Bringing the Miss America Scholarship Opportunity to Mizzou Athletics

One of my favorite parts about competing within the Miss America Organization is being able to challenge the misconceptions people often have about what the organization truly represents.

Recently, I had the opportunity to bring my directors to the Mizzou Athletics Career Fair to speak with student athletes about one of the most impactful aspects of the organization: scholarship.

Too often, people only see the stage, gowns, or competition side of Miss America, but what many do not realize is that the organization is one of the largest providers of scholarships for women in the country. Beyond financial support, it also creates opportunities for leadership development, networking, public speaking, community engagement, and personal growth.

As a former Division I athlete myself, I know how important it is for student athletes to understand that their identities and opportunities extend far beyond their sport. That is why it meant so much to help introduce athletes to another avenue where confidence, leadership, communication skills, and service are celebrated and invested in.

Watching conversations happen between student athletes and my directors was incredibly rewarding because it felt like two worlds that have shaped me deeply coming together in one space.

Moments like this continue to remind me that there is power in helping people see possibilities they may not have considered for themselves before.