C.R.O.W.N Thought of the Week

My personal platform: C.R.O.W.N: Confident Radiant Outstanding Women Now

"What if we all followed Maya Angelou’s advice and removed the word normal from our vocabulary? Maybe then, we could focus on seizing every single opportunity to embrace our “crazy” inner dreamer, say adios  to our stuffy inner critic, and live our version of a more amazing life."                                                                                                                   -Terri Wingham

I love this Maya Angelou quote and the challenges posed by writer, Terri Wingham. What if we spent our time leading a more amazing, I can do it, I believe in myself mindset and attitude? How would that change us? I remember a time, when the thought of calling myself "amazing" or thinking I could do "amazing" things sounded crazy and self-centered to me. But now, I use it  as a tool to fuel my passions and aspirations. It's boring to be normal, to not believe in yourself, to not see the potential that we each hold within us, and to not feel alive every single day.

Where do you need to add the word amazing to your life and remove words like, fear, apathy, and disbelief?

Love and blessings,

Nicole Vega

February

My first official full month as Miss South Florida Fair is coming to a close and I truly could not be happier. I have put my title into action with the help of my auh-mazzing director Theresa!

I have attended several events this month that have enriched my life greatly...here are a few reasons why:

National Pancake day was such a fun experience. Not only did I meet new people and share some laughs with them, but raising awareness about the Miss America Org and the Children's Miracle Network was very special to me. I visited two locations and all-together we raised a generous amount for the CMN! (Woohoo!)

Attending the Miss Miami and Miss Palm Beach County pageants allowed me to "sit-back and relax" (Whew! A feeling many titleholders love!) while watching my friends "werk it" on stage! At Miss Miami, I was able to chat with our beautiful Miss Florida state director, Mary Sullivan and Miss Florida 2001, Kelly Gaudet. It was a fun, entertaining pageant as Miss Miami & Miss Dade County were the funny but charming MC's! What I enjoyed the most was seeing my friends Amber, Abby and Alex compete for the title. They were beautiful, talented and confident...what more could you ask for!? Congratulations to the new Miss Miami, Janae Deleon...her entire performance was done with such elegance and confidence!

Right: Miss Miami 2013 & Miss Miami 2011...awesome!

The Miss Palm Beach County pageant celebrated it's 50th Anniversary! There was an excitement in the air and feelings of love and encouragement throughout the night. Watching my friends Ty, Jamie, Stephanie, Brit, and Rachel compete was so exciting! I loved cheering them on and I could not be more proud for Rachel, as she was awarded 1st runner-up and Ty for winning the Talent award. (The girl can sing!!) Congratulations to your new Miss PBC, Brittani Robins...she had so much energy on stage and her evening gown....jaw-dropping!

Alongside Theresa, we enjoyed the company of the most influential, powerful, and kind people in our state, the members of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches. During both lunches I had the opportunities to meet our Governor, Rick Scott and the 1st woman Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. (I just typed that, those things actually happened to me, what!?) Can I say that I love our Governor? He was very charismatic and an excellent conversationalist! We spoke about the Miss America Organization, my role as Miss SFF, and I even invited him to Miss Florida. I hope he took that invitation seriously! Ha! Let's see what happens! ;) I was also able to hear him speak about many prominent state issues. They included, educational funding, gun control, and everglades restoration. I am so proud to be a Floridian for many reasons and he motivated and encouraged me to love Florida even more and serve my state as much as I can! 

Unforgettable moment...

Hearing Madeleine Albright speak was beyond...beyond...beyond incredible. I will truly never forget that moment. Her words were so carefully crafted, her thoughts were concise but triggered so much emotion, and  she had a surprising sense of humor! I can go on and on about her speech but most importantly she inspired me to believe in myself and work even harder than I am now! I urge everyone to read about her life or pick up one of her books! I promise, you will gain so much fulfillment from it! 

Actually, since you're reading, check-out some of her quotes that I love!

"I love being a woman and I was not one of these women who rose through professional life by wearing men's clothes or looking masculine. I loved wearing bright colors and being who I am."

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."

"I am a beneficiary of the American people's generosity, and I hope we can have comprehensive immigration legislation that allows this country to continue to be enriched by those who were not born here."

"For me, America is really, truly the indispensable nation."

Next, I attended the PGA Black History Month Golf Clinic. The first order of business was to find a sassy golf outfit, check! TJ Maxx! Once Theresa and I arrived we were greeted by Mr. Earnie Ellison, director of business and community relations for The PGA of America. He instructed me to enjoy myself, learn about golf and interact with all the children. Needless to say, it was a beautiful day and we had such a fun time! I also chatted with NBA World Champ and analyst, Steve Smith (Who is now following me on twitter, say what!?).

I think you can guess, he's the former NBA player ;)

Lastly, Theresa and I attended Daddy-Daughter date night at Chick-Fil-A. In order to make it really special for the girls, I gifted them princess crowns and my Miss SFF pin with my platform message. I am so glad I had the chance to hangout with them and hopefully make their experience special and unique! It still brings a big smile to my face when they call me a princess... :) Thank you to the Chick-Fil-A staff for the awesome goodies and for making us feel so welcomed!

Do you see her little crown!? Awe!

As this month comes to a close, I am reminded of a few things...

Service without passion is time "not" well spent so always believe in the work you are doing! You never know how something can positively change someone's life. 
And, God continues to prove to me why He is in control and why I need to put my full faith in Him. While that is happening, I'm just enjoying this awesome ride! 
It's okay to do an appearance without heels...I am in much less pain and have much more energy! Ha!

Love and blessings,
Nicole Vega


"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve.
You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato
and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to
know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a
soul generated by love."

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The Drum Major Instinct”
Delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, February 4, 1968

To Melissa

This next "thank you" post is dedicated to my dear friend, mentor, and longtime pageant sponsor Melissa. She has SO many qualities that I absolutely love! She is incredibly kind and generous but she is also hilarious and always the life of the party!

In order to fully understand our relationship, I must share the story of how we met. In 2009, as I was searching for a pageant sponsor, my mom gave me the wonderful idea (of course) to call the sponsors from the year before. Melissa was my second "cold call" so I was definitely nervous. As I told her the reason I was calling, I could hear the curiosity in her voice. Then....began the questions. Needless to say, I was "grilled." (Lol) She asked me about my goals, personal/family life, about FAU and my major, and anything else in between. She even asked me to come in to her office for an interview! I had no clue what I was getting myself into, but something told me this could potentially be a fantastic relationship. Well, 4 years later, our relationship and friendship has blossomed into so much excitement, love and encouragement.

Melissa, THANK YOU for welcoming me into your life. I am so blessed to be your friend, that there really aren't words to describe how I feel and how grateful I am for you. You have challenged me to be a better person, a better community advocate, and a more educated young women. You have provided me with an endless amount of opportunities that have opened my eyes about our nation. Thank you for financially sponsoring me all these years and never giving up on my dream to win a local title. Now, I'm on my way to Miss Florida and I'm so excited to see where life is going to take us next.

I love you with all my heart, I love scrappy, I love your business Accounts Receivables Inc., and yes I love Bama football too ;)

Nicole

"That's all they really want

Some fun

When the working day is done

Girls - they want to have fun

Oh girls just want to have fun"

- Cyndi Lauper 

(I just felt this was fitting!)

To the loves of my life!

This is the first post of a series of "thank you" blogs! My parents are truly my world. Actually, just a few nights ago, at around 11:30 p.m. I was hanging out with them in their bedroom. We were saying how much life is going to change in a few months when my sister goes off to an out-of-state university and  I said, "Well, I'm turning 22 in a few months and I'm still here! Hahahah." We laughed because it's so true! I'm not going anywhere unless my life changes on the Miss Florida stage, until then I'm all theirs and they're all mine!

In order to truly understand why I am so grateful for them, I have to share some of our background. I was 4 years old when my dad made the decision for us to move to Florida, from Venezuela. As immigrants, life was never easy but my parent's work ethic, faith in God and their immense and deep love for our family allowed us to live a comfortable and happy life here in the states. Today, we have been here for 18 years and couldn't be happier!

My mom is a dreamer. She loves imagining things and developing new, innovative ideas. She has been the driving force behind many of my accomplishments because she's believed in me so much. My daddy, has been an incredible example for me. He has such a warm, loving heart which is evident at home and in relationships with his employees and co-workers. Two of his greatest qualities are his ability to work long, hard days but remain positive under life's pressures and he rarely complains about anything! My parent's characters and souls are simply beautiful.

To my parents: Thank you for believing in me, loving me and supporting me my entire life! I would not be who I am today without the foundations you each have established in our household. I am so incredibly blessed and not only are you my parents but my best friends too. I love you both and I am so excited for our future in pageantry and in life because as a team, we can accomplish anything!

The night I was crowned!

Xoxo,

Nicole

Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child's life and it's like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities. 

-- Gary Smalley

Town Crier Article

Hey friends!

I was so thrilled when I first recevied the news that my dear friend Denise was pitching my story to the Town Crier! When she told me the news that Jessica, a staff writer would be giving me a call to do a phone interview, I thought, "Okay...whoa. This is really happening!"
I read it and I loved it! In case you haven't here is the link:

http://gotowncrier.com/2013/02/rpbs-nicole-vega-enjoying-reign-as-2013-fair-queen/

BUT before you read it, I'd like to share a quick, funny story.
When my parents, my sister and I first came to the United States my dad found a small job delivering papers. Basically, at night we would hop into my dad's station wagon and distribute these newspapers. [Throw out of the car window and onto people's driveways ;)]. Well, guess the newspaper?....The Town Crier! Ha! 18 years later, the girl that would throw them onto people's driveways, was now on the front page of that newspaper! That makes me laugh, it makes me feel so accomplished, but most importantly, it strenghens my faith in God! His plans for my life are incredible, He has always taken care of my family and I, and He also has a sense of humor!

I am truly grateful that my platform received attention and I hope my message is positively received by the readers. If anyone would like to share their thoughts (good or bad) please share!! I would love to know what you thought!

Love you all,

Nicole

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

They call me "Fair Queen"

Miss South Florida Fair loves animals, especially this little piggy, Stella Dot!

I'll try to describe how I feel, but I am not exactly sure how to put it all into words! Before anything, I have to thank God for proving to me once again, that He has a perfect, marvelous plan for me. He has been my rock throughout my entire journey and this first blog is truly dedicated to my heavenly father.

The moment I was crowned continues to replay in my mind! It was all so surreal. It finally happened!! I am not sure if many of you reading this know my story with this particular pageant...I'll share it briefly. In 2009, the first year I competed, I was awarded 2nd runner-up and received $750 in scholarship money. This was all thanks to Kelly Hoback, my mom for believing in me, and my awesome, hot pink pageant resale gown! Ha! In 2010, I competed once again, but was awarded 3rd runner-up and $500 in scholarship money. In 2011, I was awarded 1st runner-up (so close!) and $1,000 in scholarship money (woohoo). And finally, a few weeks ago, the moment I knew would happen, but wasn't sure when it would...HAPPENED!

Many, many people have asked me why I kept going, or if I was frustrated all those years not winning.

I kept going because I was so passionate for this title. My friends and the incredibly talented previous titleholders (Jess, Court, Cassie, and Brit) were young women I looked up to and they were always so happy, I wanted to be them! I also continued to compete because it was so fun! This pageant is seriously one of the best in our state! New friends, a glam wardrobe, the thrill of being on a stage, the hair...make-up...the talents...I loved it all! And of course the wonderful pageant committee and staff. They made my experience these 4 years so enriching and special.
To answer the second question, no I was never frustrated! Of course, there's that thought of, "Dang, it..." but I just smiled and thought, "Okay, it's not my year, that's alright God...next year!"

So here I am, I finally achieved my goal and I couldn't be happier! As many of you have seen, I have been posting several pictures on facebook highlighting my journey so far. I have been at the fair nearly everyday, pretty much having the time of my life! It all happened very quickly, I was crowned Saturday night and was right back at the fairgrounds Sunday morning. I had no problem with that, great prep work for Miss Florida ;)

I have experienced some incredible moments at the fair...here are a few:

Modeling with animals...for real! A giant turkey, a beautiful chicken named Phoenix, all kinds of cows, a very famous little piggy (Who I might have kissed made-out with...twice!) ...and many more!

Riding on my first motorcycle with my friend Pete. What an adrenaline rush!

Being in my first parade with Dr. Dennis Gallon, President of Palm Beach State College. I can't even describe how amazing that was!

Finding healthy fair-food options! Chicken Kabob, roasted corn (don't hold the butter), and kettle corn!

Being arrested by the Yesteryear Village Sheriff...that was hilarious!

Sitting on top of an elephant! What!?

Taking pictures and having short conversations with little girls and boys. THE BEST part of my job. They call me princess but they are the true princesses and princes! One little boy came up to me and said, "Can I take a picture with the prettiest girl at the fair?" AWE. YES. I melted.

Having my face on a pin (lol) that various fair board members, trustees, and volunteers wear. Oh, I can't forget, actually pinning it on the Fair's President/CEO Rick Vymlatil. What!?

Enjoying the beautiful fair theme "Our Nation's Capital: Washington, D.C." (In case you don't know, I have a strong love affair with DC! The fact that I won this year, with this theme is not a coincidence whatsoever!)

Lastly, being surrounded by such supportive, encouraging individuals on a daily basis! I'm now apart of the South Florida Fair family, and that in itself makes my eyes teary and my heart warm.

I've been having an incredible time and since it is the closing weekend of the fair, I encourage everyone to come and enjoy it! I am so excited for these next two days!!

My next blog post will be all about thanking everyone!

Love you all very much!

Nicole

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20