09/23/2008
September 15, 2008...
Though I hate to start of a blog echoing such a trite sentiment, the past few months since I was crowned have truly been a whirlwind. Aside from adjusting to a new lifestyle, one of the coolest things about being a state representative is the relative ease in which I am now able to pursue things. As I mentioned in my previous blog, one of my goals for the year was to create a schedule that allowed me to address many of the issues I wanted to tout during my year as Miss Hawai'i. Instead of pursuing the endeavors on my own time, I'm fortunate to have an entire board keeping my interests in mind and helping to develop opportunities to accomplish those goals! I don't think many people realize just how important the volunteers that work with this program are to the success of both the program and titleholders themselves.
For instance, I was thrilled to start seeking out opportunities for appearances but up until a few weeks ago, my schedule was blocked off starting on the 9th of October for our reality show. Our date got pushed back till the 21st, and all of a sudden, my schedule is filled up with events and appearances through no effort of my own. In the past week alone, I've filmed a promo for Hawai'i Tourism Japan at Kualoa Ranch, emceed a fashion show at the Embassy Suites, participated in photo shoots for the 2010 Beautiful Women of Hawaii calendar and a feature for Kane Magazine's fall issue, performed with Manoa DNA at the Aloha Festival Ho'olaulea, ridden in the Aloha Week Festival Parade, and catwalked in a holoku redesigned in the 50's by the late Richard Goodwin in the 200 Years of Hawaii Monarchy Gown Collection.
However, one of my favorite moments in this fun-filled, yet sleep-deprived week was participating in the X-treme Reading Kickoff at Moanalua Middle School. I was honored to be a part of such a well-organized and highly successful program implemented to promote literacy. After a introductory broadcast to the classrooms where volunteers including educators, coaches, politicians and other impressive public figures, we split off and headed to our respective classrooms to share excerpts from our favorite books. I chose a childhood favorite with an empowering message - Dr. Suess's, "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"
After reading the story to the 8th grade , we had a great discussion session highlighting the importance of perseverance and taking advantage of opportunities. It's hard to repeat much out of context, but if they left with one thing from our time together, I hope they walked away knowing that striving for something they want is a process, and oftentimes, the best successes come only after repeated attempts. We covered a lot of ground, and I was thrilled that the students overcame the initial shyness to continue the discussion session well past the allotted time. Just knowing they were giving up recess to hear more (and ask me to sign just about anything in reach) made me feel like a celebrity! I can't wait to go back for a visit.
As for what's next on the agenda, even I couldn't tell you. All I know is that from Sept 21-Oct 9, all of the contestants for Miss America will be flown to an undisclosed location to film our reality show, Countdown to the Crown. Three weeks, 52 girls, and packing for a trip where we don't have the slightest clue what we'll be doing. Is this really my life??
Stay tuned!
Nicole Fox
Miss Hawaii 2008
For instance, I was thrilled to start seeking out opportunities for appearances but up until a few weeks ago, my schedule was blocked off starting on the 9th of October for our reality show. Our date got pushed back till the 21st, and all of a sudden, my schedule is filled up with events and appearances through no effort of my own. In the past week alone, I've filmed a promo for Hawai'i Tourism Japan at Kualoa Ranch, emceed a fashion show at the Embassy Suites, participated in photo shoots for the 2010 Beautiful Women of Hawaii calendar and a feature for Kane Magazine's fall issue, performed with Manoa DNA at the Aloha Festival Ho'olaulea, ridden in the Aloha Week Festival Parade, and catwalked in a holoku redesigned in the 50's by the late Richard Goodwin in the 200 Years of Hawaii Monarchy Gown Collection.
However, one of my favorite moments in this fun-filled, yet sleep-deprived week was participating in the X-treme Reading Kickoff at Moanalua Middle School. I was honored to be a part of such a well-organized and highly successful program implemented to promote literacy. After a introductory broadcast to the classrooms where volunteers including educators, coaches, politicians and other impressive public figures, we split off and headed to our respective classrooms to share excerpts from our favorite books. I chose a childhood favorite with an empowering message - Dr. Suess's, "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"
After reading the story to the 8th grade , we had a great discussion session highlighting the importance of perseverance and taking advantage of opportunities. It's hard to repeat much out of context, but if they left with one thing from our time together, I hope they walked away knowing that striving for something they want is a process, and oftentimes, the best successes come only after repeated attempts. We covered a lot of ground, and I was thrilled that the students overcame the initial shyness to continue the discussion session well past the allotted time. Just knowing they were giving up recess to hear more (and ask me to sign just about anything in reach) made me feel like a celebrity! I can't wait to go back for a visit.
As for what's next on the agenda, even I couldn't tell you. All I know is that from Sept 21-Oct 9, all of the contestants for Miss America will be flown to an undisclosed location to film our reality show, Countdown to the Crown. Three weeks, 52 girls, and packing for a trip where we don't have the slightest clue what we'll be doing. Is this really my life??
Stay tuned!
Nicole Fox
Miss Hawaii 2008