Caitlin's Journal...

The Journey Begins…
    Still whirling from my new title, I had the opportunity to make my first appearance as Miss Greater Springfield on March 1st, riding in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria Virginia. What a special way to begin my spring break! This appearance was especially dear to my heart because, besides the fact that St. Patrick’s Day season holds cherished memories for me as an Irish Dancer, this parade in particular is one I danced in for many years and was certainly a treasured hallmark of my dancing career. What fun it was to create brand new memories, and begin an exciting new chapter in my life in a place where nostalgic notions of my childhood lingered all around me.

As I sat in the back of the convertible waiting for the parade to begin, the familiar sights and sounds of the parade washed over me and brought me back to those days as a young girl, anxiously waiting to dance down the pavement and wave to all of the people. This was a time for me to shine for something I was good at, to leave the awkwardness of growing up behind and just dance. Coming back into the present, I sat atop a pillow on the back of a convertible, a crown resting on my head. A poised young woman, who still carries the memories of that awkward girl with her every day, and who now has been blessed with the unique opportunity to reach out to those experiencing the insecurities I experienced myself only a few short years ago. How fitting to begin my journey as Miss Greater Springfield in this place, cloaked in the memories of my childhood, as my experiences growing up are ultimately what led me to choosing my platform and form the heart of my message. I also found it wonderfully appropriate to begin my year in an atmosphere where I had always felt so alive and so comfortable expressing myself, for that is what I have found again in the Miss America system.

    This parade was also my first opportunity to really spend some time interacting with my greater Springfield sisters, Anna Kelly (Miss Greater Springfield Pre-teen) and Hope Campbell (Little Miss Greater Springfield). What a delight these girls are! We had lots of fun riding in the car together, and holding on to each other so we wouldn’t slip off (or fly away! It was a little windy :o). Hope kept Anna and I entertained with all of her stories about everything from school activities to her Dog. She is certainly one busy girl, with such sparkling personality (and one dynamite princess wave). Anna was undoubtedly the most festive out of all of us with that beautiful red hair, and I was pleased to learn more about her also. Eleven is such a fun age. Of course her parents embarrassed her with everything they did (Hey, it’s part of the job description, right?), but you can tell that she is a very special girl with a lot going on behind those dazzling blue eyes. Jordan Miller (Miss Greater Springfield’s Outstanding Teen) was unable to come to the parade, but I hear she is a very talented basketball player, and I hope I will get the chance to get to know her, as well as spend more time with Anna and Hope in the future. I am so glad I have these girls to share the memories of our year together.

    Although I have been in many parades, no experience I have had was quite like this. As I waved to all of the green-clad onlookers lining the parade route, I tried to personally send a special wave to all of the children. It was so meaningful to me to see their eyes light up, or their excitement as they eagerly waved back. I know that the crown on my head clearly had something to do with their fascination with me, but whatever the reason, it was so special to be able to delight them with just a smile and a wave. One little girl even pulled her father into the street yelling “hi princess!” How adorable! It was just so neat to know that I could impart a little magic on the streets of Alexandria and spark a little enchantment in the hearts of those children. Their captivated smiles will certainly stick with me for a long time. Who would have thought riding in a parade could be such a moving experience?

Overall, the parade route was a little over a mile: The first mile of what I know will be an incredible journey.

Love Always,

Caitlin