WBAL news filming us for the 5 o’ clock news! 

Tuesday- 7/21 Today was amazing!! My highlight was going to the Boys and Girls Club in Chicago to make crowns and spend the morning with the children playing games.  I played “Bop It” for the first time… and I’ll admitt that it took me a few times before I was able to figure out how to play!  The kids were so much faster at the game than I was, but they were patient with me and cheered me on until I caught up with their level of play!  I enjoyed signing autograph cards for the kids as well.  They were all so excited to get every contestant’s card so that they could make an entire wall in their bedroom filled with our faces.  I spent alot of time with all of the children, but Jairo, Sammy and I became great friends.  It was painful to listen to young boys of only nine years of age explain to me how they had been up all night taking care of their six month old baby brother since their mom was sick in the hospital, and their dad was working.  It once again made prominent how an achievement gap does exist, and economic issues are at the heart of this issue.  After hearing this story, I made it my mission for the day to provide a little escape for these children to have a fun-filled morning full of laughter.  I am a strong believer that laughter and friendship are some of the best medicines for the heart and soul.

After my morning at the Boys and Girls Club, the contestants enjoyed Navy Pier.  It was beautiful to look out over the Great Lake!  We experienced an exhilarating ride on the Sea Dog.  I could not believe that we didn’t flip over the boat while doing 360 degree spins on the water!  Luckily, we had an awesome captain to take care of us and show us a good time.

Wednesday- 7/22  Today we visited the local public library in Skokie.  I am not exaggerating when I say that this was the BEST library I have ever seen.  It had many different sections devoted to all age groups specializing in their specific interests.  I was excited to find that this library had a very friendly atmosphere advantageous for those from the Chicago area to find educational enrichment.  While at the library, all of the contestants donated a book.  I was pleased to support such a wonderful public space dedicated to the enhancement of the community.

Thursday- 7/23 This morning I had my interview.  I could not have been more pleased to speak with the judges to continue to spread the word about my platform: Enriching Lives Through Education- Bridging the Urban Gap.  I felt that I was articulate throughout my interview explaining my plan of action through my partnerships with the Council of the Great City Schools and the Education Equality Project.

Friday- 7/24 I awoke to a birthday surprise from Terrianne, Missy, Jade, Jessica, and Sherry! I was so thankful for my birthday wishes, cupcakes and gift (a great new purse!).  In the evening I competed in preliminaries for fitness, evening gown and fun fashion.  I had a blast on stage and felt that I did my very best!

Saturday- 7/25  Tonight was finals!  I cannot believe that the week flew by so quickly! I met many amazing young women and was honored to share the stage with them.  I competed to share my mission to close the achievement gap.  My platform received national recognition this week, and I could not be more pleased.  I hope that I have made my little Shadara proud, and I will continue to work for her and every student to ensure that an enriching education is available to all no matter what their socio-economic or ethnic background may be.

Tonight I was able to support my hometown baseball teem the Aberdeen Ironbirds at the well-known Ripken Stadium.  The stadium was sold out, and the fans and I were excited to cheer our team to their win!  I was able to chat with the fans and met many new friends explaining how the Miss International pageant to be held in Chicago is quickly approaching.  I was able to share with many interested fans all of the details about the Miss International system including its integrity and high ethical standards.  I was also sure to promote my platform: Enriching Lives Through Education- Bridging the Urban Gap, my role as signatory for the Education Equality Project, and my partnership with the Council of the Great City Schools.  I am excited and honored to say that my visibility within my community and the entire state of Maryland has helped me to gain many supporters on my journey to Miss International!

Posing with Stephanie at Ripken Stadium

The St. Ambrose Family Outreach Center is a program of St. Vincent DePaul of Baltimore and was established in 1972.  Since the establishment of St. Ambrose, low-income families have been provided with numerous opportunities to improve and excel in education.  I participate in the Afterschool Program which serves children from first to eighth grade.  On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, I volunteer my time with Ms. Anderson’s fifth and sixth grade students helping with homework and providing educational and social support.

With my strong background in psychology, I have been able to provide support for optimum middle childhood development.  It is my goal to support cognitive self-regulation, which is the process of continuously monitoring progress toward a goal, checking outcomes, and redirecting unsuccessful efforts, which can be a challenge for those in middle childhood.  I am able to do this through my active and supportive role as a mentor and tutor to these children with whom I have formed trusting bonds. 

My life has been blessed with education, which I believe is one of the most valuable opportunities that can be offered to a young child.  My passion and my platform is “Enriching Lives Through Education: Bridging the Urban Gap.  A little girl, named Shadara, formed an immediate bond with me.  While I shared a special connection with all of the students, Shadara helped me to realize how one person can truly make a difference in another’s life.  Shadara came running up to me as I was about to leave for the day and grabbed my hand.  As I looked into her bright brown eyes, she said to me, “Miss Katie, please come back to see me.  No one ever comes back to help us after the first time.”  Shadara’s statement and desperate plead for help was shocking to me and from that moment on, I knew that it was my duty to help these children and all children suffering from the urban gap that exists in education.  It is important to remember that while these children have voices, they are very small voices that need the support of others to ensure that their needs are met.

Enjoying one afternoon with four of the students at St. Ambrose: Shadara, Sayanna, Jemera and Jamara.

Tybria and I working on math homework together preparing for the Maryland School Assessments.