Detroit Auto Show Preview Charity 2008

On Friday night, January 18th, I attended the Charity Preview Gala at the Detroit Auto Show! What a wonderful opportunity to be a part of an event that raises money for several Children's charities. On this one night over $6M was raised for children across Michigan.

It is usually my mom that chaparones me to any appearances that I make, but this one was especially reserved for my dad! He looked so sharp in his tux and I think he really enjoyed this special night with me! I had been looking forward to this night ever since the night I was crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA 2008 (I never get tired of saying that!)

I had several photo opportunities and a few interviews as well. It was wonderful to see Governor Jennifer Granholm again! I had presented her with the "Pearls of Strength" bracelet on behalf of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (my personal platform) last March when I was Michigan Jr. Teen National American Miss 2006! I was thrilled that she remembered me as 'the girl who gave her the pearls'!!

The Auto Show was full of politicians and not so many Hollywood celebrities this year. I was hoping to meet Kid Rock, who attended last year, but since he lives here in my hometown of Clarkston, I hope to run into him someday around town!

The cars were fabulous and my all time favorites are the Chevy Corvettes! My dad owns one and, yes, I have driven it too and very fast (just don't tell him!!) I even had my photo taken in the new 2009 Corvette on Friday night!

This was my third time to attend an Auto Show in Detroit, but because I was stopped so many times on Friday night, for photos and interviews, I felt bad for my dad because we didn't get to really see the cars this year so we went back to the show on Saturday afternoon and spent about 3.5 hours getting a good look at all of them. I love cars and I had a great time checking them out with my dad!

It was also very nice to be a part of something so fun and special that helped raise funds for children's charities!

Eagle University Success & Leadership Seminar!! :)

After spending the wonderful holidays with my parents, I took off for Dallas, TX on January 2, 2008! It was very exciting because I had never flown alone before and even traveled 1st class thanks to my Dad's frequent flier miles and proiority points! When I arrived at the airport a Limo (yes, a limo!!) took me straight to the Omni West Park Hotel in the beautiful city of Dallas!

The next 5 days had to be one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! Eagle University is not a college university, but it provided me with a wealth of information that I will use for the rest of my life! January 2-6 was time to focus on my future for school and life and taught invaluable lessons I will remember for a lifetime!

I felt very motivated as a contestant and student before I got to Dallas, but now I am even more focused and motivated than ever! The guest speakers were awesome and shared some stories that had us laughing one moment and crying the next!!

We were put into groups and our group won an award! We were the Golden Eagles! Most of my group members were some of the state title holders for Teen USA! It was really nice to get to meet them before we go to Nationals!

My roommate Stacie was awesome! She is from Colorado and was a semi-finalist for the Teen Division. She is such a sweetheart and I loved that she was my roommate! We keep in contact as much as possible!

Spending time with Elisabeth, my sister queen is always special! This trip I got to know Elisabeth's first runner-up Hannah Lynn a little better as she attended too! They are both so uplifting and I love them to pieces!!! : )

I use the things I learned from Eagle U everyday and I'm so thankful and blessed to have had the opportunity to learn and meet the people that I did! God really does bless me everyday!