122. MISS ILLINOIS USA 2024: Prep, Proud Moments, & How I #DoBoth (Special Episode!! Ft. Guest-Host Jackie Barnum)

IT'S HERE! I leave for MISS IL USA in just under 48 hours & I'm celebrating with a pre-pageant podcast. I asked my Instagram audience what questions they had about MISS IL USA: You asked, I answered! In this episode, I have guest-host & best friend, Jackie Barnum, to dig into what my journey has been liked as I prepped for my very last state competition for Miss USA. It has been 8 years since I entered my first state competition at MISS OHIO USA 2017, it's been 4.5 years since I placed runner-up at MISS CA USA 2020, & 9 months since the Miss Universe organization changed its rules, allowing married women & women of all ages to compete. Clearly, this has been a long journey but also one of the greatest and life-altering experiences for me. In this episode, Jackie & I dive into my journey leading up to MISS IL USA. What am I most nervous about? How did I find my coaches? How did I get approval from the Navy to compete? What was that process like? I tell ALL! Thank you ALL so much for the love & support as I head into competition and for sending so many good vibes my way! Regardless of the outcome, I'm so grateful for this experience and the change to compete again, WHAT A DREAM! Want to watch the competitive LIVE this weekend? Find details here: https://pageantvision.com/ Vote People's Choice here: https://www.missillinoisusa.com/vote