dear friends: Siri (Miss MN), Tiffany (Miss South Central) and Emily (formerly Miss Frazee on her way to compete in Miss Coon Rapids).

Since I am a senior (I'm old!), these past couple of weeks have been filled with college visits, scholarship applications, senior pictures, essay writing, ACT prep, and college applications. Trying to pile all of these onto my already busy appearance and school schedule has been tough, but I've managed and I think I'm on the road to feeling a bit less stressed. I'm SO beyond excited to announce that I will be attending Bethel University next fall and I will be enrolled in their Accounting and Finance program! I am looking forward to another visit next week and for things to start falling into place with my dream college.

Hope everyone is enjoying life! :)
Bailey
MMOT 2012

Walk to End Alzheimer's, Lion's Club, and Ruby's Pantry

I know it's been almost three weeks since the Walk to End Alzheimer's, but this blog is better late than never right? Life has gotten a bit hectic, so I apologize for how late this is.

On Saturday, September 22nd, the fourth annual Walk to End Alzheimer's took place at the Brainerd Arboretum! My family and I have been involved with this Walk since the beginning and I can tell you that it is one of the most rewarding things I do each year. This year, I was proud to have raised over $1,500 this year, bringing my total money raised to $22,000 in the past four years, something I'm extremely proud of.

The Walk started bright and early Saturday morning, and was a bit chilly. We managed to stay warm by bundling up and sipping on apple cider :) I love fall!

I want to thank my team, Team Wachholz 2012 - you all are awesome for coming out! You know who you are and I hope that you know how grateful I am for your support. Thanks to those who helped me reach my goal - I certainly couldn't have done it without you!!

This Monday night, I attend the Breezy Point/Pequot Lake's Lion's Club meeting to ask for a scholarship donation for the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen program. My goal is to raise $10,000 by March that will only be used for scholarship funds. If you, your business, your neighbor, or anyone is willing to donate, please contact me at missminnesotasoutstandingteen@gmail.com! Any donation is tax deductible. Thanks!

Today, once again, I  attend Ruby's Pantry in Brainerd - my once-a-month appearance! Today was fun because this was the largest group of people they've had in a long time and I was able to attend with my Mom and two pageant friends. Plus I just love Ruby's so I knew it was going to be a fun day :)

Tomorrow I have my grad pictures (Holy cow - I'm old!!). I'm looking forward to them :)

Best,
Bailey
Miss MN's Outstanding Teen 2012

Yep! This is one of those rants..

As I'm sitting here watching the Presidential Debate, it hit me that 1) I have yet to update all of you regarding the Walk to End Alzheimer's... Be looking for that soon! 2) I can usually feel when I just need to write and this thing your about to read is an accumulation of the words I've been trying to muster together for the past few weeks that have finally come to me.

So here it goes:

Life is wayyy to short, people. Instead of wasting your time putting other people down and holding grudges toward people that did nothing wrong, put your time towards something that will change the world - volunteer at a food shelf, donate money to a cause, read to the first graders at your local elementary school. Do something worthwhile instead of spending your days unhappy and angry at the world.

Don't blame others for your problems. Life doesn't own you a single thing. Reflect on what you can do to be the best person you can be and everything will fall into place. God works in miracles.

Let go of the things you can't change. By clinging to them, it only creates baggage in your life that weighs you down. Life is all about change and until you start accepting that fact, you will NEVER be able to accept yourself for the person God created you to be.

Tomorrow is a new day. Today may have kicked you in the butt and you may have fell to the ground but you have to pull yourself up and fight for a new day. The sun will always rise. Just remember that there are greater days ahead of you. If you are reading this, know that I believe in you :)

People break promises and they don't always hold true to their words but life goes on. Sure, in the moment it may seem like the worst possible thing, but like I said above - the sun will always rise and there will be another day. Accept it and move on and hope that it doesn't happen to the person sitting next to you.

Just because someone says something, doesn't mean it's true. There are two sides to every story. Try hearing both sides of the story before you make a decision. Be ashamed if your that person that chooses to believe one side of a story and let that story influence how you treat others.  (I promise that made perfect sense in my head!)

Cheers to your future. The past is gone and will never be back.

You CAN change a life - believe you can and you will. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to complement the shy girl in the hallway at school or thank a man or woman in uniform for their service to our country.

One thing that I've learned in the past seven months of my reign is that being strong is more important than being skinny. Aim for a life of purity and learn to love your curves!

My favorite quote - "You just have to live your life not caring what people think and shake off the drama. Prove to them that you are better than that" - needs no explanation.

Blessings only come to those who notice. Try looking at everything as a gift and take nothing for granted.

Girls - don't even think about comparing yourself to others. It will only make you unhappy. We will never be as perfect as the girls on the cover of the magazines we see plastered everywhere.

There is a plan for your life and it is far greater than any plan you can ever imagine. Trust that you are being led down the yellow brick road that leads to an emerald castle - why, it takes you home doesn't it?

What's meant to be will always find a way. Don't ever give up! It took me four years to win the title of Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. If you work really hard and are kind, good things will happen. They may take time, but I promise you they will happen.

I found this quote and it certainly has been truthful the past few months - "There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the pointless drama and the people that create it, and surround yourself with people who make you laugh so hard that you forget the bad and focus on the good."

Life doesn't have a purpose unless you let it.

This world can't satisfy the never-ending thirst we have for Christ. When life gets too hard, get down on those knees and pray. This was the best advice I was ever given.

I hope these words find you well tonight.
Best,
Bailey
MMOT 2012