Thoughts on the Summer

               As the summer comes to an end I've found myself recently bombarded with a long list of things to accomplish in a very short amount of time.  While busy with the numerous preparations for the start of school, I also realized that the majority of my summer has been spent inside of the four walls of my place of employment. Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely grateful that I was able to work almost full-time for the summer. I know it will help a lot during the school year. However, being the outdoorsy girl that I am, I was saddened by the lack of adventures that I was able to enjoy these past few months. I was only able to hike a hand full of times, I missed my favorite music festival (moe.down) and sadly I had no opportunity to go camping. Not even one time! I knew that this summer was going to be different, but I didn't quite expect it to be like this. However, despite all of the things that I missed this summer, I was fortunate enough to have had some unforgettable experiences.

                Winning Miss Central New York was definitely the highlight of my summer.  I prepared every day for the competition and felt beyond accomplished when my name was called. The doors that this title will open are going to provide me with opportunities that were previously unavailable. I know that I am going to make a difference and I know that the sky is truly the limit!

                Last weekend I somehow managed to have two days off in a row! I wanted to do something fun and different but I wasn't sure what. The idea came from my charming boyfriend, Jason, who decided to pack a picnic (complete with a real picnic basket) and take me on a surprise road trip. I had no idea where we were going, so you can imagine my surprise when we crossed the Vermont state line! We ended up just outside of Manchester at the base of Mt. Equinox. We paid the road toll and were on our way to the top of the mountain. My ears must have popped 10 times during the almost 5 mile drive to the summit. Once we reached the top the amazing view was breathtaking. After spending several minutes taking in the scenery we settled down for our picnic. Never having had the pleasure of visiting Mt. Equinox I can’t wait to return. Next time we will hike the trail to the top instead of driving.

It was really cold at the top of the mountain!

I told you we had a REAL picnic basket!

I'm not actually going to admit how many attempts it took to get this shot.

The view from the top of Mt. Equinox. Beautiful. 

                Last night I had an amazing experience as Jason and I took in a show at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady. My birthday is rapidly approaching and I was gifted two fifth row tickets to see Cirque Eloize’s Cirkopolis. This show is mind-blowing. The performers are incredibly talented and the stage design and special effects really took the entire experience over the top. There was an incredibly entertaining mixture of juggling, aerial stunts, pole work and a German wheel! Not only was I completely mesmerized by the performance and story, but I have been totally inspired to build my own German wheel and train myself. We shall see how this plan plays out. Hmmmmm…I wonder if a German wheel will fit on the Miss New York stage?

                With just one week left until school starts and my summer is officially over, I think that I can determine the most memorable thing about this summer. It’s not the things that I did or experienced, and it’s not the things that I missed out on. The most memorable thing about this summer is what I've learned. I had choices to make and priorities to get in order. I had to make sacrifices and determine what was really important to me. I learned that when you know what you want you have to go get it. When you want to succeed you have to work. When you want to feel accomplished you have to do things that you can be proud of. And I learned to value the small things; going for ice cream with friends; sleeping in on a week day; and considering a less than 7 hour shift to be a day off. I grew up this summer, a lot. I am extremely proud of where my decisions have led me and beyond excited to see where those same decisions take me. I’ll keep you all in the loop.

               

                

Introducing Miss Thousand Islands 2014, Olivia Grant!!

           Over the weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to the beautiful town of Clayton situated along the St. Lawrence River for the Miss Thousand Islands 2014 Pageant. I should mention that the drive alone was absolutely stunning, and I really encourage everyone to make a trip to the region at some point. Held at the beautiful Clayton Opera House, this venue has been the home of the Miss TI Pageant for many years.

This year’s pageant drew 10 extremely poised, intelligent and talented contestants. After a fun opening number to Madonna’s “Vogue”, the contestants competed in Lifestyle and Fitness, Talent, Evening Gown and On-Stage Question. Each young woman was professional and showed great enthusiasm about the program as well as their community. They also showed their intelligence when answering some challenging questions provided by former titleholders.

Anticipation was high by the end of the evening while we all awaited the announcement of Miss Thousand Islands 2014. Drum roll please! Miss Thousand Island 2014 is a 17 year old freshman at Queen’s University, and her name is Olivia Grant. Olivia was kind enough to share a little about herself with me, so here it is:

Miss Thousand Islands was Olivia’s first pageant. I would say that’s a pretty good start, wouldn't you? She is currently studying film and media studies with a dual major in drama. Olivia’s platform is titled Unedited Beauty which aims to promote the universal acceptance that there is more than one definition of beauty as well as eliminating the popular notion that there is only one definition of beauty. Olivia feels a strong connection to her platform because she spent many years struggling with low self-esteem due to a vascular disease that left a large birthmark on her left thigh. One day she realized something that would be life changing. “No person is the same and every person is beautiful, it’s as simple as that.” Now beaming with confidence Olivia struts her stuff in the Lifestyle and Fitness phase of competition on stage AND she did not cover her birthmark. This is truly a girl who knows exactly what she’s made of.

              Olivia says that her biggest goal this year is to make a true change in her community. Having grown up in the Thousand Islands region, Olivia says that she wants to give back just a little of what the area has given to her. One thing is certain; I know that we will see great things out of this young woman. 

  

Silence Hides Violence: Speaking Out Against Teen Dating Violence

                Dating violence is one of the most common, dangerous and overlooked problems facing teens today.  Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime, leading to lifelong unhealthy relationship practices. Dating violence crosses all racial and ethnic lines. Males and females alike fall victim. The teen group is at risk because statistics have shown that they are the least likely group to disclose warning signs or abuse to a friend, family member or trusted adult and especially to report dating violence to police.

                The idea of treating others with respect may seem like common sense, but the truth is that quite a few teens are involved in violent relationships. Teens, as well as everyone else, have to understand that violence is never acceptable. Education is the key to preventing this behavior. Prevention initiatives include early education about healthy dating practices as well as guidance on how to detect violent behavior. Teens need to be made aware of resources available to them. They also need to be empowered to stand up for themselves and to not allow disrespectful behavior.

                     The issue of teen dating violence is one that is very close to my heart. I was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship for 3 years which began when I was 17. After several unsuccessful attempts at leaving the relationship, I reached my breaking point when I was struck in the face so hard that my vision was permanently damaged.  With the support of my family and friends I was able to leave the relationship, and I feel the strongest that I ever have. Sadly, so many other people do not have the support that I do, and therefore become trapped in a never ending cycle of abuse.

                It is my goal to spread awareness and education about dating violence. I want young people to believe in themselves and know their worth. In honor of the many brave survivors, and in memory of those who are no longer here, please join my cause. Together we can end this. 

Nice to meet you!

     Hello everyone! My name is Courtney Sheridan and last night I was given an amazing opportunity by being crowned Miss Central New York 2014.

    The Miss CNY organization makes up one of many local pageants in the Miss America Organization. Young women ages 17-24 compete all across the country in local pageants just like the one last night. All local titleholders compete in their respective state pageants, and each of those winners goes on to compete on the Miss America stage! Needless to say, I am very excited about being crowned.

    Each contestant chooses a community service platform to promote before, during and after her reign.  My platform is Silence Hides Violence: Speaking Out Against Teen Dating Violence. It is my goal to spread awareness and education on this topic, as well as to push to see New York State legislation put in to affect to mandate public school education about dating violence. Please join me in my cause. You have the power to enact amazing change!

   I am greatly looking forward to the year ahead of me. This organization opens so many doors to young women like myself and I plan to walk through every single one. I promise to represent the Central NY area with integrity and grace.