Children's Miracle Network

I've been raising money for CMN for the past three years, but today I got to see for myself the effects of this organization. I visited the closest hospital in the network this evening and was so impressed. There were beautiful fish tanks that the children loved, a cozy game room where kids could play or bring toys back to their room, and everyone I met was super sweet. I got to play bingo with some of the kids and their parents, and was so amazing to see them so happy when they obviously had so much against them. I'm sad I have to leave tomorrow, but I'm very excited about getting to spend more time there in the fall!

"Let yourself be Enchanted"

Today I was reminded of why I'm in school studying accounting, economics, and statistics. Because even though it's rough now, someday when I have my own studio it will all be worth it. My dad asked me if putting on my first recital encouraged or discouraged my dream, and now I definitely know that I would be so happy teaching dance for the rest of my life. Watching my little girls reminded me of why I've spent countless hours studying the art. Even after all of the sweat, blood, and tears (in a very, sadly, literal sense), dance has always brought me joy. Being able to share that joy with these little girls is absolutely priceless. Who knows, there may be future Miss America's in this picture. :)
I always want to inspire children to follow their dreams. I love the movie Enchanted (the theme of the recital) because it reminds us, "let yourself be enchanted, you just might break through to ever, ever after." Whatever that may be, it all starts with believing in yourself and then making it happen!
Keep working on your ever after :)
love,
Jane

Dayton View Elementary

For the first time it seems real. I had my first appearance this morning, and I absolutely loved it! I went to Dayton View Elementary and had the opportunity to speak to three fourth grade classes about the importance of education in making their dreams come true.
I definitely have a new respect for my professors now. But somehow, instead of being discouraging, the couple of students who seemed to have a sincere interest outweighed the few that were about to pass out on their desks...It was early so I don't blame them. Four hours is definitely not enough beauty sleep lol.
One of my favorite parts was getting to learn about what the students wanted to do with their lives and why they think education is important. It was completely humbling to know that I got to encourage future doctors, lawyers, football players, and even beauticians to achieve their goals. The whole experience also gave me a new insight into my own education, and why I need to really push through these last two and a half weeks. I have a responsibility to myself and also these children to be an example of what my platform looks like. Henry Ford said, "whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right." I need to hear this as much as the students because I have much less time left to make it happen.
I know God has placed me here in this time and place for a reason, and I am so thankful for every opportunity I have to make a difference in the lives of others, with or without a crown.
Believe in yourself. If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it :)

[Baseball] diamonds are a girls best friend :)

I spent the evening at the 5/3 Field in Dayton, home of the Dayton Dragons. My college played their annual Cedarville Classic against Wilmington college, and a few cheerleaders came to represent the school, act goofy, and support our guys. I know a few of the players from classes so it was a lot of fun to cheer them on. :) They had us go on to the dug out to sing "take me out to the ball game" and to do the chicken dance with a group of younger kids from the audience. At least I'm used to making a public spectacle of myself haha.
On the way back though, Jess was DJing with my iPod and she put on "unwritten" by Natasha Beddingfield. The chorus says: "No one else can feel it for you, only you can let it in, no one else can speak the words on your lips...live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins; the rest is still unwritten." And as lame as it might be, I was so encouraged by that reminder that what I have to share is actually worth while. Tomorrow morning I'm going to a school to speak for the first time, and I feel so inadequate...it's very humbling. Like my friend Grace told me the other night, I just need to be an ambassador for Jesus, and He will take care of the rest. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow :)
In other news, I'm still doing everything I can to make the most of the opportunity that I've been given. It's just getting very stressful as final papers and exams are coming up, and the average number of sleep per night shrinks daily. I can't wait to be home for the summer so I can give way to the current pull of my one track mind.
Until next time try to enjoy spring time, and catch a baseball game if you can!
Love,
Jane

Albert Einstein-a very smart man

These are some quotes by him that I love:

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.

That deep emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.

The more I study the universe the more I believe in a higher power.

Dancers are the athletes of God


***Happy Birthday Daddy and Ricky, I love you***

New

Well, I've been Miss Mid-State for a week now, and it's still a little hard to believe. After competing for three years and knowing that I loved pageants, I thought I'd be more prepared for the adjustment. All of a sudden there was a TON of paperwork, a new workout regime, constant news updates, appearance scheduling, etc. It didn't help that the day after I won I had to drive nine hours back to Ohio to finish up the last three weeks of the semester. But even with everything I have to do it all seems so worth it. My dreams are finally starting to come true. You know that point where you just want to give up but something keeps you hanging on? That's where I've been all semester. It's almost like God was telling me that I had to make sure I was finding my validation in Him before He would add anything else into my life that might distract me. But I'm so thankful for the experiences I've had to grow recently and for all of the people who believed in me and helped to see me through.

Next week I'm supposed to be speaking at an inner city school in Dayton on the importance of education. I hope that I can have a positive impact on the lives of these children. That's always been one of the greatest reasons for me to do pageants. The crown is like a microphone; I just pray that God will give me the right words to speak when I get there.