Sunny Day | Miss Oklahoma on Instagram: "“You are not too old and it is not too late.”Three months ago I made history as the oldest woman to be crowned Miss Oklahoma at 27 years old, and two weeks later turning 28. I am honored to be an example and voice for women in a different chapter of their life and in the workforce. As someone who had to grow up really fast and became a “working woman” and an adult at a young age, it has always been important for me to showcase that you can be educated, impactful in your career, provide for yourself and your home, have a social life, and still live a busy, impactful, and glamorous life as a titleholder. Us women can do it all - my mother showed me that. Over two years ago, I stood on the Miss Oklahoma stage for what was supposed to be my first, only, and final time as a 25 year old woman who had, at the time, hit the age cut-off in the Miss America Organization. I felt defeated by the fact that due to my age I was having to say goodbye to a long-time dream and opportunity of mine. In February of 2023 I was scrolling on Instagram and eventually came to a life-changing post announcing that the Miss America Organization had increased its age limit, and IT WAS DONE. There was no hesitation, no ifs, ands, or buts. I was being given a second, final time to chase after this dream and opportunities like this are rare. I am so glad that I didn’t question myself or listen to the voices who told me I was too old, I couldn’t balance it with my job as a teacher, that I was unworthy, or I have been out of “pageant mode” for too long. Because of my willingness to not give up, I am living a life full of gratitude - living out and balancing two things that I longed for so long, getting to serve Oklahoma as a veteran teacher in my classroom and as Miss Oklahoma. So, take this as your sign to chase your dream - no matter who you are, your age, where you are in life, or what others may say or think. You age does not define you, nor does where you came from or your walk of life. Only you define you. You never know what curveballs or surprises might be thrown your way, just know that you are ready and able." | Zootzle
