A Sisterhood of Strong Women

If you would have asked me a year and a half ago before I entered my first local about what I thought of the women that competed in the Miss America Organization it would have been very different that what I say now. I used to think two things: 1. The women that compete for Miss America are perfect human beings from another planet and 2. These women will be nothing like me. Ask me now and I will say that the local, state and national representatives in the Miss America Organization are some of the most incredible people in this country. 

When I first met my Miss America sisters at orientation in Washington D.C I was nervous. I quickly discovered that I had a lot in common, they were funny, amazing, REAL individuals and all from planet Earth! (Surprise, surprise!) My Miss America sisters are kindhearted, hilarious, service oriented, ambitious, intelligent women that I am proud to call each and every one of them my life long friends. 

Wait…Did you say IDAHO!?

I’m in disbelief that it has been over 3 months since I stood on the Miss America stage! To say I loved going to Miss America would be an understatement. I savored every second I had within the two weeks I was in Atlantic City. They are memories I’ll cherish forever. One of the most obvious reasons 52 young women go to Miss America is to have that iconic crown placed on their head. 

Everyone knows that!

But when this only happens to one incredible young woman, is it a waste of time and effort for the rest? 

ABSOLUTLY NOT!

I went to Miss America with other goals in mind. Goals that would benefit my growth as a person and impact my future. Here is one of the  reasons I walked off the Miss America stage feeling like I had won. 

Wait…Did you say IDAHO!?

I was in complete disbelief that I even step foot on the Miss America stage. I never thought I would every have this opportunity. As a little girl I would watch Miss America on TV and just imagine what it would be like. Going to Miss America was enough of an accomplishment for me, but I always push myself to accomplish more. Rather than make the goal of “winning the crown” and “being the best”, my sights were set on making it into the Top 15 based on my preliminary scores. 

This would be a feat I knew. 

I was competing against the best 51 competitors our country had to offer this year. Being from Idaho, a smaller, non-recognizable, only known for potatoes kinda state, I wasn’t expected to do well. This frustrated me. Just because I am representing a state not highlighted for pageantry doesn’t mean that I, Kylee Solberg, couldn’t make the Top 15. I did my best, stayed focused, remained true to myself and did all that I could to show the judges I deserved a spot. And guess what….

I did it. 

I made the top 15. Idaho made the top 15! This was the first time since 1971 that Miss Idaho was a top 15 finalist based on preliminary scoring. You could imagine when my named was called by Chris Harrison my heart stopped. I couldn’t think. It didn’t feel real. All I knew as I heard my sisters cheering behind me, Boardwalk Hall cheering in front of me and people watching all over the country is that I did it. I accomplished what I came here to do. From this moment on I had already won.

-Kylee Solberg

Miss Idaho 2016

Don't boast. Don't complain. Don't hate. Just, be kind.

I'm sure you can figure out what I'm talking about when I reference the amount of hatred, gloating and down right disturbing comments viewed on social media the past week. Politics aside, it is vital to reflect on what we are putting out there for the world to see. Is your post truly necessary? Are you accomplishing anything by using hateful words?  Will you be proud of this post looking back on it in 5 years?

I understand many of us have strong opinions and it is your right to express them. However, is social media the best place to have these discussions? I choose not to post any political beliefs or opinions on my social media channels, both my Miss Idaho and personal accounts. It's too easy for posts and comments to be interpreted the wrong way. The possibility of words spiraling out of control is too high.

On Wednesday, in the heat of it all- I was disgusted as I was scrolling through my social feeds. I sat down with a friend and we had a conversation about it. Face to face. Maintaining civility. This is how conflicting opinions should be handled. In today’s society, it's too easy to hide behind a computer screen. The words you type never have the chance to leave your mouth and be heard by another individual.

How would your words sound out loud?

As we move forward, lead by example and refrain from feeding the negativity. If something upsets you, TALK about. Focus less on the divisions of parties, and more on the fact that we are all Americans. Appreciate that we live in a country of freedoms and respect our right to vote. Whether the election turned out the way you wanted, what we can do now is carry on with the intent to make each day better and our country stronger. 

#OurWordsHavePower

Everyone Needs a Little #Inspiration

"Successful mother are not the ones that have never struggles. They are the ones that never give up despite the struggles." - Sharon Jaynes

Let me begin by saying throughout my year as Miss Idaho, I want people to see who I really am and for you all to understand that I don't live a "perfect life" just because I wear a crown. I have gone through personal struggles, an awkward growth spurt, and the dreaded years of braces just like everyone else. I also come from a broken home. I have learned a lot over my 21 years of life and owe much of this to one of my inspirations, my mother. My mom, Raine, is one of the most selfless people I know. As a single parent, I can't imagine the difficulties and times of struggle she experienced. My sister and I grew up being raised by someone that demonstrated what being strong , independent, and hardworking woman looked like. I strive to embody her characteristics and become the woman she inspired me to be.

With this, thank you Mom for supporting every endeavor I've ever set my mind to. From cheering in the stands at basketball games, to sewing my pointe shoes still to this day, I wouldn't be accomplishing all that I am, if I didn't have you. I know it hasn't always been easy but I hope you can look at me and see that you have inspired me to reach for my dreams.

What or who inspired you?

-Kylee Solberg Miss Idaho 2016         

Confidence

Confidence. Confidence is knowing you're enough. It's knowing that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. And it's realizing that when you have faith in your abilities anything is possible. 

Sometimes we all fall victim to insecurities and comparisons. We say to ourselves why can't I do more or be like them? It is with these thoughts the we lose our ability to move forward with confidence. Always remember you are enough, your doing your best, and your are the best "you" out there.  

In the Miss America Organization I am constantly striving to become a better version of myself but this doesn't mean that I am not confident in who I already am. I remind myself that I am stepping out the door each morning to make my mark on the world. Sometimes having confidence is easier said then done. But sometimes you just have to believe in yourself, close your eyes and have the confidence to throw your penny into the fountain. It is with these silent dreams and wishes that your confidence finds a voice. 

Kylee Solberg- Miss Idaho 2016