Miss Coastline Farewell
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Farewell’s are traditionally full of “thank you’s” and “I love you’s”.. But tonight, I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many individuals that know how much I love them, and how grateful I am to have them in my life and for all they have done for me. So I’m going to do things a little differently – because that’s kind of how I roll. This is my 5th year of involvement in the Miss CT program, and here’s something I’ve learned – that I can personally attest to: Success in this organization is NOT measured by the size of the crown in your collection, or even the number of crowns in your collection – not at all. It’s the person you become as a result of this program. That’s what it’s all about – and I think we lose sight of that fact a lot. We focus so much on winning and losing – who should win, who should place – that we forget that the heart of this program is about personal growth. About striving for constant self-improvement. Setting goals. Being a better person – and competitor – than you were yesterday. I think we can look at every single one of these women on the stage here tonight and say, “Wow – I saw so and so compete last season and you know – I just can’t put my finger on it but she has really improved” or “Gosh, I saw her compete last month and she just has this glow about her, she’s really matured.” And sure, there are those obvious changes you can see easily – the more toned swimsuit body, the better hair, the more flattering wardrobe – But I have news for you. Boobs sag.. They do. Childbirth wreaks havoc on bodies – or so I’m told – I wouldn’t know yet… Hair turns grey. And a few years down the line, we probably won’t fit into our beautiful competition wardrobes. But those inner changes – that person you become through this program – will stay with you for the rest of your life. And that’s why you can compete on the local level and never quite make it to states, or win a local and never become Miss State – why you don’t ever have to become Miss America to become a successful product of this organization. There are no failures here. And here’s something else I’ve learned – Life happens perfectly. Everything always – without fail – occurs exactly the way it is meant to – whether we agree with it or understand why. And we can put our all into something – work hard and want something so badly – we can work towards gaining a certain outcome, but at the end of the day, we don’t necessarily have control over that outcome. But we do always have control over one thing, and that is our reactions – the way that we react to those outcomes, whether they are in our favor or not. And that’s the way life works. Sometimes things happen just the way we want them to, but sometimes they don’t. Sometimes “your girl” wins, sometimes she doesn’t. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. And if you don’t, it’s okay to be hurt and frustrated and angry and disappointed. We’re human beings. BUT it is not okay to take those feelings of hurt and disappointment and allow them to manifest into a lack of support or resentment towards the girl who does win. Things aren’t always going to happen your way. And if you can’t handle that in the context of pageantry, trust me – there’s no way you’ll be able to deal with it in the context of life. Each one of us contributes to this organization in some way through our words and our actions. The question is, are you contributing in a positive way, or a negative one? Are you building contestants up, or tearing them down? Are you helping to create an environment that fosters and encourages personal growth and future Miss Connecticuts, or are you helping to destroy and discourage that potential? Five years ago, I first took a spot on the Miss CT stage. I competed with long, flat-ironed, stick-straight hair parted right down the middle, pale-as-a-ghost skin, a gown off the rack from Sears, a bikini from Marshalls and a monologue from my high school theatre class. Today, my hair is shorter and I’ve learned the art of teasing it. I discovered tanning beds and spray tans. I’m a little more toned and my wardrobe is full of Jovani and Tahari. But it’s the changes you can’t see on the outside – the one’s I know in my heart are there – that I am most proud of. The strengthened qualities and tools that I have gained through this program will constantly be with me, giving me the confidence to go after every one of my goals and dreams. That is something that every one of these women deserves. With sincere gratitude and deepest love, for one final time – I am your Miss Coastline 2008, Corrina Pysa. Printed with permission | |
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Peggy Clapp
3/25/2009 11:37:37 PM
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Corinna's Farewell Corrina's farewell is a timely message to all of us. As volunteers, lets make every effort to be kind to each other. To the ladies competing, compete hard, do everything you can to win but when it's over, it's over. Support the winner and go on with your life. Please be gracious in Victory and in Defeat. Peggy Clapp |
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Bonnie
3/24/2009 5:25:39 PM
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Farewell Speech I thought your speech was wonderful. Thank you for sharing it. These are values I teach my children everyday. Mom to Shorline Outstanding Pre-Teen & Maritime Outstanding Pre-Teen |
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Nancy Picard
3/24/2009 4:26:09 PM
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Farewell Dear Corinna Dear Corrina: Thank you for participating in this program with such grace and class. You epitomize what we volunteers work so hard to accomplish. You will continue to shine in life long after the crown loses its luster. Those who truly care about this program work to help you, the young women participating, become the best you can be not only on the stage, but for life. It is so refreshing to hear someone talk about all the positives you experienced while participating as a contestant. We certainly hope you will continue helping in the system from the "other side". Thank you for the dignity, style, and class you have exhibited during your years of service to this wonderful program. We look forward to your future successes! Your parents must be so proud of their intelligent and beautiful daughter both on the inside and outside! Wishing you all the best always, Nancy & Roger |
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