As I have interacted with a variety of current and future contestant over the past year, I am frequently asked, “How do you make yourself standout next to so many fabulous women?” The answer is not found in a magic face serum, hair product or brand name designer. The answer is based in your commitment to your platform. Your connection should be more than a casual relationship. If you are new to volunteering don’t be afraid to ask for a challenging assignment. The deeper your experience the richer and more sincerely you can speak about it.
If your volunteerism is based on walking to support a cause, make sure you take the time to speak to other walkers and learn their stories. Make connections and support their efforts. Create a network of supporters and encourage them to follow and support your cause!
If you are raising money for a cause, take the time to visit the headquarters and meet the directors. Make sure you get a sense of what motivates them and how the funds are used. Ask if you can participate on a project team or specifically how you could help, outside of a one-time event. Be creative, perhaps you can organize your own event to support your cause. Make yourself a part of that organization in any consistent way.
The more time you spend with your organization, the more prepared you will be during the interview to express you passion. You should have at least one quick story that explains why you selected your organization (Quick meaning, 3 sentences or less). Don’t give away all your information in one big breath. By giving the listener little bits of interesting facts about yourself throughout the interview it will keep them interested and drawn into your conversation.
And remember, it is a conversation. You should conduct yourself in a professional interview style but still show your personality, charm and wit. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to gesture and laugh at yourself if you make a mistake or get tongue tied. As I always say, be yourself! Don’t worry about being perfect, there is no such thing.
Good luck with your preparations!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Monday, May 20, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Honors Brunch 2013
I think one of the most frequently asked “pageant questions” is, “Would you rather be beautiful or intelligent?” For me, that answer has always been very simple…intelligent! My parents have instilled in me a pride in my school work from a young age. I can distinctly remember practicing my coloring every night with my mom when I was in preschool, so I would not color outside of the lines in class. Even though it may seem silly now, I know that she was teaching me to value diligence and hard work, because in the end, it always pays off!
After twelve years of balancing youth group, spending time with friends and family, dance, cheerleading, piano, school clubs, the title of Miss Teen International 2012, and my school work, I can finally say that I am done with high school! I will graduate as a member of the National Beta Club and Honors Society with an Advanced Academic Diploma and grade point average of 111.23. WHEW!!! I have to say that I am so relieved!
However, I definitely was not the only one in my school system who successfully juggled extra-curricular activities and school work. Our school system recently held a brunch for the Top 10 students at all five of the schools in Houston County. We each were presented with an award for our academic achievements and were asked to tell about our future plans. As I watched my friends step up to the microphone as today’s basketball players, cheerleading captains, and club presidents to tell about their goals, I knew that we are all destined for an amazing future!
After twelve years of balancing youth group, spending time with friends and family, dance, cheerleading, piano, school clubs, the title of Miss Teen International 2012, and my school work, I can finally say that I am done with high school! I will graduate as a member of the National Beta Club and Honors Society with an Advanced Academic Diploma and grade point average of 111.23. WHEW!!! I have to say that I am so relieved!
However, I definitely was not the only one in my school system who successfully juggled extra-curricular activities and school work. Our school system recently held a brunch for the Top 10 students at all five of the schools in Houston County. We each were presented with an award for our academic achievements and were asked to tell about our future plans. As I watched my friends step up to the microphone as today’s basketball players, cheerleading captains, and club presidents to tell about their goals, I knew that we are all destined for an amazing future!
Honors Brunch - The Top 10 Students from Ashford High School
Caroline Crowley
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Breathtakingly Beautiful Geneva, Switzerland!
Joseph and I agree, the train system in Europe is a fabulous way to travel and most importantly an amazing way to take in some pretty spectacular views! Check out a couple shots I took as our train carried us toward beautiful Geneva, Switzerland!
Since the sun had not yet set when we arrived, we decided to quickly unpack in our fantastic room at the elegant Beau Rivage Hotel, and then walk out the front entrance for a stroll along the promenade on the shores of Lake Geneva. The energy and sophistication we felt as we explored the city was something Joe and I both commented on immediately. It was the way in which people dressed, in a rather tailored and classic style, as well as, the languages being spoken all around us. French seemed prominent, however, I believe there are four different languages used frequently in this city.
The other obvious indications of sophistication and wealth are the displays of the world finest watches in windows in every direction, the presence of Mont Blanc both in the distance and as a brand, and the vast array of exotic automobiles, including; Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Ferrari, Audi, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Pagani, and Bugatti. Again, my husband was enjoying himself as there was a seemingly endless parade of luxury cars everywhere we looked.
After the sun set, we enjoyed dinner at a Tex-Mex Restaurant and turned in for a good night's rest. The following morning we made our way to a towering structure, which is home to the World Heart Federation for an opportunity to meet with the staff and to share with them the affiliation we enjoy between the "Go Red for Women" campaign and the International Pageant System.
We were greeted by Heidi Lake, introduced to the staff by Johanna Raiston- CEO, and made to feel welcome by all. I addressed the group by first explaining to them the foundation of the International pageant, then elaborated on the alliance we share and the mutual benefits to their organization, as well as, the women who participate in the International pageants around the world (not to mention those who benefit from the message itself). As I launched into the type and variety of events in which I have volunteered on behalf of the AHA, often along side other titleholders within our system, the group seemed collectively engaged and encouraged. Fortunately, I was able to bring a flash drive and moved through photographs of related events as I spoke. When I was finished we took photographs and several staff members stayed on for further discussion.
The weather was so incredible, Joe and I decided to walk back to Beau Rivage along the river L'Arve and Le Rhone. One of our favorite sights was that of the Hans Wilsdorf Bridge. The elliptical steel truss design is often referred to as the "bird's nest," and the structure is named after the founder of Rolex Watches and funded through the Rolex Foundation.
After a lovely lunch at a sidewalk cafe, we boarded a Swissboat and toured Lake Geneva. I could write about the tour highlights for hours, but instead will simply share the photos of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world!
Before leaving Switzerland it was an absolute must...to enjoy a Swiss Chocolate Fondue...and we did! Oh my goodness, we found a most authentic and charming spot in the heart of Geneva, with a painted ceiling and a fondue to remember!
My sincerest thank you to Johanna Raiston and her staff at the World Heart Federation for your time and for making both Joe and me feel so very welcome. And, of course, my gratitude to Becky Thoreson for making this wonderful connection.
Au Revior from Geneva,
Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012
The other obvious indications of sophistication and wealth are the displays of the world finest watches in windows in every direction, the presence of Mont Blanc both in the distance and as a brand, and the vast array of exotic automobiles, including; Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Ferrari, Audi, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Pagani, and Bugatti. Again, my husband was enjoying himself as there was a seemingly endless parade of luxury cars everywhere we looked.
Le Jet d'eau- Water Fountain shoots 500 liters of water per second to a height of 140 meters
Standing by the Brunswick Monument built in 1879 to honor Charles II, Duke of Brunswick who bequeathed his fortune to the city for construction of a replica of the Scaliger Tombs of Verona, Italy
After the sun set, we enjoyed dinner at a Tex-Mex Restaurant and turned in for a good night's rest. The following morning we made our way to a towering structure, which is home to the World Heart Federation for an opportunity to meet with the staff and to share with them the affiliation we enjoy between the "Go Red for Women" campaign and the International Pageant System.
World Heart Federation
My official Clay Spann Go Red photo
There were many good questions
Honoring Twin Cities Heart Walk Fundraisers
Sharing the message with International participants
It was an honor to meet the staff of the World Heart Federation!
The weather was so incredible, Joe and I decided to walk back to Beau Rivage along the river L'Arve and Le Rhone. One of our favorite sights was that of the Hans Wilsdorf Bridge. The elliptical steel truss design is often referred to as the "bird's nest," and the structure is named after the founder of Rolex Watches and funded through the Rolex Foundation.
Hans Wilsdorf Bridge over the River Arve
After a lovely lunch at a sidewalk cafe, we boarded a Swissboat and toured Lake Geneva. I could write about the tour highlights for hours, but instead will simply share the photos of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world!
Leaving the Harbor
St. Peter's Cathedral
Little Mermaid of Lake Geneva
Maison de Saussure-Eisenhower (1955)
Paquis Lighthouse
Beau Rivage Hotel from the boat
Returning to Harbor
My sincerest thank you to Johanna Raiston and her staff at the World Heart Federation for your time and for making both Joe and me feel so very welcome. And, of course, my gratitude to Becky Thoreson for making this wonderful connection.
Au Revior from Geneva,
Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012
Friday, May 17, 2013
Exploring Germany!
When you wake up in a castle, as you can imagine, even the simple act of
walking down a hall to breakfast is an experience.
Next on the itinerary was a more comprehensive tour of the Sewing home and the magical setting of their property bordering a castle built more than eight centuries ago!
.JPG)
Not quite as old, but certainly just as impressive to my car fanatical husband was our next adventure at the Klassiker Probe Fahren und Automobile Meilensteine (Classic Car Display). This adventure was suggested by Henrik and Barbara at dinner the preceding evening, and they were kind enough to join us for a tour and lunch. I am fairly confident in stating that our time at the car show was a bit like nirvana for my husband!
From the industrial area of the car show, we headed toward downtown Frankfurt. Peter shared with us some history of the city, as well as, some of the most beautiful and charming areas for both work and living. Frankfurt is really the financial mecca of Europe as it is home to the European Central Bank (ECB) and Deutsche Bank. Here are a sampling of photos to give you a flavor of the vibrant city of Frankfurt:
As we left the city to visit wine country we traveled on the autobahn, which is the German "federal expressway." The signs change from yellow to the color blue and there are only speed-limits posted in areas near communities...otherwise, a driver can move into the far left lane and open it up! This was a first for both Joe and me...and we both smiled because we really wanted to be behind the wheel!
We visited three wineries, each with a distinct personality and all with views to die for!
As we departed Kronberg, we captured a photo of the church where the Helena and Johan were baptized, took a quick tour, and then it was time to bid farewell to our amazing host and look toward our train ride to Basel, Switzerland.
We will sincerely treasure our time in Frankfurt, Germany, and it is impossible to say "Danke Schon" enough to my dear friend.
With love and appreciation,
Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012
The
atmosphere was as enjoyable as the exquisite buffet!
Next on the itinerary was a more comprehensive tour of the Sewing home and the magical setting of their property bordering a castle built more than eight centuries ago!
You can see the Kronberg Castle
through the trees
An old cellar on the Sewing property
View from above the cellar
.JPG)
Joe and Sarah on the daring
Sewing zip line
Simply stunning home and landscape
Not quite as old, but certainly just as impressive to my car fanatical husband was our next adventure at the Klassiker Probe Fahren und Automobile Meilensteine (Classic Car Display). This adventure was suggested by Henrik and Barbara at dinner the preceding evening, and they were kind enough to join us for a tour and lunch. I am fairly confident in stating that our time at the car show was a bit like nirvana for my husband!
A variety of
classic cars!
From the industrial area of the car show, we headed toward downtown Frankfurt. Peter shared with us some history of the city, as well as, some of the most beautiful and charming areas for both work and living. Frankfurt is really the financial mecca of Europe as it is home to the European Central Bank (ECB) and Deutsche Bank. Here are a sampling of photos to give you a flavor of the vibrant city of Frankfurt:
Deutsche Bank
Main River
Bridge over the Main River
Photo
Deutsche Bank Towers
Old Opera with the words
inscribed "Dem Wahren, Schonen, Guten" (To the true, the beautiful, the
good)
Entering a stately residential area
As we left the city to visit wine country we traveled on the autobahn, which is the German "federal expressway." The signs change from yellow to the color blue and there are only speed-limits posted in areas near communities...otherwise, a driver can move into the far left lane and open it up! This was a first for both Joe and me...and we both smiled because we really wanted to be behind the wheel!
German
Autobahn
We visited three wineries, each with a distinct personality and all with views to die for!
Castle Schloss Vollrads
Gutsschanke Schloss Johannisberg
Stiftung Kloster Eberbach
As we departed Kronberg, we captured a photo of the church where the Helena and Johan were baptized, took a quick tour, and then it was time to bid farewell to our amazing host and look toward our train ride to Basel, Switzerland.
Kronberg Church Photo
Farewell Photo
Lunch in Basel headed to Geneva
We will sincerely treasure our time in Frankfurt, Germany, and it is impossible to say "Danke Schon" enough to my dear friend.
With love and appreciation,
Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012
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