Back to Reality (10/9/08)

I’m sitting in seat 21C (aisle) on flight 1753 to Chicago. The man in front of me has reclined his chair inexplicably farther than designed and I now have a perfect view of the bald spot on top of his head. There are no cameras, no props, no producers asking questions, or battery packs for microphones strapped to my leg. There are no lights or elaborate sets and the only “challenge” I’ll be undergoing today is hefting my suitcases up three flights of stairs. I am completely ordinary, completely normal, and completely happy to be back to reality.

The past three weeks have enveloped some of the most amazing, unique, exciting and eye-opening experiences of my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that filming a reality show would promote my own introspection into my capabilities and limitations as well as help me to understand the true meaning of teamwork. (You’ll see what I mean when it airs…) Being surrounded by 51 other contestants certainly tested my patience (and I’m sure I tested theirs) but the “drama” was surprisingly tame given the circumstances. Of course, we didn’t all get along, but we worked together when we needed to and produced, what I think will be, a great TV show (airing Fridays on TLC in January – tune in!).

While the filming was great (and to be detailed below) the really wonderful moments happened off camera. From breaking out into spontaneous song and dance to making up games to pass the time, (“I’m going to Miss America and I’m going to bring…”) somewhere along the lines, we formed an unspoken sisterhood. Without getting too incredibly sappy and sentimental, there are only 51 other women this year that truly understand what being “Miss State” is like. Our shared time at the reality show brought us that much closer and I feel as though I could call on any of them if I ever needed them.

While no day was typical, I wanted to give you an idea of what a day in the life might look like. I’ve concealed a few details regarding wardrobe, but for the most part, this is all the information we were given each day:


10:30am: Breakfast (off-camera)
11:45am: All ladies camera ready for mic’ing
1-6pm: Shoot Reality
6pm: Lunch (that’s not a typo)
7pm: Wardrobe change & re-mic’ing
7pm–12:30am: Shoot Reality
12:30am: Wrap
12:30am: Dinner (off-camera)

Or another day...

6:00am: Breakfast (off-camera)
7:30am: All ladies camera ready for mic’ing
1:30pm: Lunch
5:00pm: Wardrobe change & re-mic’ing
7:00pm: Wrap
7:30pm: Dinner (off-camera)

Nearly everything we did was kept secret until the last minute and we didn’t receive our schedules until late at night when they were slipped under our door. At first I was frustrated by this, but the element of surprise actually made each day even more exciting as we anticipated what was to come.

Overall, I’m so thankful to have had this experience and to be able to share it, not only in this blog, but with the millions of viewers that will be watching the finished product in January. While I’m sure my opinions will change after I see the show, I hope it will only reinforce the power of this organization and the inspiring people who are a part of it. Thank you to the Miss America Organization and the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association for this once in a lifetime opportunity!