Life After Miss Florida Week

Hello All!

Life after Miss Florida week has been a lot more relaxed, but I am still on-the-go! Next Monday, August 31st, I will be flying to Illinois for the Sweetheart Pageant. Every year, the first runners up of every state are invited to Illinois to compete for Miss National Sweetheart. I guess you could say, that it is like a "Mini Miss America." I am so excited about competing again and I get to be "Miss Florida" for a week! I have just received e-mails from my roommates for the Sweetheart Pageant week. I will be rooming with the girls from New Mexico, Kansas, and California! How cool is that?!

I have my fall semester at the University of Central Florida. It feels good to be back in school!

This past Sunday, August 23rd, I made an appearance at the Talbot House in Lakeland. The Talbot House provides meals for the homeless. I helped serve lunch to 258 people. Witnessing the amount of people there were, made me me realize how truly blessed I am. I was so thankful for the opportunity that was given to me to serve at the Talbot House.

First Runner Up!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Friends!

I have so much to tell you that I don't even know where to begin! Miss Florida week was the week of dreams!

I could barely sleep the night before I left for St. Petersburg. I was so anxious, excited, and nervous for the week to begin! I was asleep by 12:30 AM and up at 4:00 AM. As soon as the car was packed and ready to go, I remember my stomach making a giant leap. I could not believe that Miss Florida was finally here. Below is a picture of me before hopping into the car to St. Petersburg.

When I arrived in St. Petersburg, my mind began to shift gears. It had hit me at that very moment, that I was competing for the coveted title of Miss Florida...A preliminary to Miss America! I had always known that I wanted it, but this time, more than ever, I was determined to bring the title home.

My mom helped me move into my room. There was so much to move in!

The moment I met my roommate, Jenise Fernandez, Miss Miami, I knew that we would have a fabulous week together! She is one of the funniest and most real girls I have ever met and I was so blessed to have gotten her as a roommate. We had many laughs and were pretty much glued to each other's hips the entire week! Our friendship has truly grown, and we still talk just about every day.

Jenise and I

Before my mom left the USF dorms, she left me two posters that she had made with a quote on each. One quote stuck with me the entire week..."The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt. It is one thing to be prepared for ANY competition or obstacle in your life, but nothing can be achieved without your own belief that you CAN do it.

That afternoon was filled with video taping for our live telecast. After a long afternoon of taping, we went to Sierra Minott's, Miss Florida 2008, host family's house for a party. It was nice to just relax and get to know the other contestants but as soon as the night was over, I went to bed knowing that competition was about to begin the next morning with interview.

I woke up the next morning excited for my interview and that excitement carried on throughout the entire interview. It was a tough interview, but I knew that I had done well. After my interview, I went to rehearsals. The following day was filled with rehearsals as well. Our opening number was absolutely AMAZING! It was my third time at Miss Florida but this opening number topped the other two!

That Wednesday, we went to the Vinoy for a "Black and White" luncheon. The Vinoy is a beautiful Resort in St. Petersburg. I was so lucky to be assigned to the same table as Jenise! The luncheon was delicious!

After the luncheon we went back to the dorms for some down time, then we headed to the Columbia restaurant located at the St. Petersburg Pier. Yet again, I sat with Jenise. Haha...

After the luncheon we made our way to the theater to watch the Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Pageant. I was so nervous! I knew in my heart that my sister would do well, but I was still so nervous. The teens were going to compete in Lifestyle and Fitness, and in talent. Saying that my sister would do well was definitely an understatement...SHE WAS UNBELIEVABLE! I had always known my sister was talented...but I must say...she truly took my breath away that night.

My poster of my sister! Hehe

I was so caught up in my sister's competition, that I almost forgot that I was going to compete the very next day in talent and onstage question. But after a good night's sleep, I woke up ready to give it my all.

I remember that first night of preliminaries, I felt on top of the world. For the first time in my pageant career, I actually enjoyed answering my onstage question! When the talent portion began, I suddenly became very calm. I knew that I had done everything I could in terms of preparation for my song, it just came down to my two minutes of performance. When they announced my name and my title, a rush of emotions flowed through me. I can honestly say that I left my heart on that stage.

Once everyone was done competing in their phases of competition, preliminary awards were given. Andrea Apple, Miss Kumquat Festival, won talent. Rachael Todd, Miss Suncoast, won swimsuit...and guess who won evening wear?...Jenise! I was so thrilled for her! Every single one of those girls truly deserved those awards.

The following night I competed in evening wear and swimsuit. I had so much fun while I was on stage! Preliminary awards went to Katie Crews, Miss St. Petersburg, for evening wear; Brittany Wardell, Miss Pinellas County, for swimsuit; and Ashley Ramsey, Miss Zephyrhills, for talent. Once again, well deserved!

The next day, Saturday, July 11th, was the day that the top ten would be revealed and then ultimately a new Miss Florida would be crowned. I went to bed that night after all preliminaries were over knowing that I had done all that I could. Yes I was nervous and anxious for the results, but I knew in my heart, that whatever the outcome, I had done my best during preliminaries.

I woke up that Saturday morning surprisingly calm. After all of our stuff was together, we made our way to the theater for rehearsals. Rehearsals were intense. The production team was determined to have the show run as smoothly as possible for our live telecast.

After rehearsals, the teen finals took place. I had to watch from backstage. My sister competed in evening wear and onstage question. She answered her question eloquently and looked stunning in her gown. When they began calling the top ten for the teens, I began getting nervous again. My sister was the last called for the top 10! I was so proud of her that I began to cry. Jenise was standing right next to me and she gave me a big hug. She seemed to be just as proud as I was. Hehe. Then they began to call the runners up. I was already so proud of my sister's top ten accomplishment, that I forgot that someone was about to be crowned. They had called 4th, 3rd, and 2nd runner up...my heart was racing...then they announced my sister as FIRST RUNNER UP! Just when I thought my sister had finally ceased to amaze me...she proved me wrong. Knowing that this was her very FIRST pageant and to end up as first runner up was amazing! I am so proud of her!

After the teen pageant, I had to recollect myself and prepare for my own competition. My heart was racing as we were standing backstage waiting for the opening number music to start. As soon as I was onstage, I felt on top of the world...little did I know...that as soon as the opening number was finished...I would be the first of the top 10 called!!! There are not enough words to describe what that moment felt like. In all honesty...I don't even think I remember! It was such a blur. Oh and guess who else made top 10...Jenise! Yet again...we were together.

After the top ten was announced we competed once again in swimsuit, talent, and evening wear. My energy was through the roof...I had so much fun!

After competing, the top ten was brought on stage for the calling of the top five. While waiting for the commercial break, a rush of emotions came to me...I couldn't believe that I was standing amongst the top 10. I took it all in...I took instant snapshots of the crowd, the judges, the familiar faces, my family, my friends, and my mom all sitting in the audience. I felt so proud...

Then I heard the host say, "And our first top five finalist is...

Miss Florida Sunshine...Kristina Janolo!"

When I thought I had cried enough, a whole new rush of tears began to stream down my face. Top Five!!! I was in the top Five!!! All my hard work had paid off. After the calling of the other four, I suddenly became very peaceful. At that moment, it didn't matter if I won, because I already felt as if I did. I had worked so hard and out of 46 beautiful young ladies, I was one of the top 5. I felt fulfilled.

After about 15 minutes, they began to call the runners-up...

"Your Fourth Runner Up is Miss Florida Gator, Diana Kelly!"

Oh my gosh...oh my gosh...

"Your Third Runner Up is Miss St. Petersburg, Katie Crews!"

Oh my gosh...oh my gosh...is this really happening right now??

"Your Second Runner Up is Miss Pinellas County, Brittany Wardell!"

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I am one of the last two standing!!!

There is no way to describe what I was feeling at that moment when I was standing with Miss Suncoast, Rachael Todd. The world suddenly became so small. I forgot that there were about 50 other people on stage and over a thousand people in the theater. It was just Rachael and I.

I was then announced First Runner Up. I was so proud of myself and of Rachael! Rachael was crowned and I knew in my heart, that everything happened the way it was always meant to happen.

After the pageant, we made our way to the Miss Florida Gala. My sister was announced as the overall talent winner and winner of the scholastic award! Yet again...I was amazed. As I walked down the staircase and was announced as the First Runner Up...I was filled with so much happiness!

That night, Jenise and I tried to pull an all nighter...Needless to say...we weren't successful.

We moved out the next day. I was sad that Miss Florida week was over but happy and proud of my accomplishment.

Although I did not come home with the crown, I had accomplished what I had come to accomplish, which was true belief in my own ability. Without belief in myself, I would have never made it that far. That week was a life changing experience filled with memories and dreams come true...and yes...my dream of becoming Miss Florida still lives on...

Miss Florida 2010...here I come!

UP!!!

Today my sister and I took our sunshine princesses to see the movie UP! It was so much fun to be with my princesses. They are such a joy to be around. I chose to bring them to this particular movie because it had a lot to do with the purpose of my C.A.R.E. program.

UP is about an elderly man and a little boy who go on an adventure but the beauty of the story was the relationship that the old man had with the child. For the past three years, I have been working to encourage the youth to get involved with the elderly by volunteering at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior centers, and adult day cares.

The elderly simply do not want to be forgotten and our youth can help to bring new adventures into their lives. The movie UP portrayed this message so wonderfully.

With Samantha!

Ahhh Transformers!!!

My Sunshine Princesses! (Left to Right) Riley, Cortney, Brooke, and Hailey

Samantha with her Sunshine Princess Alexa

Say Cheese!

Only 2 more days till I leave! I am so excited that I can't sleep at night (Which explains why I am posting this at 1:03 in the morning! Hehe) Well...I better try to get some sleep...

Goodnight!

Angela's Birthday Bash!

What a beautiful day today was! There was not a cloud in the sky and I was able to reunite with friends that I hadn't seen in a while.

My director, Angela Harwell celebrated her birthday today. She had a big birthday bash and the theme of the party was "All That Glitters is Gold," but the truly special part of her party was that it was a "party with purpose." She had three of her most beloved charities come and share their causes at the party. The three charities that were there were Queen for a Day, Share the Care, and the Fatone Family Foundation. I was pleased to meet the women that had come to volunteer their time for these causes and share in celebrating Angela's birthday.

I was able to speak with one of the women from the Share The Care board about their wonderful cause. I was intrigued by the organization because of it's relevance to my C.A.R.E. program. She shared her experiences at Share The Care with me and also gave me the opportunity to share my experiences while working and volunteering with the elderly.

Share The Care's Mission Statement:

"ShareTheCaregiving™, Inc. seeks to improve the "quality of life" of persons who are seriously ill, disabled, or experiencing the challenges of aging, and to reduce stress, depression, isolation and economic hardship often suffered by their family caregivers."

www.sharethecare.org

I had not seen Jackie in over a month so I was so excited to reunite with her at Angela's party! Doesn't she look fabulous?

I was also able to reunite with my good friends Carry and David (Owners of Regalia). I always love seeing them!

I went to church this afternoon and there was such a wonderful message that I received from the sermon today that I would like to share...

Our faith is the greatest gift ever given to us. When times are rough and we are going through hardships...We must never lose faith. Our faith is what gets us through the hardest times in our lives. We must always remember to open our hearts to all the wonderful things that come our way and to always be thankful for our many blessings.

Monday is my final day of summer classes! I leave for Miss Florida in two weeks! Ahhh! I can hardly contain my excitement!

Xoxoxox

Kristina

Busy Busy Busy!

Hello Friends!

I am sorry that I have not posted a blog in a while! I have been so busy! I am finally in my last week of summer classes but as all students know, the last few weeks are always the busiest.

About two weeks ago I attended my sister's eighth grade graduation banquet as well as her graduation ceremony where she made her valedictory address which moved us all to tears. Yes I said it...My sister graduated at the top of her class! How awesome is that? She worked so hard and I am so proud of her! The graduation ceremony was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, where I also graduated from eighth grade back in 2001! I can't believe that it has been eight years!

I was able to reunite with many of my former teachers during the graduation banquet. I was especially excited to see my middle school science teacher, Mrs. Bisogno. She was the teacher who helped me while I competed in science fairs. A little tidbit about me...I competed in science fairs from fifth to eighth grade. I placed at the school science fair every year, placed twice at the regional science fair, and I even placed at state! My experiences in science fairs were very rewarding and I could not have done it all without Mrs. Bisogno!

With Samantha at her graduation banquet

With Mrs. Bisogno

I also have been busy with Miss Florida preparations. I leave in less than 3 weeks! I have been preparing all year round and I cannot believe that the week that I have been dreaming about for many many months is right around the corner! Every night, when I'm lying in my bed, I am overcome with so much gratitude for the experience to compete at the Miss Florida Pageant. It is truly an honor to be one of the local titleholders of such a remarkable system.

I will keep you posted!

God Bless,

Kristina

Coincidental or Providential?

Today I held my last youth group meeting.  It was truly a bittersweet moment.  Working with the youth of my parish has taught me so much about the youth of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and also about myself.  The experience also helped me to gain a closer relationship with God. 

Our discussion today was about "coincidental" moments.  I for one, do not believe in coincidence.  I believe that everything happens for a reason.  I was once told that "coincidences are God's way of being anonymous" and this quote has stuck with me.  

For those of you that don't know, the STA parish has been working for years on creating a youth group.  I was originally asked in August 2008 to take on the position as youth director.  The youth director was to direct the youth groups for 2 different parishes (STA and Holy Redeemer).  As a full time student I knew that it would have been too much to take on, considering that the position was for 2 parishes.  My heart yearned to work with the youth of STA but I knew that I simply couldn't take on the work load of 2 youth groups. I prayed for days and came to my conclusion.  Reluctantly, I declined the position.

Five months went by, and the opportunity came again.  January 2009, I was offered the position of youth director for ONLY St. Thomas Aquinas parish.  My heart rejoiced and I grabbed a hold of the opportunity.  

These past five months that I have been able to share with my youth group have been some of the most rewarding months of my life.  My school schedule played perfectly with our meeting times and the youth group grew to be a big hit!  

So was it coincidental that the opportunity to be STA's youth director came back to me again?  Or was it providential?  In my heart...I know that it was meant to be.  

My youth group has truly touched my heart and I know that the light of God shown through each and every single person.  They have inspired me and continue to inspire me.

Summer school still continues and preparations for Miss Florida continue to be in full force! Tomorrow night is my sister's eighth grade graduation.  I am proud to say that she is the class valedictorian and tomorrow she will be giving her valedictory address!  I just need a full box of tissues and I am ready to go!  There are no words to describe how proud I am of her...She never ceases to amaze me.

Until another day!

God Bless,

Kristina

Beauty and the Beast Cast Party!

Last Saturday, May 23rd, we had our Beauty and the Beast Cast Party.  After every show at St. Thomas Aquinas School, the director hosts a party to celebrate the cast and crew for all of their hard work throughout the rehearsals and shows.  The director and I awarded every single member of the cast with medals.  The kids felt so proud of their accomplishment!  After awarding everyone with a medal and a disc filled with pictures from the show, special awards were handed out.  Six trophies were awarded to six members of the cast, chosen by the director and I, who showcased outstanding work ethic and showmanship.  Congratulations to Alexa Critchfield, Maria Grace, Sasha Daily, Cortney Taylor, Olivia Pardesi, and Nick Askey!

As for other aspects of my life...I am busy with summer school and preparations for Miss Florida Week.  There are only 38 days left till I leave for St. Petersburg!  I can hardly wait!

Stay tuned for updates!

Love,

Kristina