Farewell

         My reign has been a journey. Every waking moment I learned something new about myself and about my platform: P.O.S.E (Power of Sex Education). Through bringing awareness to my platform, I was able to collaborate with teen mothers and inquire about their experiences and knowledge about sex education prior to their pregnancy. This was one of the most life changing and alarming experiences. There is a deficiency in communication about life altering situations between parents and children, and that is why I am a passionate advocate for sex education courses in schools. When there is an increase in teen pregnancy there is an incline in high school dropouts. Through the explicitness of social media, adults fail to realize that adolescents see without understanding the risks of venereal diseases and pregnancy. Just imagine the power sex education can have on a teen’s life.

            Without the continuous and persistent support from my loved ones my journey towards making a difference would have been short lived. Therefore, I would like to thank those who have helped me the most. Mia and Jasmine, thank you for booking my photo shoots, teaching me not to bounce too much when I walk, how to make copies of everything, motivating me to get into character with my talent, and most importantly paying for nationals so I could have the opportunity of competing in a national pageant. Brenda Beed, also known as my Suggamama, thank you for believing in me, always following through, and supporting me in all of my endeavors. God truly blessed me with the best Godmother on this planet. Claudia, thank you for being my role model, my example, and the big sister I never had. Your patience and leadership never went unnoticed. I will forever appreciate every minute you took your time to do my makeup, alter my posing or routine, fix my leaning tiara of divaness, and refill my spirit with hope when I was down.  To my mother, father, step-dad, and grandparents, thank you for being my most charitable benefactors and number one supporters. Your motivation, encouragement, advice, prayers, and guidance have molded me into the young lady I am today.  If it wasn’t for you, I would not have known how to believe in myself and how to make a difference in someone else’s life. Most importantly, I would like to thank our Lord Heavenly Father. If it was not for His guidance I would have never participated in this pageant. He came to me in a dream and spoke to me. He showed me being involved with the Miss Black USA system and leaving my own footprint on society.

            After completing a year as your Miss Black Oklahoma USA Talented Teen, I am proud to say that I have accomplished the mission God put before me and have exceeded my own expectations. Through this experience I have gained confidence, knowledge, and a lifetime of memories.