Twenty Something & 2,000 Miles

September 3^rd-5^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 32779 Total)

From the 3^rd to the 5^th I spent time at school finishing up research interviews, getting Student Government tasks completed, taking my first statistics exam (which I got an A on!!!), meeting with my professor about future internships or studying abroad, attending a Faculty Senate meeting, going to class, doing homework, and writing a paper!

September 6^th: Vermillion, SD> Omaha, NE… and back! (268 Miles, 33047 Total)

I went to class in the morning, attended a business fraternity meeting, went to choir practice, and then went down to Omaha to pick Chris up at the airport for my birthday weekend. We didn’t get back until like 1am.

September 7^th: Vermillion, SD> Okoboji, Iowa (130 Miles, 33177 Total)

We headed to Okoboji for the weekend! When we got to the hotel, we ate lunch, went for a walk, took a well needed nap, and went out for a nice dinner! That night our friends Sarah and Adam got into town to join us in celebrating my 20^th birthday!

September 8^th: Okoboji, Iowa (0 Miles, 33177 Total)

Saturday was the best day! We went paddle-boarding- which has become my favorite activity- and later that evening we went to the Iowa Clay County Fair. At the fair we watched barrel racing, got to pet a bunch of different animals, and went on a few carnival rides. (We also got some good fair food: corn-dogs and ice cream)

September 9^th: Okoboji, Iowa> Vermillion, SD (130 Miles, 33307 Total)

The morning of my actual birthday we checked out of the hotel and Adam and Sarah surprised me with a basket full of goodies! We went out to breakfast and parted ways- but not before a hug fest in the parking lot. That night we went to my sorority house to watch Miss America and cheer Carrie on!

September 10^th: Vermillion, SD> Omaha, NE… and back (268 Miles, 33575 Total)

It was back to the real world, I had to take Chris back to the airport and make it back home in time for my weekly sorority meeting.

September 11^th-12^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 33575 Total)

Was another week of classes, a SGA meeting, choir practice, meetings, working out, and doing homework!

September 13^th: Vermillion, SD> Hot Springs, SD (479 Miles, 34054 Total)

I went to class in the morning, my business Fraternity meeting, the Political Science Department Ice Cream Social, and then to choir practice. After choir practice ended at 9:15pm, my friend Kristina and I trekked all the way back to Hot Springs- getting home at about 2:47am MT.

September 14^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back (158 Miles, 34212 Total)

Morning came WAYYYY too soon. Kristina and I woke up early to take my car to Rapid to get worked on, and then we went to Hippie Hole for the afternoon while we waited! After going swimming, we met my mom for dinner!

September 15^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back (158 Miles, 34370 Total)

ANOTHER early morning. Dad woke us up early to go pick up my car from the dealership in Rapid City. Afterwards, we got lunch and then headed back home, stopping at Cascade Falls for a hot minute. Kristina got to jump into two waterfalls in one weekend (I joked that’s how I would repay for taking the trip with me)

September 16^th: Hot Springs, SD> Vermillion, SD (479 Total, 34849 Total)

Today we woke up- again- way too early and made the trek all the way back to Vermillion. It is good to be back home in Verm-town. I have tonight and tomorrow morning to organize myself after my *second* birthday weekend.

In the past two weeks I have traveled over 2,000 miles. I have lost myself in nature, learned that laughter truly is the best medicine, that the best of friends are found in unexpected places and are of all different ages, and that year 20 won’t be too bad, based off of the last week. I am thankful for all the people in my life that support and love me unconditionally, for the opportunity that I get every day to learn more about life, and for this wonderful, crazy, busy life I live. There is never a dull moment and I am constantly looking up at the sky and questioning how everything seems to work out in the end.

Suitcases, Sororities, and Sparkly Hats

July 31^st: Norfolk, VA> Atlanta, GA> Denver, CO> Chadron, NE> HOME! (2431 Miles, 30400 Total)

I headed home to South Dakota to get ready for my next year of school at the University of South Dakota.

August 1^st: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 30400 Total)

I spent my day home, unpacking, doing laundry, doing homework, and recovering from all the traveling.

August 2^nd: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back! (156 Miles, 30556 Total)

August 2^nd was Miracle Treat Day for Children’s Miracle Network. I spent the day in Rapid City with Jessica Benson, Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen at a local dairy queen in support of CMN. We got to speak on the radio!

August 3^rd: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 30556 Total)

I spent another day home, packing for college and getting everything in order. I finished up my summer classes- which I got As in, despite interning across the country, competing for Miss South Dakota, and taking a trip to Washington D.C. at the beginning of the summer! I am getting good at juggling!

August 4^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back! (156 Miles, 30712 Total)

I took a trip to Rapid City with Anna to go shopping for Sorority Recruitment outfits and to pick up last minutes necessities for college.

August 5^th: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 30712 Total)

August 5^th was my last day to pack up for school. I got everything loaded up and ready to go for the next morning!

August 6^th: Hot Springs, SD> Vermillion, SD (479 Miles, 31191 Total)

The trek across the state never gets easier.

August 7^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31191 Total)

I had lunch with my professor whose class I will be TAing for. That night Spirit Week began…

August 8-11^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31191 Total)

Spirit Week was one of the most intense weeks. Sorority recruitment preparation is so crazy! On the night of the 11th my mom and Anna came to Vermillion with the rest of my things and I finally got completely moved into my room.

August 12^th: Vermillion, SD> Sioux Falls, SD… and back (130 Miles, 31321 Total)

August 12th was our off day. I had breakfast in Sioux Falls with my mom and Anna and then went home to get ready for recruitment.

August 13^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31321 Total)

Monday the 13th was the last day of preparations. We did dress rehearsals and practiced every round of recruitment.

August 14^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31321 Total)

I had a meeting in the morning with my Advisor and also the SGA President Josh Sorbe. That night recruitment began. I was so nervous!

August 15-16^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31321 Total)

The next two days were Recruitment Week! We had so many new pledges! Bid Day was a blast, and my roommate Camille rushed Theta!

August 17^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31321 Total)

The 17th was Move-in Day. I moved people in during the morning and in the afternoon I had a training for the research project I am working on with Old Dominion University.

August 18^th: Vermillion, SD> Sioux Falls, SD… and back (130 Miles, 31451 Total)

Saturday was Carrie’s Trunk Show! I played the piano and got to send her off after seeing her beautiful wardrobe!

August 19^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31451 Total)

Sunday was my Catch Up Day before I hit the ground running!

August 20^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31451 Total)

CLASSES STARTED!

August 21^st– 23^rd: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 31451 Total)

During the week I had classes, meetings, research sessions.. and I tried out for the acapella choir on campus, as if I didn’t already have enough to do!

August 24^th-26^th: Vermillion, SD> Hot Springs, SD… and back (958 Miles, 32409 Total)

I headed home for the weekend to see my parents.

August 28^th-30^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 32409 Total)

Another week of classes, meetings, research sessions, choir, and I went to a barre class with my sorority sisters!

August 31^st: Vermillion, SD> Huron, SD (185 Miles, 32594 Total)

State Fair weekend! I woke up early, loaded my car, got a spray tan, my hair dyed, and drove to Huron for rehearsals for Miss State Fair!

September 1^st: Huron, SD> Vermillion, SD (185 Miles, 32779 Total)

The Miss State Fair Pageant! I was crowned Miss State Fair 😱

September 2^nd: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 32779 Total)

Now, I’m back in Vermillion catching up on life- taking a breath, and getting my homework done for the week! ✅

The Dog Days of Summer are GONE

HEREIN LIES THE LAST OF VIRGINIA…

July 6^th-July 9^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27355 Total)

A Couch Weekend, Much Needed 😌

July 10^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27355 Total)

I took advantage of working in Virginia Beach and went to the beach right after work! I was sooo spoiled.

July 11^th-12^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27355 Total)

A week of meeting with constituents, doing research on welfare reforms and poverty initiatives, and finding supporting court decisions for law cases.

July 13^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27355 Total)

Chris and I went to the Cultural Center in Norfolk and took a Bachata Dance class.  

July 15^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27355 Total)

We woke up early on a Sunday morning and went to the beach. Again, I was spoiled rotten. I miss these peaceful mornings.

July 16^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27355 Total)

Even with all the other hub-bub I still attended my online class seminars, even if they lasted three hours long on Monday nights.

July 17^th: Virginia Beach, VA > Annandale, VA… and back (400 Miles, 27755 Total)

We took a trip up to a suburb of Washington DC for the Commission meeting. My boss, Delegate Miyares is the chair of the Commission on Economic Opportunity for Virginians in Aspiring and Diverse Communities. I had done a bunch of research preparing for this meeting and helped with organizing the speakers. It was really amazing to hear the perspectives of the speakers and legislative initiatives will eventually come out of the information disseminated.

July 24^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27755 Total)

We had a visit from the local girl scouts at the office! They spoke about their community projects and Delegate Miyares discussed opportunities with them for the future. Most importantly, THEY BROUGHT COOKIES.

July 26^th: Virginia Beach, VA> Richmond, VA… and back (214 Miles, 27969 Total)

I was able to take another road trip north to Richmond for a meeting with the Governor’s Office. The junior intern, Jacob, and I had worked on a huge data project comparing county totals of jobs and unemployment with proposed solutions to the problems that each county faces. We were able to present this project to the Governor’s office which was incredible. Plus, I got a world class tour of the capital from Delegate Miyares.

July 28^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27969 Total)

My last weekend in Virginia was spent with some of the best! We had a backyard BBQ and then went out for a night of music, laughter, and fun! I sure miss all of my Virginia friends.

July 29^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27969 Total)

Chris and I went to the beach for the last time before I headed home to South Dakota.

July 30^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27969 Total)

The 30^th was my last day at my internship. I miss getting into trouble with Jacob, scaring and probably stressing Becky out, and talking politics with Jason, and the other lawyers in the office. I truly had a wonderful summer filled with all of my favorite things.

THE AFTERMATH: Post Pageant Depression, Post Offices, Term Papers, and Presidential Inductions

June 17^th-20^th: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 24590 Total)

THE AFTERMATH. Pageant week hit me like a bus. Moving all the gowns and shoe boxes back into the house, saying goodbye to everyone as they slowly departed town, and trying to figure out how to move forward is how I spent my days. Next week my final paper for one of my classes was due, I had to pack up my stuff for the entire summer, mail it in a box to Virginia, and tie up other loose strings of my life that were neglected during the past week.

June 21^st: Hot Springs, SD> Pierre, SD (246 Miles, 24836 Total)

Before embarking to Virginia for the summer I took a short jaunt to Pierre SD for the State Republican Convention. Arriving at around 9pm, the night was young, and I stayed up WAY too late socializing with other College Republicans, State Legislators, campaign workers, and familiar faces.

July 22^nd: Pierre, SD (0 Miles, 24836 Total)

Lilly, Allie, and I ran around and set-up, checked people in, manned the doors, and also managed to have some fun!

June 23^rd: Pierre, SD> Hot Springs, SD> Chadron, NE (319 Miles, 25082 Total)

I got to help as one of the Convention’s Sergeant at Arms and maintain order in the room. Luckily, I did not have to throw anyone out, but I was ready to! 😉 

After the convention got over, I drove home to Hot Springs, traded suitcases, and jumped in the car with one of my friends from Chadron in preparation for my flight the following morning at 5am.

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June 24^th: Chadron, SD> Alliance, SD> Denver, SD> Norfolk, VA (2068 Miles, 27223 Total)

With a day that started at 4am and did not end until after 10pm, I finally made it to Virginia.

June 25^th-July 1^st: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27223 Total)

I started my internship at Hanger Law with Delegate Jason Miyares, learned how to drive in Virginia traffic, went to the beach after work (a pleasure I am still not used to), had a BBQ on the back deck with Chris, saw old friends, and finally caught up on some much-needed sleep- while ALSO finishing my final paper and presentation for my honors class. Phew.

July 2^nd: Virginia Beach, VA> Williamsburg VA (132 Miles, 27355 Total)

Monday I was able to go with Jason, my boss, up to Williamsburg to attend the swearing in of the new President of William and Mary. Jason is a graduate of the William and Mary Law School. I was able to meet and shake hands with the Governor of Virginia, members of the Board of Visitors, a past Dean of the Law School, and other top attorneys in Virginia- along with some William and Mary Students. I LOVE WILLIAMSBURG.

July 3^rd-July 5^th: Virginia Beach, VA (0 Miles, 27355 Total)

The last few days I continued work at my internship; researching film tax credits, welfare reform policies, Opioid addiction crisis statistics, and even some law policies and codes.

For the Fourth of July I spent the entire day on the beach- and got rather burnt- with two of my favorite Virginia Friends, Leslie and Trevor. That night, Chris and I went to fireworks near a restored land-fill that is now a park entitled “Mount Trashmore” and then had wings at like 11pm (oops).

Summer is finally here, and I am finding myself very happy in my internship. I get to work on real legislative issues that will be possible options for legislation in the 2019 Virginia General Assembly. The people who work in the office are very kind- and someone even brought ME coffee. That means I’m a big-shot now, right?

I look forward to seeing what I accomplish here in Virginia and to bring back my new-found knowledge and skills to South Dakota.

Life is an adventure, just live it.

Roses & Pantyhose

June 10^th- 16^th: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 24590 Total)

Woah. Miss South Dakota week was over in a flash. I have never been so exhausted and motivated at the same time in my ENTIRE life.

Sunday we arrived and checked in with our host families- I was able to have the same one as last year: The Conlons! Jacki and Jordyn are the BEST! My roommate was Sammie Gervais, who ended up winning Miss Congeniality- because she was literally the sweetest person EVER!

Monday was Mt. Rushmore day! We loaded up on the bus and drove up to Keystone to see South Dakota’s four favorite guys. They were stone cold, even with all the beautiful girls there to greet them. Ha.

Tuesday was rehearsals and also a trip to the Red Rock River Resort- SPA DAY! After being rejuvenated, we were back to rehearsals!

Wednesday, we visited the SD State Veteran’s Home and The VA Hospital, AND we did a dress rehearsal!

On Thursday prelims began, and I got to interview for my dream job. Interview is my favorite part of competing and apparently, it shows, as I won interview for a second year in a row! Thursday night I competed in talent and evening gown. I was also awarded the Community Service Scholarship, The Miss America Academic Scholarship, and 2^nd place for the Miracle Maker Award. It was an incredible day. That night I got to see my mom, my boyfriend, his mom, and all of my friends that came to the show.

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Friday was the second night of prelims- and the crowning of the Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen. I competed in Swimsuit and On-stage Question. I was asked about my 100-year-old saxophone and what qualities I possess that would make me a great Congresswoman one day (meaning, I LOVED MY QUESTIONS). My pageant little sister, Jessica Benson who was Miss Hot Springs’ Outstanding Teen, was crowned Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen. I think I cried more than she did when it happened.

During the day we toured the Mammoth Site, Pine Hills Retirement Home, and Seven Sisters Living.

Saturday morning was the parade! I wore candy cane shoes and handed out candy canes because I am Miss Christmas in the Hills. It was adorable. After having lunch with my family and signing autographs in the park, I headed back to the Mueller Center. It was finals night.

All of a sudden, I was in the top 9. I competed in Talent, Gown, and Swimsuit once again. I performed as best as I could and left it all on the stage. Then, something incredible happened. I was in the TOP 5. I wanted to cry with joy. Then, it was on-stage final question time. I was first to go, and I could feel the nervousness in my throat. I was asked about the changes to the Miss America Organization and what I thought. AND I ROCKED MY ANSWER. “I am so happy that I will no longer have to worry about it my butt is too big or if my thighs are too thick to serve others and make a difference in others lives.”

Then there were four. Then there were three. Then there were two. There I was, standing with Carrie Wintle- one of us was the next Miss South Dakota.

The first runner-up and winner of a $4,300 scholarship is… Amber Hulse!

Carrie Wintle was the next Miss South Dakota- I WAS FIRST RUNNER UP!

I was so happy for Carrie- and I couldn’t believe that I had made it that far. I was so close- and it was only my second year.

Miss South Dakota Week taught me to never doubt yourself and your capabilities. It taught me to hold strong to your convictions and personal values. I learned to not worry about what others were doing or accomplished and to focus on my own personal journey and work that I had done. To trust the process and know that I had done everything I could.

I am so proud to say that I was first-runner up. I am so proud of my sorority sister and pageant sister, Carrie, for all the hard work she put into this organization and I know that the list of accomplishments she boasts will only grow exponentially in this next year.

I said this in interview when talking about my decision to not attend the Naval Academy, but I think that it is applicable in almost every sense. Thomas Rhett’s sings in his song Life Changes “You make plans and you hear God laughing” and that could not be truer. It is his plan, not ours.

So, here I am, typing this in Virginia Beach, VA at an internship that I would not have received if it had not been for my skills that I learned through the Miss South Dakota Organization. I will be forever grateful and changed by the organization…and I will be back.

 

Sketchy Plane Flights, Hair Dye, & High Tides (Thankfully No Ambulance Rides)

May 21^st: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 18583 Total)

I was finally home!

May 21^st-23^rd: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 18583 Total)

Did a LOT of homework, practiced the piano for more hours than I can count, walked in heels around a gym for longer than I would like to admit, finished up all of my scholarship applications, and started feeling really prepared for Miss South Dakota.

May 24^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back (156 Miles, 18739 Total)

I drove up to Rapid City to get my hair done (Marissa at High Maintenance is the BOMB!) one last time before Miss South Dakota, and to drop my gown off at the seamstress for some last-minute alterations. Shameless plug: KJ Forever Yours Alterations on Kansas City Street is THE LADY when it comes to ANY alterations!

May 25^th-27^th: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 18739 Total)

Wrote close to 80 thank you notes, polished up my piano piece a little more, and prepared for my speech at the American Legion’s Annual Girl’s State.

May 28^th: Hot Springs, SD> Vermillion, SD> Mitchell, SD (610 Miles, 19349 Total)

Mom and I trekked all the way to Vermillion from Hot Springs so I could speak at Girl’s State on behalf of USD’s Student Government Association. It was great to be back in Yote country. When the ceremony got over, we attempted to drive back home but stopped in Mitchell to rest.

May 29^th: Mitchell, SD> Hot Springs, SD (351 Miles, 19700 Total)

We woke up and made the last leg of the journey back home. I did some laundry, unpacked my bag and repacked it with swimsuits for the next day’s journey.

May 30^th: Hot Springs, SD> Chadron, NE> Alliance, NE> Denver, CO> Chicago, IL> Norfolk, VA (2261 Miles, 21961 Total)

Christopher got tickets to Virginia Beach’s Annual Patriotic Fest and booked last minute tickets for me to fly out and spend the weekend listening to country music, fulfilling my mermaid needs- bodysurfing in the waves for hours, and spending quality time with good friends! The trip was exactly what I needed to unwind before Pageant week and to get away for a weekend.

June 3^rd: Norfolk, VA> Denver, CO> Alliance, NE> Chadron, NE> Hot Springs, SD (2141 Miles, 24102 Total)

The journey back home was a long one- I walked into the house around 2am (technically June 4^th). It took me a whole day to recover- I stayed in bed all day working on homework!

June 5^th: Hot Springs, SD> Edgemont, SD> Rapid City, SD…and back (176 Miles, 24278 Total)

When mom got off work we went to Edgemont to vote in the Primary election. I then travel to Rapid City to attend Shantel Krebs’ Election Party, and while the results were not what we all wanted to see, it was great to connect with so many familiar faces.

June 7^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back (156 Miles, 24434 Total)

After a killer workout at Health for Life Fitness with Scott Shannon, I went to Rapid City to do two mock interviews with Sara Frankenstein and Molly Barari. The interviews were both at very professional law firms and prepared me very well for my upcoming interview at Miss South Dakota, especially for political topics. After the interviews, I picked up my gown from the seamstress and began running some errands. I started to not feel very well and drove myself to Urgent Care. A shot of antibiotics later and a trip to the Walmart Pharmacy, I was headed home with a warning that if I did not feel better that I should head to the ER. Luckily, the medications did the trick.

June 8^th: Hot Springs, SD (0 miles, 24434 Total)

I woke up feeling like a different person. I got ready for the day and headed to the VA Hospital to do a Mock Interview with community members from Hot Springs. This interview helped me get my game face on, and I was impressed with myself and my performance even with the events of the night before.

June 9^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD…and back (156 Miles, 24590 Total)

Today I went to Rapid City, yet again, to finish the errands I started Thursday. I picked up some last-minute necessities and made my way home to finish up homework before Miss South Dakota week starts- TOMORROW!

It is absolutely incredible how fast time has passed. I do not know where the month of May went, and I cannot believe Miss South Dakota week starts tomorrow. Since January 1^st I have now traveled almost 25,000 miles. My travels have enriched my life, created countless memories, taught me valuable lessons, and added to who I am as a person. This next week I will utilize many of these moments to show the judges who I truly am. Whether I walk away with a sparkly hat or not next week, I am thankful for the innumerable blessings that have been granted to me and I only hope that I can make purpose of them, possibly as your next Miss South Dakota.

Rehearsal, Rinse, Repeat: Pre-Pageant

May 18^th: Pierre, SD (0 Miles, 18337 Total)

This is what I looked like by the end of the night:

Pre-Pageant began! We heard from the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of State, and other members of the Miss South Dakota Board before moving into choreography rehearsal which went until 11pm.

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May 19^th: Pierre, SD> Hot Springs, SD (246 Miles, 18583 Total)

              Rehearsal started the next morning at 8am and went until around 5pm. We did mock interviews, met with board members, and did a photoshoot in our production outfits. When rehearsal got over at 5pm I drove all the way home to Hot Springs.

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The Ugly Hollywood: The Mafia Room Masters take on D.C.

May 13^th: Washington, D.C. (0 Miles, 16765 Total)

            Touring the National Mall, late night ice cream, and lots of pictures!

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May 14^th: Washington, D.C. (0 Miles, 16765 Total)

            Meetings with employees from the Inspector General’s office of the Department of State, the National Wheatgrower’s Association, the US-Asia Institute, the Association for Accessible Medicines, and USAID. The day ended with an alumni dinner at Old Ebbitt Grille.

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May 15^th: Washington, D.C. (0 Miles, 16765 Total)

            Meetings with employees from the EPA, Grant Thorton, the Consumer Bankers Association, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Hogan Lovells Law Firm. The day ended with a Farber Fund Reception at the US-Asia Institute House.

May 16^th: Washington, D.C. (0 Miles, 16765 Total)

            The day started early, with a constituent coffee and breakfast. Attendees included Rep. Kristi Noem, Sen. Mike Rounds, and Sen. John Thune (who was impressed that I knew his hometown Murdo was exit 192 on the interstate… this proves I drive I-90 WAY too often). We then did a Capitol tour, watched a Weighs and Means Committee Hearing, and ate lunch at a local burger place. After lunch, we met with staff member alumni who work in legislative offices of representatives from other states. We also met the newly elected Senator Doug Jones. That night we were supposed to attend a Yankees v. Nationals game, but it got rained out. Instead, we went to dinner at Old Europe, did an Escape Room (and got #1 on the leaderboard), and got caught in the rain on the way home.

May 17^th: Washington, D.C. > Omaha, NE > Vermillion, SD> Pierre, SD (1572 Miles, 18337 Total)

            In the morning we packed up our bags and headed for a last-minute meeting with an employee of the Department of Commerce. He had us work on a project involving South Dakota’s soybean connections to a Chinese technology company and asked us for what we would do, which was really incredible. We also got to visit the Society of the Cincinnati at the Anderson House. At this meeting, we had a signed letter from George Washington placed in front of us and took a tour of the most elaborate building I have ever seen.

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After this, we hustled to Reagan International and hopped on our plane back to Omaha, NE. Once in Omaha, we drove back to Vermillion, dropped off a few passengers, and Hannah and I continued onward to Pierre, South Dakota. Effectively, we traveled from one Capitol to another in less than twelve hours.

The next morning? Miss South Dakota Pre-Pageant Began. 

April showers bring… long hours?

March 23st: Vermillion, SD > Hot Springs, SD (458 Miles, 11115 Total)

          I headed back to Hot Springs for the annual Man Pageant! We had 9 contestants and raised over $1,000 for Children’s Miracle Network.

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March 25st: Hot Springs, SD > Vermillion, SD (458 Miles, 11573 Total)

We trekked back to Vermillion after the Man Pageant! Road tripping was fun!

March 26-28^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 11573 Total)

            I spent the week in Vermillion doing regular college kid things- I have to be a normal 19 year old sometimes!

March 29^th: Vermillion, SD > Hot Springs, SD (458 Miles, 12031 Total)

            I headed to Hot Springs again to spend the Easter Holiday with my parents and get a start on selling ads for the Miss South Dakota Program Book!

April 1^st: Hot Springs, SD > Vermillion, SD (458 Miles, 12489 Total)

            Easter Day I was back on the road to Vermillion to be back in time for class on Monday!

April 4^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 12489 Total)

            I spoke at my school’s Ideafest to discuss the things I learned while interning in Pierre about state government.

April 7^th: Vermillion, SD > Sioux Falls, SD… and back (126 Miles, 12615 Total)

            Saturday was State Day for my sorority and then a photoshoot for recruitment. My best friend Camille and I then attended the Miss Amazing Pageant in Sioux Falls.

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April 11^th: Vermillion, SD > Rapid City, SD (404 Miles, 13019 Total)

            I made my way to the Black Hills. 

April 13^th: Rapid City, SD > Hot Springs, SD (57 Miles, 13076 Total)

           I hit a snowstorm, so I stopped had breakfast and plowed down to Hot Springs, and then toured Wind Cave National Park.

April 14^th: Hot Springs, SD > Keystone, SD… and back (106 Miles, 13182 Total)

            Saturday was the Miss South Dakota Cake Auction; however, I also did a photoshoot with Russ Hadden in Keystone in the morning. The photoshoot was cold, yet the pictures were gorgeous.

April 15^th: Hot Springs, SD > Vermillion, SD (458 Miles, 13640 Total)

            I drove all the way back to Vermillion as I had class the next day.  

April 16^th: Vermillion, SD > Sioux Falls, SD… and back (126 Miles, 13766 Total)

            I got back to Vermillion just in time for class. After class, I went to my sorority meeting.

April 17^th– 18^th: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 13766 Total)

            Normal college student things… I attended classes, had a Student Government Meeting, went to the Political Science Annual Banquet, wrote a research proposal, and went to the gym.

April 19^th: Vermillion, SD > Gregory, SD… and back (294 Miles, 14060 Total)

            I traveled to my roommate’s high school in Gregory, SD to talk to the high schoolers about my platform, Operation Overload. That same day I also attended the VIP Dinner for my sorority. I took my professor, Dr. Hellwege, to the dinner and following the dinner I attended a meeting for my trip to Washington, DC.

April 20^th-May 3^rd: Vermillion, SD (0 Miles, 14060 Total)

            To tell you the truth, I do not know where these two weeks of my life went. I wrote a 20-page paper about Pageantry and Political Ambition, presented my findings, finished up my other classes, went to the gym every day, cleaned up and moved out of my apartment in Vermillion, went to the play Cabaret, helped with the Presidential Search for the next USD President by helping with the Student Feedback Forums, and who knows what else. I cannot believe it is already May.

May 4^th: Vermillion, SD > Omaha, NE (134 Miles, 14194 Total)

            Mock Interview for Miss South Dakota! (With an incredible panel of judges)

May 5^th: Omaha, NE > Lincoln, NE (59 Miles, 14253 Total)

            Day Two of Omaha Pageant Preparations! I worked on talent, walking, critiques from my interview, and getting in the mindset for state.

May 6^th: Lincoln, NE > Hot Springs, SD (502 Miles, 14755 Total)

            After staying the night with my friend Molly and having some much-needed quality time, I made the long trek back home, this time along I-80 instead of I-90. Sometimes a change of scenery is nice.

May 7^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back (114 Miles, 14869 Total)

            I took a trip to Rapid City to run some errands.

May 8-9^th: Hot Springs, SD (0 Miles, 14869 Total)

            I did a few mock interviews with employees from the Hot Springs V.A., practiced the piano, submitted a scholarship, worked on a paper for my DC class, organized my room, did laundry, and attempted to get my life in order after moving out of my room in Vermillion.

May 10^th: Hot Springs, SD> Rapid City, SD… and back (114 Miles, 14983 Total)

            I worked out at the high school gym, getting to see some of my old teachers. I practiced the piano for like four hours and went to the gym a second time! (SO SORE!) Later in the afternoon, I went to Rapid with my friend Molly to pick up some last-minute things for my trip and for Miss SD Pre-Pageant when I return from DC. When I got home, I packed my bag for my trip, last minute, per usual.

May 11^th: Hot Springs, SD > Pierre, SD > Vermillion, SD (492 Miles, 15475 Total)

            I went to the gym in Hot Springs and got in a last-minute workout before my trip. After that, I headed to Pierre to pick up one of the girls going on my trip to DC, Hannah, and then we made our way to Vermillion.

May 12^th: Vermillion, SD > Omaha, NE > Washington, D.C. (1290 Miles, 16765 Total)

            I’m headed to Washington, D.C. on a faculty-led trip to meet alumni, seek future job opportunities, and see the sights!