It Takes A Village!

I am sitting here writing this and am in complete disbelief that I am less than 1 week away from continuing my journey to Jacksonville.  I am beyond excited to meet my pageant sisters and to share my passion for my platform.  I am so excited that I have been packed for nearly 6 weeks now! Each and every last detail has been planned and accounted for and I can hardly wait.

Before I go I must take the time to thank my "village".  My family has been my rock and the reason why I can do so many appearances, nearly 80 already!  I am thankful for their unending love and support.  My husband has chosen to do everything he can do to accommodate my appearance schedule and ensure that our children still thrive.  My parents are making the journey to Jacksonville to support me in person and I am over the moon!  My sisters are always calling and following my activities on social media.  My in laws are caring for my children for the competition week and are in great hands.

I am lucky to feel so loved and hope that the judges see in me what my family does.  I am prepared, I am confident, and I am ready.  Let's go and bring the title back to New Jersey!!!!

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

Will You Be My Friend?

     Today I had the opportunity to attend a fundraiser at a local Dairy Queen location.  I was invited by a trainer from my gym who owns the franchise...yes I know a trainer that owns an ice cream store, irony at it's best :)   The event today was a fundraiser for the Christina S. Walsh Breast Cancer Foundation.  This organization donates money to cancer stricken patients to be used at their own discretion.  They can use it for medication, treatment, or anything they deem necessary to help them in a crucial time of their life.

     I went to the event knowing that there would be face painting, a DJ, crafts, and of course ice cream.  Upon my arrival I was greeted warmly by the chair person and the franchise owner.  Before I knew it I was given a behind the scenes tour and even took my turn at handing out the delicious frozen treats and change.  An hour or so into the event a sweet 7 year old girl came up to say hi to me at the craft table.  She introduced herself like so, "My name is Amaryllis, like the flower. What's yours".  Simple enough but as soon as I answered her eyes light up.  She immediately sat down and put me to work constructing a beaded bracelet.  She then asked what my job was as Mrs. New Jersey.  I told her as straight forward as I could that my job is to serve my community for an entire year.  I explained that a large part of my platform work involved Special Olympics and special needs children.  I told her that I am their friend and my job is to help them to compete.  She sat for a moment and then told me she had a question.  She leaned forward and whispered into my ear "Will you be my friend? I don't have any and school is hard for me.  I want to be a special kid so you can help me."  I was taken back a bit.  To me this was a charming little girl who wasn't afraid to greet a complete stranger.

For the rest of her time at the event I made it my mission to treat her like my friend.  We finished off her bracelet and then enjoyed some ice cream together.  Next up was some face painting and then another question from my new friend.  This was one that I was ready for! She asked if she could wear my crown and be a princess too. Of course I obliged and everyone there made a big to do over her.  We walked around and took pictures and let the other girls try it on as well.  Last up was some dancing to "Happy".  Before we knew it it was time for her to leave. She hugged me good bye and waved as she walked away to her car.

I went to this event to volunteer on National Cancer Survivor's Day and left with a new little friend.  It just goes to show you that God puts you right where you need to be.  Did I need to go to fulfill a promise to a friend or did I need to go because this girl needed a friend for the day.  I say the latter!  Experiences like these are what being Mrs. New Jersey International is all about.  I have had some amazing opportunities and  have attended elaborate events with much more to come my way, but impacting someones life with a smile and a hug will always go farther with me.

Live What You Love,
Amber Mack
Mrs. New Jersey International 2015

Conquer Your Fears

A few months ago I was asked to be the keynote speaker for the Memorial Day Services for my hometown of Bordentown, NJ.  I was given very light instructions that I was the comic relief and to keep it light.

Having never written a speech on my own for a presentation, I was beside myself with the task.  I came up with a plan to interview my father, a Vietnam Veteran, and to try to incorporate my platform work, as well as a call to action to the people present that day.  Interviewing my dad was the easy part...putting in my platform info was not so bad either.  The tricky part for me was to tie at all together in a way that way interesting and informative.  I wanted to be patriotic and professional at the same time.

Weeks ticked by and I found myself busy with appearances, pageant prep, my family, and my costume business.  Finally after much anticipation I sat down the week of the event and started writing.  I incorporated the information that my dad gave me and I also scoured the internet for historically accurate information reguarding Memorial Day and it's meaning to America.  When it came to incorporating my platform work with the Special Olympics I found myself writing from the heart.  To me, my athletes carry some of the same traits that our brave soldiers have.  Lastly, I tied it all together by urging everyone to find a cause that they connect with.

The day of the event I was prepared and ready to go.  Little did I know that my 5 minute speech would have such a lasting impact.  The crowd was gathering and all the heroes of Bordentown startled to assemble, the band was there, and many members of the local and state government too.  In all 250 people gathered to pay there respects to our fallen heroes.  I was the first speaker of the day and I delivered my words with as much poise and confidence as I could muster.  Up next was a retired Master Sergeant and when he got up to speak he said that he was nervous to follow my speech, what a compliment!  

The ceremony ended after much pomp and circumstance and I was filled with emotion.  The event organizer as well as several uniformed service members told me that I was suprisingly refreshing.  I think that when I showed up in crown and banner they all expected something very different.  I'm glad that I was able to exceed their expectations and educate everyone there.  For days afterward I received emails, messages, and thank you's from people in public.  

What I learned from this whole experience is that is okay to step out of your comfort zone and do something you're not quite ready for.  By taking a risk I was able to impact the lives of the people in attendance that day.  

Below is an excerpt from the closing of my speech

"Today I would like to challenge all of you to become an everyday hero and answer the call of duty. Find a charity that interests you, volunteer at a local church or school, and support your community organizations and small businesses. The smallest efforts on our parts can make the most profound impacts in the lives of others."

Live What You Love,

Amber Mack 

Mrs. New Jersey International 2015