Remember This....

Have you ever sat and thought about the things your parents use to say to you when you were a youngster? While preparing for the pageant I've found myself daydreaming about the things my parents have said to me, and they always started off with, "Remember."

Remember to tie your shoes so you don't slip!
Remember to brush your teeth!
Remember your bus is number 7!
Remember to chew before you swallow!
Remember to hand in your lunch money!
Remember to call before you change your plans!
Remember to slow down (driving)!
Remember to apply for college!
Remember that no matter what we still love you.

A little cheesy, but it's true, parents and family are always looking out for us. The one 'remember' that means the most to me is when my father would say to me almost everyday, "I love you and remember I wouldn't trade you for a million cagillion bucks!"
Obviously, a parent would never 'sell' their child, but for my young mind and heart that comment made me confident that my father cared dearly and would do anything for me.

No matter if you are going through a breakup, going to your first day of school, yelling at your parents, graduating from high school, fighting your sister for the bathroom, going on your first date, remember this, family is there.

Thank you to my family for encouraging me to follow my dreams of becoming Miss America. I cannot believe at the accomplishments I have made on my journey and could not and would not have done it without you!