Hey Operation Flourish Fam!
They say silence is golden, but for most of my life, silence was a cage. Growing up in an abusive environment, my voice was stifled. It took a toll on my health, both physically and mentally, landing me on homebound instruction with no answers. Finally, a doctor took a holistic approach and suggested therapy. There, for the first time, I found the courage to speak about what I was going through and began getting the help I desperately needed.
This led to a period of homelessness, living in a single-parent home, and a whole lot of determination to just get by. I knew I wanted better, not just for myself, but for others who might be struggling in silence.
Upon finally returning to school, I took a chance and tried out for cheerleading. Despite zero athletic experience, a judge saw the fire in my belly and gave me a shot on the "practice team." It wasn't easy. I collected cans to pay for equipment and practiced flying and body positions (this is the top girl in stunting) by standing on a can of beans on carpet (don't ask!). But cheerleading wasn't just about flips and cheers; it taught me the powerful connection between mental and physical health.
Even still, the silence remained. Public speaking in school did nothing to shake the fear drilled into me for years. My mom, ever resourceful, stumbled upon the Miss America Opportunity (MAO) program. Intrigued by the interview portion, she knew if I could master that, I could talk to anyone.
At first, I scoffed. Pageants? Those were for stereotypical "mean girls" who, let's be honest, weren't exactly known for their intelligence. But my mom signed me up for a local competition anyway.
Let me tell you, everything I thought I knew about pageants was wrong. The women I met were intelligent, kind, and supportive. They became my sisters, the kind who fix your costume with hair ties when you have a wardrobe malfunction (yes, that really happened!).
More importantly, MAO wasn't just about a crown. It provided scholarships that helped me pay for college, workshops that turned me into an interview pro (those dual master's degrees practically paid for because of my interview skills!), and a platform to share my message of mental and physical well-being (#ChooseHealth).
The shy girl who once struggled to speak is now an extrovert, a mentor, and someone who is passionate about helping others flourish. This transformation wouldn't have been possible without MAO.
So why MAO? Because if my story resonates with you or if you know someone who might be struggling to find their voice, then MAO is a powerful tool for change. If you know someone who wants to better themself, then MAO certainly fits the bill. Yes, MAO is one of the nation’s largest providers of scholarships for women, but MAO is also about building confidence, discovering your voice, and finding a supportive sisterhood. Afterall, MAO’s mission is “To prepare great women for the world, and to prepare the world for great women.”
Want to know how you can get involved? Let's chat!
Cheerfully yours,
Kayla Myers
#MissAmericaOpportunity #MAO #FindYourVoice #EmpoweredWomen #MentalHealthMatters #ChooseHealth #Sisterhood #MoreThanAPageant #ScholarshipWinner #FromSilencetoStrength #NeverGiveUp #DreamBig #BeTheChange #Operation Flourish
P.S. If you're interested in learning more about how MAO can help you achieve your dreams, visit their website at https://www.missamerica.org/ or follow them on social media using #MissAmericaOpportunity.
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