My first appearance and college

Hi all! It's almost been one week since I was crowned Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013 and boy has it been a crazy one! On Tuesday, I made my first official appearance as Miss Brainerd Lakes at the radio station here in Brainerd - BL Broadcasting! Tess Taylor, from WJJY radio, has been such a great supporter of the Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Program by being our emcee for the pageant and many other events the Miss Brainerd Lakes committee puts on. Lauren J., Molly, and myself all visited the station to record a few things that will be aired throughout the year. Lauren A., Miss Central Lakes' Outstanding Teen was unable to make it.

Also that day, Molly and myself made a trip to downtown Nisswa to stop by another great sponsor of the Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Program! RW Jewelers of Nisswa sponsored both the Miss Brainerd Lakes and Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen crowns and sashes. Thank you to Randy and Stacey! They both are such civic-minded community members and the Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Program is so blessed to have them supporting us.

Molly and I also had to stop at the Chocolate Ox for some ice cream :)

Then Thursday was the big day - I officially moved in to my dorm at Bethel University! It is such an exciting time in my life. I couldn't have picked a better school! I am feeling so at home and feeling even more blessed to be surrounded by people of the same faith. I can't wait for classes to start on Tuesday! What's better is that Miss Coon Rapids, Emily Kallis, and Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter, Katie Schroeder both go to school here! Also a former competitor, Liz Burd, works here. So many pageant people in one place :) Feeling blessed!

Bailey

Swimsuit

There has been some talk on an anonymous posting site that was brought to my attention from a friend. I haven't visited this site to see it as I don't believe in hiding behind a computer screen and using anonymity as an excuse to try and put down contestants running for Miss Minnesota, but I know somewhat of what was said and I wanted to address it.

The comments were made about my weight and the swimsuit portion of competition. First I wanted to say thanks to those who stuck up for me. I'm not sure who you were but please know that I'm incredible grateful that there are plenty of people out there who look past how much people weigh and focus on who people are on the inside. Character is the most important thing to me, and throughout my pageant experiences I've focused on maintaining a high moral character and making myself better from the inside, out.

Since first started out as a teen contestant in the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant, my body has changed dramatically as any normal teenage body does during those early teen years. At 14 years old in my first pageant, I was very insecure. I was overweight and had zero confidence. By the time I was crowned Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012 four years later, I had lost 20 pounds, dropped 2 pant sizes, and most importantly gained so much self-confidence. I can assure you I did it the right way, also. I certainly wasn't the skinniest or the fittest girl on stage the night I was crowned Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012, but I still won because a panel of judges decided to look past what they saw on the outside and focus on what was on the inside.

Since giving up the title of Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen just 5 months ago, I've lost even more weight and dropped another pant size - the healthy way. No starvation required. Just more healthy foods, Herbalife, more gym time, and a healthy mindset.

Once comment in particular on this anonymous board commented about why I haven't focused on the swimsuit portion when I've been in this program for nearly 5 years. I was incredibly frustrated by this comment because I have in fact focused on this portion of competition. I've lost close to 25 pounds over a  2 year period. Of course you're not going to notice a difference in my body because the weight has gradually come off. When you compare my body to girls that are 4 sizes smaller than mine, yes I probably do look overweight. But when you compare my body today to the body I had when I was 14, that's when you see the major difference. I will never be a size 2. And if I ever am, I would have an eating disorder.

While I know that I could be more toned (and I'm working on it), my focus when it comes to swimsuit is confidence. Miss America was set in place to help young women attend college and reach their goals. Confidence will take you much farther in life and help you accomplish those goals than a stick thin body. When preparing for swimsuit, my emotional well-being comes first then my physical appearance. When your mind is in the right place then the rest will follow.

I'm not saying that I don't have any work to do when it comes to swimsuit. What I am saying is that you don't have to be skinny to win a pageant. I'm here to prove that to nay-sayers. I'm here to prove to all the women out there who don't think they're skinny to win a pageant that it is in fact possible. If I can do it so can you.

Bailey

2 weeks ago compared to 2 years ago.

I'm the new Miss Brainerd Lakes!

It still seems like yesterday was a dream. I can't believe I'm sitting here writing this blog as Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013. There is no better feeling than knowing you are representing your hometown for an entire year! I'm beyond blessed and incredibly honored.

I started in the Miss America Organization just over four years ago as a contestant in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. I was drawn in because of the glitz and glamour and the excitement of wearing a crown but have realized over the years that it's so much more than that.

My very first pageant was the 2009 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. I went into it completely blind not knowing what exactly I was doing. I walked away from it and I was hooked. I came back the next year and was named 2nd runner-up at the 2010 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. Feeling like there was something more for me, I decided to compete for a third year. I was crowned Miss North Metro's Outstanding Teen and was ready for my third time at the state pageant. I was named 1st runner-up to Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011 and as much of an honor as it was to be so close to winning that prized title, I was still feeling empty inside. I had one more year left to compete in the Outstanding Teen program before I aged out. I wanted to have no regrets and decided to jump head first in to preparations but with a different mindset than I had the previous years. I went into the 2012 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant feeling very relaxed... Something I wasn't used to. I was completely at ease knowing that it was in the Lord's hands and if it was in His plan for my life than I would be the new Outstanding Teen.  My life changed that night as I was finally given the honor of being Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012. My time had finally come and I promised myself I would make the most out of my one short year. In August of 2012, I flew to Orlando to compete in the 2013 Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. I formed 52 new friends from every state included Puerto Rico, DC, and the Virgin Islands and had the time of my life. There is nothing that I regret about my experiences.

Ultimately, by God's grace and the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program, I am here today saying that I am Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013! I'm in shock. Every time I look at the crown I tear up because of how honored I am to represent this incredible community.

I have many things planned for this year and I can't wait to share them all with you as they get closer! But what I do want is to thank some pretty instrumental people who have shaped me into the woman I am today.

Jesus Christ has and always will come first in my life. There is no changing that. This year is not about me, but rather about Christ and letting His light shine brighter than anyone else's. I have been given a strong voice in my community and I will use that voice to serve others and live so that others will want to know the Lord.

Secondly, my parents. Unwavering support and love just pours from each of your hearts. I am beyond grateful to have two people in my life who give me enough support to build myself up but enough reality to bring me back down to Earth. You remind me at the end of the day that it's not about myself but rather those around me. I love both of you 2-5.

Next my family. There is never a dull moment! Thanks for always believing that I was destined for great things, even if I didn't always believe it myself. Thanks to my aunt Emily and cousin Bethany who prayed with me those final few minutes before I walked into my interview.

To Stacie for shaping me into the person I am today. You are a constant reminder that, no matter how hard to Devil tries, there is nothing he can do to break a relationship with the Lord. Thanks for building me up when I was down, the advice, helping me through the tears, and for your friendship.

To my new sister queens; Lauren, Lauren, and Molly. I have been blessed with three new sisters! I can't wait to see where our year will take us. Love you all so much and can't wait to see you tomorrow to make everything official :)

Cyndi, you put on such a beautiful pageant! I can't wait to begin working with you on what will be a crazy year. My wildest dream came true to represent Brainerd for a second time all because you decided to take this program over just under one year ago. Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do!

The Miss Brainerd Lakes committee. You all are wonderful and remind me that there are still good people in this world who want nothing more than to help other people be their best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Brainerd has a dynamic group of women that are pretty much unstoppable and I'm blessed to have them supporting me :)

To MK for putting on a fabulous show! Such a great producer baby bump and all :) Thanks for all of the help and advice during rehearsals. You are such a great friend and I'm honored to be your Miss Brainerd Lakes sister :)

To Chris, Corrina, and Chelsea Swiggum for all the laughs and crazy memories! Love you three so much!! You have been constant supporters and I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything :)

To Chris Saltalamacchio for giving me the edge I needed. So thankful to have you in my life!! I'm looking forward to working with you in the upcoming months :)

And finally to the community of Brainerd. I live in such a supportive and uplifting community! I am overwhelmed with all of the love and support I've received in just one day since being crowned Miss Brainerd Lakes. I'm forever grateful!

Your sister in Christ and Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013,
Bailey Wachholz