Wednesday, June 27, 2012

A week from today, I'll be celebrating the Fourth of July in our nation's capital.

I've actually spent a summer living in the DC area while I was a college student doing an internship for the Department of Defense. It will be nice to get back to that area but I'm not looking forward to the humidity. This visit to DC will be a bit different. I'll be representing Kansas at the Miss United States pageant.

You might have seen the pageant on Sandra Bullock's movie Miss Congeniality. It won't be exactly like the movie but there are some similarities. The competition is based on 50% private and on-stage interview, 25% swimsuit, and 25% evening gown. Unlike the movie, most of the delegates are accomplished women and we don't answer every question by saying "world peace." We all have platforms we are championing during our year of service as state titleholders.

Since winning the Miss Kansas United States 2012 title, I've made ten appearances, including speaking to high school students about the importance of volunteering. Since my teenage years, I've been active in the community as a volunteer. I want to encourage others to do the same and give back to the communities in which they live. As Miss United States, I plan to encourage and promote my platform of "embracing cultural diversity through service."

I believe that by volunteering and serving the community, one can truly embrace cultural diversity. The best example of this platform working comes from the times I have visited communities after a disaster. In April, after the tornado ripped through the Oaklawn neighborhood, I saw that platform working. I saw people from all backgrounds and ages coming together to help families in need. They say that the best and worst in people comes out during times of disaster. I can say, I saw the best in people. I saw thousands of people giving up some time from their busy schedules to come out and help strangers rebuild their lives.

As the days near the final competition on July 8, I'll keep you all posted on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kslilywu.

Side note: For those interested in watching the tango dance from the Dancing With The Local Stars Finals, click here.