5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Happy New Year!

One of the biggest events on peoples’ Bucket List is to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Years Eve. It is something I have always dreamed of doing, and this year I had that chance.

But it wasn't just any opportunity to watch… We were VIP! Miss Florida International- Lyss Acosta-Millan, Miss NY International- Elaina Estrada, Mrs. NY International Marjorie Anglade-Vail, and Mrs. Connecticut International- Paula Mele celebrated with me, my mom, and my aunt as we rang in the New Year!

The Wounded Warrior Project is the organization we have to thank for this opportunity. Veterans and current service members joined with their friends and family in Times Square for the big day. Thank you so much to everyone with the WWP for allowing the International Pageant girls to join in on the fun!

The crowds started gathering at about 3 AM on NYE to get the best spots in Times Square for the event. I can only image how miserable it could be waiting nearly 21 hours for the ball drop! We were so fortunate to not have to wait in those long lines and crowds. The NYPD escorted our group to the closest area by the ball at about 8 PM on New Years Eve!

Nearly one million people were gathered in that area to celebrate the New Year, many traveling from around the globe to see the sight. I definitely started the year off right with a big check on the Bucket List!

Thankful for my mom and aunt for taking on the Big Apple with me!

Thank you to the Wounded Warriors Project and some of my fellow International Pageant sisters for this amazing opportunity. Being in NYC for NYE is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

If you believe in something, believe in it all the way!

Blair Wortsmith
Miss Teen International 2014