Miss Georgia USA 2011: And The Winner Is...

Hello everyone! I can't believe I am saying this... one of the biggest moments of my entire life came to pass as I was crowned Miss Georgia USA 2011 on the night of November 20th 2010! I am still in shock but it is slowly sinking in as the days pass. I wanted to start a blog of my journey as Miss Georgia USA to share with you all to follow along with my appearances, preparation for Miss USA, updates/latest announcements, awesome sponsor experiences, and time spent with my "sister" Kristen Robinson, Miss Georgia Teen USA. I mean, what fun is it if I keep it all to myself? :) Plus, I want this to be an outlet for young women, and encourage them to keep following their dreams in the Miss Georgia USA system, because if it can happen to me - It can happen to you too!
So first off, let’s talk about the pageant! Saturday night as I was standing in the wings before the opening number, I was full of excitement and nervousness and I didn't really know what to expect. The only thing I knew for sure, was that I was surrounded by over 75 of the most intelligent, beautiful & fun ladies in the state of Georgia! As my name was called out into the top 15, I was overjoyed and ready to compete. Swimsuit was SO much fun; walking to Rhianna's "Shut Up & Drive" was a RUSH! Evening gown felt so elegant. My gown is very classic looking, and with my hair pulled to one side I felt like an Old Hollywood movie star. As my name was called second out of the top five, I was totally humbled and just kept repeating to myself "Just stay calm, BREATHE." After on stage question this very strange calm sensation came over my body - it almost felt like my heart stopped beating. As it came down to just myself and Miss Eastern Georgia I knew
it could go either way. I didn't know what to think at that moment because I always thought if I was ever in a top 2 situation, I would be beyond nervous & shaking, but I was very much at peace. I think I didn't believe what was happening! As my name was called as the winner I was in SHOCK! I remember saying "what?!??! WHAT???!!" over and over again haha!! The contestants were so sweet with many kind words and hugs. As I began taking pictures on stage I must have poked my hand a hundred times with my crown
because I kept reaching up there to see if it was really on! I was then presented with a GORGEOUS custom designed crown ring by jewelry artisan Bob Staley, which I don't think I will ever take off. It is truly beautiful. My sister queen Kristen has one as well! I met Kimberly Harlan, former Miss GA Teen USA and I was thrilled to hear her store La Chiq Boutique is now one of my sponsors! I also got to meet my Greenwood Productions sisters Keeley Patterson, Miss Mississippi USA and Ashley Durham, Miss Tennessee USA. They were both so sweet and genuine, I am looking forward to the time we get to spend together because of our special bond. As things slowed down I was able to see two longtime friends of mine, Kimberly Gittings and Erin Haney (both former Miss GA USAs) who shared words of wisdom. On my way back to the Holiday Inn Cartersville, I stopped at McDonald's & ordered a #2 with a Coke and three Chocolate Chip Cookies- it was WONDERFUL to indulge after eating on such a healthy regimen these past few months :)
Kristen and I spent the night in our own hotel room and got to know each other a little better. We were both so tired but giddy at the same time, we tried to sleep but really couldn't!! I woke up bright and early at 7:30am to prepare for my meeting with Mrs. Kim Greenwood. I don't think I've ever hopped out of bed so happy as I was that morning! (Here is a funny side story- I walked out of my room to get a water bottle from the vending machines and another hotel guest walked into the area and asked me if it was the Miss Georgia USA Pageant that was here this weekend. After I told him yes he asked how I fared in the competition... I started CRYING in the middle of the vending machines and told him I won! I'm not talking misty eyed people, I'm talking full on Boo-Hoo tears. He must have thought I was crazy!) Kristen and I along with our Parents then met with Mrs. Kim. We received our contracts, handbooks, crown boxes, and TONS of gifts from the city of Cartersville. We spoke more about Miss USA, appearances, sponsors and everything in between. One of my first appearances will be the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in December. I can NOT wait! I am SO excited to be working with Mrs. Kim, this woman knows what she is doing and wants the BEST for us at our national competitions and for our year. On my way home I was thinking how surreal this still all feels but know I want to make the most out of this year and do everything I possibly can. I was overwhelmed with tons of kind messages from friends and family and I can say I am truly blessed. As Thanksgiving comes this Thursday I know what I will be thankful for.

I wish you all a very happy and safe Thanksgiving with your families! Dreams DO come true!!!

Kaylin
Miss Georgia USA 2011