Distinguished Young Women

Pitt County

My interest started in the program when a dance teacher asked me an interview question and after I answered said “You need to do Distinguished Young Women.” From that point, I was hooked. My local program introduced me to all the categories of competition (scholastics, interview, talent, self-expression, and fitness) and gave me a network of girls who were genuine and cared about my success.

North Carolina

The state program gave me an insight into service. At the time, we were still navigating pandemic closings and tried to make the experience as normal as possible. Winning the state program meant the world to me, I believed so much in my peers that I didn’t think I would be chosen as the representative. However, with a medallion around my neck, I felt the embrace of local representatives from all across the state and continued to receive their love and encouragement on my way to nationals.

Nationals

There are not enough words to describe my experience in Mobile, AL for the 65th National Finals. An outbreak of COVID-19 left many of us quarantined during the 2 weeks we spent in the South, but I developed incredible relationships and felt supported even in strife. I put my heart out on the national stage and am beyond proud I got to represent NC in this way.

But…What Now?

After nationals, I began visiting every local program I could to show my support for the state. I mentored the new Pitt County representative as she went to the state program and then gave up my title at the state program in January of this year. This hasn’t stopped my involvement in the program, this week I’m watching the national program to support the new NC representative. I hope to always be involved in some capacity; it’s as our program says “It’s better to be a has-been than a never was!”