January 20

I’ll never forget the feeling I got stepping onto the plane to head to Vegas. Of course I was anxious. This was my chance, my one chance to represent my state at the Miss America pageant. Hopefully all of my preparation would pay off. Hopefully I did enough crunches and didn’t eat too many Christmas cookies. Hopefully I would remember everything I’d seen on CNN for the past 6 months. And then I realized- I am enough. Just being me is enough to win this thing. I truly felt at that moment that I could be Miss America, and you know what? I still do.

To look back on the experience, now almost a week later, is somewhat challenging. Here I am, laying in my bed, in my room at home I’ve had since 6^th grade. Last week is such a blur. I feel changed. I feel pretty. I feel like I put it all out there. My interview was the most exciting and vivid part of the week for me. For years I have been hearing things like “Elizabeth has such a good talent, she must have been held back by her interview”. You know those weird, silly things that stick with you? Well this was one of mine. I say “was” because after watching my Miss Virginia interview I felt that I could take on the world, just by being me. So I made up my mind that in my Miss America interview I would do the same. I wouldn’t stress about minutia of politics and statistics, I would just be me. I prayed my butt off before entering the room, danced around to Daft Punk on my iPod, and was finally called in to talk to the judges. I took one last look in the mirror, took a deep breath, and in I went. I remember looking at Kris Jenner a lot, she was seated right in front of me. Teri Polo was an awesome judge, she seemed really into it, sitting up and laughing at all my quirkiness. I got to talk about me, a lot, which I’m totally cool with. I told them all about my personal evolution the past few years. About all of the incredible people I’ve met on my journey and how they’ve touched my life, some of them becoming family. We talked about my faith, and evolution, and the importance of inclusivity. When I left the room I genuinely felt like they knew me. And that is why I can walk away from this feeling fulfilled.

So I didn’t get to live out my dream of singing on T.V. I actually was reading Kristen Chenoweth’s autobiography before I left. She competed in Miss OK and Miss PA, and admitted that part of the reason she wanted to go to Miss America was to pick up an agent who would hopefully see her singing on T.V. The stars didn’t align for Kristen to even make it to that big stage, but I think it’s safe to say that other doors have opened for her. Katie Uze gave me a big hug after it was all over and said “you know, you weren’t meant to win because there is someone in Virginia who needs to meet you this year”. In a way I have received a gift. I can sing “Sempre Libera” with my eyes closed, but someone in the next few months will be touched by my voice, and they won’t be scoring me from 1-10. That’s really not what this is about. I have come to realize that a sound body and mind, good talent, and charisma will take you far on the pageant stage, but even farther in life. It’s the quiet moments of happiness we share with one another that far exceed the grandiose of bright lights and a crowd.

It’s weird now that it’s all over, but I feel relieved. So much anticipation and expectations. While I will never forget my Miss America experience, all of the amazing friends I made, the rush I felt onstage in prelims and again Saturday night, the incredible volunteers who make this organization what it is, I am relieved to know that I did my best and can now move on. Being in the Miss America pageant has made me stronger. It has made me never want to settle. The truth is, I am really proud of myself. To know that I can compete at a national level and not crumble into myself, but be myself is empowering to say the least. I left it all in Vegas, and no matter what the outcome, that is what I wanted to accomplish. Thank you to everyone who kept me positive and lifted me up. I am just as proud of you as you are of me. Cheers to the next chapter of my year!

Stay tuned y’all.

October 25, 2011
How do I describe the coolest three months of my life so far? Well, the night that I won Miss Virginia was surreal. For those of you who are not aware, my family had experienced a very challenging year; a house fire, three months living in a hotel, various health concerns, and beloved aging grandparents deeply impacted us in many ways. For me, it was the first time in my life I felt a slight reversal of roles between my parents and myself. Instead of being coddled, I had to step up, and instead of crying, I had to stay strong. Long story short, I had learned not to ask, “why me?” but instead see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the beauty of survival. My win not only validated five years of growth and personal journey, but represented a glimmer of hope in the life of my family. A comeback for the Crots!

I realized that timing is everything…EVERYTHING!! Four times in a row I felt somewhat disappointed, some years placing lower than I had the year before. One of the worst feelings in life is actually one of the most important, and that is being humbled. I can say that I truly appreciate this job, because I know how hard it is to get. I have been humbled; despite the massive/awesome/incredible scholarship, beautiful sparkly crown, attention, and love you inevitably gain when you win Miss Virginia, this job is really about the people you meet. It’s about realizing what you can and should give. It’s kind of like learning how to bake the most delicious chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted, and wanting to share it with everyone you know, and every time you make the cake you find ways to make it even better, and share it with more people.

You definitely can’t be a diva as Miss Virginia- you must be flexible, compassionate, and brave! Seriously. I will use the example of an appearance that was sponsored by the VA State Dairy Association. In July I showed up at the Richmond Children’s Museum, decked out in a borrowed dress that had to stay clean until the VA Derby that night. There was a cow…a three thousand pound cow. . . inside! The exhibit was set up for kids to experience the world of dairy farmers. I was having a good time mingling with guests and kids when Jim, the event coordinator got on the intercom and said, “Hey everybody! Come over to the dairy exhibit and see Miss Virginia milk the cow!” WHAT?! This cow was huge. So the next ten minutes go like this: I’m getting a quick lesson on cow milking, and then I’m squatting in four inch heels with my fingers around these rubbery utters (I can’t believe I just said rubbery utters), and there’s no milk coming out! Not trying to toot my own horn, but the spectacle had drawn quite an audience, and I was trying not to lose faith in ole Bessy and myself. Finally a little dribble of milk trickled out, and everyone started cheering. Yes! Miss Virginia can do it! And I was really glad that I did. One of my philosophies for this year is to jump in, step out of my comfort zone. I swear it benefits me every time.

I’ve also experienced many meaningful moments as Miss Virginia. The second week after I was crowned, I went on food sponsor visits with Pat and Zach Irby. We went to seven or eight places (maybe more), and at the end of the day I was feeling pretty tired. Our last stop was Buffalo Wild Wings. After meeting with the manager and staff, we made our way towards the door. I was excited about taking a nap! As we walked through the door, we ran into a couple with their baby and young daughter, two precious little girls. I picked up the 2 year old, and put my crown on her head, then I leaned down to play with the baby. After posing for a couple pictures and chatting for a few minutes, we went on our way. I didn’t think another thing of it, until Bob texted me to check my email. The mother had emailed me that day to tell me how much it meant to her and her family that I took time to cheer her little girl up. They had just come from the hospital where they found out their baby girl had brain problems and would have a long road to recovery. She said that upon leaving the hospital she prayed that God would send something positive their way, and that I had been that glimmer of hope. Needless to say I was glad I had invested in tissues. I realized that this job, this thing, is so much bigger than me. My job is about putting smiles on people’s faces. It’s about acknowledging everyone around me, and making everyone feel special. As I prepare for Miss America, I know that no matter what happens, no matter what the outcome is, I have an incredibly rewarding job waiting for me back in Virginia. This has been life changing already. I look forward to meeting more and more people in this state and beyond, and making memories that will remain with me forever. Thank you, everyone for your continued support as I embark on the journey of a lifetime!

Elizabeth