For the last time....

Well, it’s time to say good bye. My year wraps up this weekend as I leave to crown the new queen! What a bittersweet moment, but this year has truly been life changing. While I want to share with you my farewell speech, as some of my friends and family cannot make it, I cannot say thank you enough to my family, friends, supporters, sponsors and director... I could never have done any of this without you beside me. I love you all. Here it goes (excuse any typos in advance hehe)... 

   

As Belle and I stood holding hands in the final two at the Miss Teen United States- World pageant at the conclusion of the most amazing week of my life, it was so clear to all of us that the boundaries of winning or loosing are not defined by a crown, or a banner, but by experience. After years of competing, I had made a dream come true... and in getting there, had learned so much about myself and defined my own beliefs and values in the process... Although I did not walk away with the title, I had already won. 

This year has presented me the the opportunities of a life time. I am so grateful for the experiences I have acquired; meeting heros at the Veterans Hospital, flying all over the country for modeling jobs, judging evening gown at the Mrs. Colorado pageant, and bringing the game ball out at the Denver games, each brought new stories and people into my life this year that will stay with me forever.

However, none of this would have been possible without the huge team I have supporting me. My family- I love you, thank you for always being here, and for letting me still talk pageants and gowns with you after all these years, my little sister queen Marrisa- you are a shining star and your positive attitude, energy, and drive always uplift everyone... I cannot wait to see you onstage one day singing your heart out! To the sponsors- your support makes this all possible... thank you for believing in us all and giving us the means to chase our dreams. Finally, Christina, or better, Mama Sacha, thank you for being the most incredible director I could ever have asked for... You have been a leader, taking charge, a sister I could spend chatting with on an 8 hour road trip to boonies of WY, and even a personal trainer showing me a proper push up in your 5” stilettos... but above all, you have been a friend, and someone I know I can always count on to answer my many late night calls... I can not say thank you enough for everything you have done for me. 

Take a look around at the caliber of young ladies here tonight; for your courage has already made you a winner. To put yourself on the line, to step out of your comfort zone and to take the leap of faith into chasing a dream is brave. As Mirianne Williams put it, “We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world... We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." 

To my successor; get ready for the best year of your life. Buckle in for the ride, around every corner you have amazing surprises coming your way. Never ever forget that you are living the dream that every young lady here is chasing.

Trophies and plaques collect dust, tiaras will eventually tarnish, but memories, friendships, and personal growth will shine forever. Live presently, live fully, and live knowing that you are the one with the pen; your future is still unwritten.

While tonight is the last time I get to wear the crown, I will always be Heidi Hume, Miss Teen Colorado- World 2010.