Miss Illinois Blog
WAIT – I HAVE PEOPLE NOW?
June 24, 2010 | BLOG #1 | by Miss Illinois 2010 Whiteny Thorpe Klinsky
Twelve days ago, I finished packing my luggage for the journey to St. Charles for the Miss Illinois pageant. I was panicking over finding an apartment for the upcoming fall, debating what color stethoscope I should purchase for medical school, and planning practice drills for my softball team. I hoped that my performance at Miss Illinois would be something my friends, family, and local director could be proud of, and I could not wait to spend time with the beautiful and charismatic young women I had met at Spring Forum. Twelve days ago, I would never have been able to comprehend the experience I was about to have.
Four days later, I found myself standing across from April Strong, Miss Chicago, as we held hands and listened for the announcement that could potentially change the course of my life. I lowered my head, closed my eyes, and held my breath as April was named first runner up. The next image in my mind was that of Erin O'Connor, Miss Illinois 2009, walking towards me with the crown in her hands, tears in her eyes, and a smile on her face. When we locked eyes, one solitary thought entered my mind: I am Miss Illinois 2010. As I was crowned and took my first walk down the runway, that single sentence played over and over in my head. It wasn't until after the curtain dropped and the other girls congratulated me that I began to realize the gravity of what had just occurred.
In the hours following my crowning, I experienced a few endearing "blonde moments" amidst all of the excitement. I can only imagine the shocked expression on my face when Briley Bollinger reminded me that I was going to Miss America, and everyone got a good laugh when I suggested to my sister, Claire, "Breath. The girls told me that it helps!" And of course, everyone within earshot enjoyed the moment that I turned to Amalia with star-struck eyes and asked, "Wait a minute. I have people now?"
As day five of my journey as Miss Illinois arrives, I feel as though I have already learned so much. I am looking forward to my first appearance in Kankakee this weekend, and I have already fallen in love with my beautiful new car, Mia! I set up my official Miss Illinois Facebook page, and you can find by searching "Whitney MissIllinois." But more importantly, I am hopeful for the experiences yet to come. I cannot wait to get involved with Triple Threat and the Character Counts Coalition, and I am eager to expand my work with my platform, Breast Cancer: Prevent, Promote, Provide. With everything I have received from the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association already, my mind is spinning with ways I could give back to the organization during my reign.
I have found myself at the beginning of the journey of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to see what it may bring. During our orientation on the first day at state, Amalia asked us to set an intention for the week. Today, I am setting my intention for my year: At the end of my time as Miss Illinois, I would like to look back and know that I touched the lives of others in an impactful way and I have been the best Miss Illinois that I am capable of being.