Hello again dear readers,
Today, I wanted to share with you a funny fact about my younger self. Sometimes its fun to be vunerable and share little tidbits, so you can get to know me as a person. So here I go!
As a kid, I was a huge fan of the Project Mc squared dolls. I loved the books, the shows, the science experiments; I loved it all. Science has always facinated me, especially because of my interest of being a doctor someday. I remember my mom taking me to the store and begging for these dolls that bragged smart is the new cool. I loved that the girls showed that they were more than just a pretty face but that they were intelligent and could do impressive things.
That is why I believe I have been captivated with the Miss America Organization for so long. I had the privilege of meeting brilliant, beautiful, and intelligent ladies who were all accomplishing amazing things with their lives. They were the living version of showing that smart is the new cool and I wanted so badly to be a part of that.
As I transitioned to middle school, I became motivated to project a better more positive self image of myself. I became excited to raise my hand in class and to show my passion for school. Keeping my goal for good grades and learning daily became extremely important to me. I even became excited when my eye dr. announced i'd need glasses for the classroom. I saw what some may call "Nerdy" as intelligent and beautiful.
My glasses are now an accessory I wear with great pride. I began embracing who I was becoming and more confident in who I am meant to be. Because of my dyslexia, I had challenges that I needed to overcome. I had to work harder and think smarter to accomplish my goals. Smart is the new cool and I aim to continue that mindset.
Middle school isn't easy, sometimes it can be hard. I just so happen to have blonde hair and blue eyes and have been on occassion labeled by the name of "Barbie" by my peers. I know the label was meant to be a jab on my intelligence or even my appearance. However, I know my own self worth. It has never bothered me. I have practiced smiling, keeping my composure, and responding positively, "Why thank you! What a complement!". The jabber usually gets frustrated with my response and scoffs off. My friends have even said it's hard to roast me because they know i'll just turn the topic around to something good.
I'm not certain why intelligent and ambitious women causes intimidation; in my opinion, they should be celebrated. After all, Barbie not only owned a dreamhouse but her own veterinary clinic too! Why is it when I mention Barbie, her intelligence is not the first thing we think of? Women can inspire and change the world and we should be raising the visibility of this to future generations.
I love the idea of the next Miss Kansas or Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen celebrating her intelligence over her beauty. She should project a positive mindset every where she goes and encourage others to do the same. Unfair biases or stereotypes should not hold her back from seeking leadership positions, making a difference, and encouraging others.
In my opinion the job of Miss America is needed more than ever to inspire girls to celebrate their intelligence, their accomplishments, and their voice.
Thanks to Miss America i'm empowered to share my platform of The Power In "Paw"sitivity. I'm grateful for the opportunities to pursue debt free education. I'm driven to being an example that big things can happen when you embrace confidence and project a positive attitude.
I encourage you today to take a look at how you project yourself. Your body language, your tone, your attitude, and your mindset. Is there anything that needs work? Is there anything that is holding you back from accomplishing your goals? Remember that you may be effecting others around you and projecting positivity can help you accomplish more than you could ever imagine.
Stay "Paw"sitive my friends. Till next time.
Sincerely,
Kayla Lowmiller
