2013 Farewell

2013-01-24T21:03:00.003-08:00

If you had asked me 10 years ago what I thought I would be doing now, I can assure you that the answer would not have been running a beauty pageant. It probably would have been the more traditional path of going to law school and entering into a corporate lifestyle. But has fate would have it, I was encouraged to enter the Miss Maine USA pageant several years ago, and it was that decision that lead me to where I am this weekend.

Like many women, I always struggled with self-confidence in my teens and 20’s. When I decided to compete for Miss Maine USA, I entered into the challenge with the same struggles and thought they could only get worse by surrounding myself with beauty queens. Much to my surprise, what I discovered was what not at all like you see in the movies. Every girl I encountered throughout the pageant experience was just like me. They were all striving to be better women, stronger women, more successful women, who were determined to make the world a better place and encouraged one another to do the same.

The Miss Universe Organization has built the foundation for a sisterhood that supports and celebrates a woman’s right to be and feel beautiful, confident and independent and this is why I made the choice to become the state director. For the past 7 years I have been able to help guide and encourage young women to go after their dreams and have witnessed remarkable changes in so many.

Molly, every time I see you, I am reminded of what the innocence of youth looks like. In a world of peer pressure and the age of growing up fast, you have managed to stay true to your age. You are a shinning example of the perfect role model for young girls everywhere. I could not be more proud of the things you have accomplished the year and could not have been more proud to have you represent Maine on the stage at Miss Teen USA. Who knew "Molly from Maine" would be eating dinner with the stars at BOA in West Hollywood, walking the streets of Times Square, climbing mountains in Palm Springs, flying to UCLA to become a leader, traveling to pageant camp in Virginia, walking red carpets in Las Vegas, and taking stage in the Bahamas. I know this is just the start of the list of places you will go and just the beginning of the amazing life you are going to have. Know, that I, and the whole world is watching to see the great things that are about to come.

Rani, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special. You have a light in your eyes that radiates kindness and it is what makes you one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. Looking back on the first time you walked across the stage several years ago, a little clumsy and nervous, to the moment you walked across the stage during the Top 15 MISS USA swimsuit competition, polished and confident, makes me so proud, I can barely get the words out. I have loved watching your journey as Miss Maine USA and although we have had a little “bump” in the road, I could not be more humbled and thankful for the way you represented Maine. I am so excited for you to embark on this next chapter of your life. I didn’t think it was possible for anyone more beautiful to come into the world but I have a feeling we are about to meet her soon.

Only two girls will walk away with the crowns at the end of the weekend but it is my hope that every girl will walk away with a renewed sense of confidence, pride and ambition. I hope every girl walks away with a new set of friends who encourage her to be her best and support her in her endeavors.

I leave you with the very simple philosophy that I live by………

“I have never been the most beautiful girl in the room. I’ve just always made everyone think I was”

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Davis

Executive Director

Miss Maine USA 2004

Think Before You Post

2012-05-01T16:49:00.001-07:00

I will be the first one to admit that I have had many wild and crazy nights in my 32 years on this earth. You will see none of them making a reappearance on any of my social networking sites. As tempting as it may be to post that hot photo of yourself drinking that shot, or posing in an inappropriate way wearing next to nothing, I urge you to back away from the “upload” button and reconsider. I guarantee you will garner a lot more respect from your friends, both guys and girls, by posting an inspirational quote or a photo of you doing something positive and fun. Nothing is more of a turn off to potential employers or even potential boyfriends, then a girl who lacks self-respect. The same goes for using foul language too! Nothing says “I lack class” then more using the “F” word in tweets and status updates.

So go ahead and reminisce about last Friday night with your girlfriends, but leave it chatter among friends and not a staple of your google history.

Kisses!

Miss Davis