About a week ago, I had the opportunity of a lifetime - attending the Miss Universe Pageant! It was INCREDIBLE! I had the time of my life spending time with my big sister Hoang Kim and my wonderful mother, enjoying a makeup lesson from Austin Ryde, shooting with Georgina Vaughn, meeting a variety of people from different countries, and watching Miss Columbia being crowned Miss Universe!








As we arrived at the venue, it took us about 10 minutes just to get inside because so many fans wanted photos with us! I loved meeting people from all around the world, that was definitely one of the highlights from my trip.


Everyone was filled with excitement - chanting their contestant's country name! My mom and I got drafted into the Venezuela club on tv! 
We sat in the sixth row of the pageant, which was amazing because we saw everything in great detail! I am very proud of how well Nia - Miss USA - did at this pageant, first-runner up out of 80 contestants?! That is a great achievement! She looked so stunning and carried herself with grace. As I prepare for the Miss Teen USA pageant, she is a fantastic example for me to look up to.



  I also met one of biggest inspirations and long lost twin, Kristin Dalton! She is beyond sweet! Adore her!


After the pageant was over, Hoang Kim and I walked the red carpet at the official after-party at the Trump National Doral Miami.


The Miss Universe organization is truly outstanding, and this event really proved it. It brings people all around the world together cheering for one thing- a contestant who is Confidently Beautiful, inside and out. That is the real beauty in this beauty pageant. 




 Side note: I apologize for taking a break from blogging! As you can see, I made some changes to my blog. Thank you to my tech support and big brother, Justin Pflueger, for making my blog fancy!



This week has made me remarkably thankful for everyone in my life, the experiences I am blessed to embark, and the joys of Christmas.

I am very grateful I can attend a school where not only can we express our love for Jesus, but we get to celebrate Christmas. The whole school definitely got in the Christmas spirit! We had a locker decorating contest, so when you walk down the hall it's like you are in the north pole. We also had an ugly sweater contest, which was too funny! We had people vote to see who had the best ugly sweaters in each class and then at lunch we had a runway show. I laughed so much I about cried. I am extremely blessed that I get to attend a school like Lutheran High. They make sure that even though finals week are approaching, it is still important to enjoy Christmas and have fun! 
This last Tuesday, my Mock Trial team competed at State! And I know what some of you are thinking..."What is Mock Trial?" It is a rehearsed trial to learn about the legal system in a competitive matter, where one participates as either an attorney or lawyer. It has been a learning experience, and I really encourage every student to try it. It teaches you not only all the fundamentals of how court cases work, but it also teaches you how to think on your feet and be prepared if you ever need to use this later on in life...(Although, I'm hoping you don't). 
The people who are on my team and my coaches, have brought me great joy these past years I have participated in this activity. From the deep talks, many giggles, and hard-work, we made it to State and placed 9th. Very proud of all of these wonderful people. I am going to miss all of the jam sessions on the way to competitions, going around the roundabout screaming from the top of our lungs after a big win, and most importantly, the life-changing experience this team has given me. You all made my last year, a great one. 


 Saturday, I was at the Sunset Plaza Mall, where I read books, did arts and crafts, and talked to all the children who came. I read a few books, but my favorite one I read to the kids was Frozen. I absolutely love that movie! It was so much fun reading the book to the kids, because they were so attentive to what is going on in the story and seeing their smiling faces after a happy ending to a book made me happy! I mean, who doesn't love happy endings?!? One of my favorite things I did was coloring and drawing with the kids. Art is my passion, so it was heart-warming to see all the kids enjoy something I love to do as well.


 Today, I went to the Country Club and attended the Nucor Christmas party at the Bowling Alley with Santa. What I found very interesting, was Nucor gives presents to each employee's family. There were a lot of employees there too. I thought that was incredibly nice for the families to enjoy this Christmas.

Ok...this little boy is just plain awesome. His little sisters asked for a picture with the crown and I asked him if he wanted one too, and he said yes! I always ask the little girls if they want to wear the crown and if there are little boys I joke and ask them if they want a picture too. They usually shake their head or just say no, but this boy decided to be different! I absolutely loved it. I have waited for this moment when a boy says yes. I love when when people aren't afraid to be silly. This little boy truly made my heart happy.


 This is also a very special boy! His name is Dadrian and he has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Having my mom go through breast cancer, I know how hard it is to see someone you love go through a difficult challenge. My heart has nothing but love and prayers for this family and I know God is with him every step of the way. I plan to do a fundraiser for him soon and I can't wait. This sweet boy is extremely brave and I am very proud of how far he has come! Please, keep him in your prayers! If you would like to hear more about his story, here is a link: http://www.youcaring.com/other/dadrian-s-story-/246985

This last Tuesday, my one act team placed 3rd at districts and I also was honored to receive an Outstanding Actress Award! Beyond proud of everyone in the play! We worked so hard to make it the best play we have ever performed, and it really showed. 


Wednesday, I had two interviews and my first appearance! The Norfolk Daily News wanted to interview me about why I got in the pageant, how I prepared, the pageant experience, and how I will represent the State.
 Also, ABC channel 9 news interviewed me. I have never been interviewed for televised purposes before, so it was a new experience for me, but I enjoyed it! The interviewers made it easy and relaxing for me. It was very fun getting to know them and share little pieces of my life!


 My first appearance was at the Country Club in Norfolk. They had a Soup Buffet and their very first lighting of the Christmas tree on their golf course. The Norfolk Public Choir sang Christmas Carols while I got to greet people with Santa! It was delightful to see many familiar faces and talk to them about what is going on in my life! I absolutely loved greeting the little girls there as well. Seeing their bright eyes and big smiles as I put the crown on their head was very heartwarming.

 Thursday, I left for Tuscon, Arizona to visit my dream college, the University of Arizona. I was able to tour the campus and more specifically, the art department since I plan to major in Fine Arts. I fell in love. Not only with the warm weather, but the beautiful campus and the welcoming people. If I am given the opportunity to attend their college next year, I would be thrilled. It's truly whatever God has planned for me, I am leaving it all up to Him! I was lucky to have my mom, dad, and brother tag along. I am sure it killed them to have to leave the cold weather in Nebraska. :) This weekend truly showed me how fortunate I am to have such wonderful parents. They have always made sure I pursue my dreams and have an open heart and mind in everything I do. This life of mine is full of blessings from Him. :)






Thursday, I left for Tuscan, Arizona to visit my dream college, the University of Arizona. I was able to tour the wonderful art department, since I plan to pursue a major in Fine Arts. I fell in love. Of course not only with the warm weather, but also the campus and the people. If God has plans for me to attend their school next year, I would be thrilled. I am just leaving it all up to Him! Thankful I had my mom, dad, and brother to tag along with me. I'm sure it killed them to leave the cold weather in Nebraska. ;) My parents have been so supportive with everything I do. This weekend really showed me how blessed I am to have them. They have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and have an open heart and mind. God truly blessed me with an amazing and supporting family!
Hello everyone! One week ago today, my life changed. It still feels so surreal. I am incredibly grateful that I was given the honor of being named Miss Teen Nebraska 2015. I still find myself at a loss for words when people ask me what my feeling was at the exact moment.. When they said my name, I was in complete shock. God truly deserves all the glory. I remember when I first entered the pageant, I was scared. I was sort of shy, I wasn't necessarily the best public speaker, and I have never competed in a pageant before. I worked hard, and I saw a change in myself. I gained confidence, poise, and good communication skills. I was determined to be the best version of myself and I believe it showed. Saturday night, nerves were on high. I was shaking before going on stage, and practicing my poses non-stop. After I got to know the judges on Sunday, I was calm and excited. When the final performance came around, I prayed and prayed and prayed to God that everything I worked for would show on stage and no matter what the outcome was, I did the best I could with the abilities He gave me. Even before I went out on stage, I busted a silly move to relax and to remember to be myself. Being yourself is the most important aspect of life to carry with you. I cannot wait for the many memories to come this year, it is going to be a life changing experience and I am excited for what God has in store!



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