Life After Miss America
I’m
back!
I apologize
for the delay. I’ve been kept so busy with Miss New Jersey appearances, interviews,
holiday events, as well as preparing myself for quite possibly the most
challenging, exciting, inspiring, and thrilling event I have come to know, “The
Miss America Pageant.”
I’ve
resorted to quicker methods of communication such as: Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter to log my daily activities. I find it to be quicker, easier, and more
fun! I hope you’ve had the chance to follow this incredible journey!
I can’t
believe it’s been almost a month (This Blog was actually written in FEB) since I walked the big Miss America stage.
Where does the time go? I’ve used this past month the recover, recuperate,
reorganize, and reflect on what an honor it was to be a contestant in “The Miss
America Pageant.” I’m still in disbelief
that the big pageant has come and gone so quickly.
And I’m
still in disbelief that something this wonderful has happened to me.
Miss America or not, I’m still
MISS NEW JERSEY!
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| My Roommate and I (Miss Alaska-- Debbe!) |
I count
this among my many blessings each and every day. When I was a little girl, I
had a love for “The Miss America Pageant.”
Whether from home or attending as a spectator at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic
City, I never missed a pageant. I remember sitting along the parade route on
the Atlantic City boardwalk each year anxiously waiting for Miss New Jersey to pass,
she would always receive the loudest cheer. The crowds loved her and she was
just as beautiful and marvelous as I could have imagined. At the time, I always thought she was the most
popular contestant, never realizing that her popularity might have had
something to do with the state/location in which the pageant was taking place. I always dreamed about what it might be like to be
on that car, to be up on that stage. I never thought it would actually happen,
but a girl can dream!
And here
we are today... a dream come true. Now, when writing autographs for young
children, I always sign, “Dream Big” because you just never know what the
future has in store for each and everyone of us. Something extraordinary could be
waiting to happen – sometimes sooner than you think.
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| Buca di Beppo |
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| Miss America Spotting! :) |
My Miss America experience was
nothing short of incredible, though it didn’t start as smoothly as I would have
liked. I acquired pink eye, mouth ulcers, and nasty upper respiratory infection
only days/hours before I left for the airport.
I still can’t believe it.
I did such a great job avoiding
coming in contact with all unnecessary germs. As we got closer and closer to
January, my nieces and nephews were all quarantined to the backroom whenever I
would visit, and I stopped hugging and handshaking. I’m actually still asking
God for forgiveness for not offering the sign of peace to the lady directly
behind me at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, who made sure that everyone was
aware that she was sick. I gave my mom an extra-long hug and handshake
whispering “I’m sure not catching THAT!”
HA! Boy was I wrong.
You work so hard over the past
months that even the thought of getting sick (as a vocalist) is troubling.
Thankfully, after a few days in the dry dessert, I was good as new and ready to
begin competition. Of course I chose to do talent on the very first night, not
giving me too much time to recover, however I was very satisfied in my
performance. Actually, I was very pleased with each of my phases of
competition. My interview was my best yet, I loved my evening gown (pictures do
the gown no justice), and I was in the best shape of my life. Preparing for
something as big and wonderful as “The Miss America Pageant” is the best life
training and self-improvement challenge I have ever faced. It has become my
goal to maintain that level of improvement so I can still take advantage of
this beautiful wardrobe I have acquired.
I can’t thank The Miss New Jersey
Organization enough for granting me this amazing opportunity and providing me
with the help I needed to do my best at “The Miss America Pageant.” You are my
second family and I am so lucky to have you!
The Bonnie Blue Crew, you’re an
amazing group! I would not be where I am today without your support, guidance,
and unending love. I will always cherish our memories and friendships! Thank you will just never cut it. So much
love to you all!!
“I get by with a little help from
my friends," said the Beatles. Isn’t that the truth? Thank you to the
friends who made the long (expensive) journey to Vegas, having you there made
the experience so much richer. It was so much fun to bumping into you
throughout the week and at visitation! Thank you also to the friends back at
home who hosted parties and sent their warm, kind, and supportive wishes my
way. I am so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends.
What
a stud!—I am so lucky to have such a great friend in Mr. Chris Delia. His love,
support and dedication to my success is immeasurable. You were there for my
very first local pageant and with me until my very last. There is no greater
guy! Love you most.
Everyone
knows that I love my sister, but I just would like to lay emphasis on why I
love her so much and remind you all of just how remarkable she truly is. My
sister is a behind the scenes type of person, but in my world, she is the star
of the show. She is the true definition of selflessness and puts the needs of
others before her own. I would not have made it through this experience without
her. She is my sister, my therapist and my best friend. I love you with all of
my heart, Carrie Ann!
Mom
and Dad you have
sacrificed time, finances, and efforts to help me soar higher than I’ve ever
gone. Your dedication as parents has been a priceless gift. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart. I love you both most dearly!
Below I am going to post some
pictures with brief description of some of my pre Miss America appearances if
you have not seen them yet on social media. The following are some of my Miss
America shots:
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| Talking to customers at the Star Diner |
What’s next for Lindsey Petrosh,
you might ask?
Well I will certainly cherish my
last few months serving as Miss New Jersey, that’s for certain! However, I would hope that there are greater
things in store for my life. Although this will always be among my BEST experiences, It would be pretty sad if Miss New Jersey was the
“best thing that ever happened to me,” it doesn’t give you much to hope for at
the young age of 24.
I like to think that the
possibilities are endless and that the best is still yet to come! C.S Lewis
said, “You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
That’s just what I’ll do!
Dream on friends, I sure will!
All of my love,
Lindsey Petrosh
Miss New Jersey
2012
P.S How Exciting to Have Miss America Back in Atlantic City!!
You work so hard over the past
months that even the thought of getting sick (as a vocalist) is troubling.
Thankfully, after a few days in the dry dessert, I was good as new and ready to
begin competition. Of course I chose to do talent on the very first night, not
giving me too much time to recover, however I was very satisfied in my
performance. Actually, I was very pleased with each of my phases of
competition. My interview was my best yet, I loved my evening gown (pictures do
the gown no justice), and I was in the best shape of my life. Preparing for
something as big and wonderful as “The Miss America Pageant” is the best life
training and self-improvement challenge I have ever faced. It has become my
goal to maintain that level of improvement so I can still take advantage of
this beautiful wardrobe I have acquired. 
What
a stud!—I am so lucky to have such a great friend in Mr. Chris Delia. His love,
support and dedication to my success is immeasurable. You were there for my
very first local pageant and with me until my very last. There is no greater
guy! Love you most. 
Stomping Grapes at Dimateo's Winery!
Dream on friends, I sure will!
