Understanding Finances

Thursday, April 9

This morning, I finished up the “Our Families” Junior Achievement curriculum with the elementary students that I visit. The last day of the curriculum is always my favorite because the students get to role-play, make money and purchase their needs and wants at the “store!” I love to watch children role-play, as they are able to use their imaginations in a setting that they otherwise would not be able to. A few of the highlights are: 1) The sound effects that are made when somebody is a “mechanic”, “firefighter” or “doctor.” 2) A boy, who played a “mechanic” and went to the store to buy a house and an apartment complex…I asked him is he was buying both and he told me that he is going to “own (rent out) the apartment complex, but live in the house!” He is a 1^st grader…amazing! 3) A girl who played a “doctor” and then when to the store and bought everything (all of the needs and wants)…well, I guess some doctors are very wealthy and she was one wealthy doctor!! At the end of our session, I gave each of the students a “Certificate of Achievement” or what I liked to refer to as a diploma. I am so proud of "my" students!

Yesterday, I was at the Mall of America and I noticed a missed call on my phone...it was Glitz! How convenient, I was already at the mall and Glitz had called to tell me that my dress was in! I went to try it on and finish paying for it...it fits perfect and I love it...I can't believe I already have my dress for Miss Minnesota!

Tomorrow, after work, I will go to Danceworks to work on my tap dance! It is looking great and I love it. Thank you to Ann at Danceworks for letting me use her beautiful studio. To return her favor, I agreed that I would come to the studio in the fall and help instruct a tap workshop...that sounds like fun...I LOVE tapping!

Lots of love,

Kelsey

Monday, April 6

Tonight, I drove to Coon Rapids for another costume fitting with Deb at Satin Stitches…it is really starting to come together and I can’t wait for the finished product! Deb and I had some great conversations about her “Dancing with the Stars” costume critique blog…she is very knowledgeable about all the fancy costumes that are worn on “Dancing with the Stars!”

Thanks, Deb! And Happy 17th Birthday to my "little" brother!

~Kelsey

Friday, April 3

Hello, hello!! I began the day by visiting my Junior Achievement classrooms in the morning. Today, we talked about where people get needs and wants and how most places where they get their needs and wants are also businesses, places that people work and make money that they will use to buy their needs and wants. One of the activities that we did involved making maps of cities and placing stickers of specific buildings…police station, library, department store, school, etc. on the map to show how all of the buildings and businesses work together to form town and cities – places where we live, learn, work and play.

At the end of each class, I asked the teacher for the class roster. One thing hit me hard and that was that as one of the teachers gave me the roster, she explained that three of the students listed on it will not be in class next week because they are all moving. Out of curiosity, I asked why are three moving?! She didn’t have to tell me but she did and each of those students are moving for financial reasons and financial stress on their family…a job change, a lost job and tough finances…those were the reasons. That is why NOW, more than EVER, it is so important to be teaching “Financial $marts” to children, teens and adults. I firmly believe that every student I teach and every family I reach will in-turn strengthen our economy and provide hope to those struggling with their finances.

At the Holiday Inn Riverside in Mankato, I attended the Service to Mankind Banquet. At this event one member of each of the Sertoma Clubs in the City of Mankato are honored with an award commending their “service to mankind.” The honors went to Betty Sanger, who has served by putting together thousands of care packages for midwives and to Bernie Koenigs, who is a hair restoration specialist at the B K Hair Studio in Mankato. Congratulations to both Betty and Bernie – they are a true inspiration to volunteers and leaders as they give and give and give and expect nothing but a feeling of virtue.

Prior to dinner at the banquet, I gave a speech about the importance of volunteering and highlighted some of the volunteer projects I have been involved in, specifically my “Financial $marts” platform. Then during dinner, I could not eat too much because I knew I was the after-dinner-entertainment. As soon as I ate, I tip-toed out of the banquet hall and put my green talent costume on…I love that costume and my new one for Miss Minnesota is not done yet, so this was a great opportunity to wear it again! This was my first performance of my tap dance for the Miss Minnesota pageant in June…my song is “Comin’ Home, Baby” by Michael Buble. It was so fun to perform in front of an audience and although the “stage” was about 10’ x 10’, I had a blast! Thank you to my director, Shelly and to the Sertoma Clubs for giving me this great opportunity to share my platform and my talent!

Yours truly,

Kelsey

Saturday, March 28

Spring Greetings! Last Friday, I left for Florida for a quick break with my family. We stayed in Ft. Myers Beach...the weather was beautiful every day, but I could not stay long, because I had to focus on finalizing all of my paperwork for Miss Minnesota! So, I came home to the beautiful snow in Minnesota...hehe...then, I finished all of my paperwork that was due at contestant workshop.

I attended the Miss Minnesota Contestant workshop...I finally got to meet most of the contestants...it was so much fun! We chose our contestant numbers...I am #15 and there was a drawing for roommates. My roommate is Miss Winona, Danielle, she is a sweetheart. Last year, I loved my roommate, Tara, and I know Danielle and I will have fun. Now I am really prepared and I know that I must bring an extra garment rack and speakers for my iPhone...I love music and I love dancing, so I always feel right at home when I can listen to any of my music wherever I go. Don't worry, I already warned Danielle about the speakers, but she agreed that it is a good plan :-) I forgot my camera, but I did take a picture with Miss Twin Cities, Brooke, and Miss Capital City, Sara-on-a-stick (she was out of town at a wedding!)

Can't wait for Miss Minnesota!

~Kelsey

Saturday, March 14

Wow...what a busy week! On Tuesday, I had coffee with Tiffany Ogle, Miss Minnesota 2004...I love her...we talked about a couple changes that I can make to my Miss Minnesota paperwork before I the upcoming deadline. We always plan on meeting for approximately an hour and it turns into four to five hours, oh well! We have a good time!

On Wednesday, I drove to Mankato to give a "Financial $marts" presentation at the House of Hope. I had the opportunity to spend time with a small group of women and we had a round table discussion about personal finances. We talked about the greatest struggles that each of us have in reaching our financial goals. Then, I had each woman put together a budget sheet and develop a plan that would make it easier to meet their financial goals. We will meet again to reassess!

After the House of Hope presentation, I went to MSU to work on my talent with the amazing Paul. We are really making progress with the new dance! I met with Paul again on Friday and this time he decided to drive to the Twin Cities...thank you, Paul :-) Guess what...we finished the dance! Well, except for the first five seconds, but we have plenty of time to work with that. As Paul said, we have the "shell" of the dance done and now we have our work cut out! I was so excited to have an entire dance again!

Your very excited Miss Mankato,

Kelsey

Sunday, March 8

On Friday, I took part in the "Royal Experience" event at Redeeming Love Church in Maplewood. This event was put on by Stacie McBride-Cox and many, many volunteers! The evening began with a meeting of all of the pageant volunteers and "Shining Stars"...we talked about the game plan for the night. My "Shining Star" partner was Carin Hudson, who has competed in many locals in the Miss Minnesota Organization...I met her a couple years ago and she is also a fellow University of St. Thomas student :-) Carin and I were the leaders of the 4-year old girls. We had crown-shaped sandwiches and pink strawberry milk for dinner and then we made bracelets and the Shining Stars put on a mini-pageant for the little girls...we did not "compete" though, it was rather just a show and entertainment for the little girls and no, there was no swimsuit portion of the mini-pageant! However, we did our talents and showed our pretty gowns to the little girls. For my talent, I a theatrical jazz dance to "One" from A Chorus Line...there was carpeting throughout the stage area and performing one of my tap dances would not have worked too well! At the end, Carin and I brought the group of 4-year old girls on stage and we showed the audience how the girls know how to wave and blow kisses!

After our mini-pageant was over, Miss Minnesota, Angie, read a story to everybody, then we had an autograph session and signed many autographs for the little girls. It was so much fun to be able to spend time with younger girls and serve as a role model for them!

I went home, fell asleep and then slept like a baby! I had to get a lot of sleep because today I had pictures with Paula Preston! I love working with Paula, she make a photo shoot so much fun and the pictures always turn out great! Thank you, Paula...you take the best photos!

Your "Shining Star,"

Kelsey

Tuesday, February 24

Today is National Pancake Day! To celebrate I headed to the IHOP in  Brooklyn Park! National Pancake Day is Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products…hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday. Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly two million dollars to support charities in the communities in which it operates. This year, more than $1,300,000 was raised on National Pancake Day for the Children's Miracle Network! What an amazing accomplishment!

I arrived at IHOP and met many local individuals and explained to them the connection between the Children's Miracle Network, IHOP and the Miss America Organization. I am so proud of the partnership between the Miss America Organization and the Children's Miracle Network...it has paved the way to open new doors and become involved in events that titleholders in the organization have never been involved in!

Thank you to Edith, the manager at the Brooklyn Park IHOP for the opportunity to visit with your loyal, pancake-loving customers.

With love,

Kelsey

Saturday, February 21

Tonight I attended the Starlight Gala in Mankato: An Evening of Elegance For the Children, was a joint fundraiser for two local groups: One Bright Star, which offers financial assistance and a family support network for people who have lost a child, and the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, a group that offers counseling and help to individuals or families affected by suicide. Yesterday I got a text from Shelly asking if I wanted to attend and help emcee the event...I had nothing to do...imagine that a 23-year old with nothing to do on a Saturday night...so of course I said yes!

I met Michael Lagerquist, who is the Public Relations Director of the Department of Theatre and Dance Staff at MSU and we emceed the event together. I also had an opportunity to meet many supporters of One Bright Star and Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. We had a night of food and fun with a silent and live auction as well as dancing and entertainment by Powerhouse.

It was fun to be involved with the Starlight Gala and I hope the Miss Mankato Organization can continue to work with the Starlight Gala in the future!

XOXO

Kelsey

On Sunday, I went to St. Peter for the Polar Plunge! I met up with Miss Minnesota, Angie and we prepared to plunge!! It was pretty cold outside…but the air was nothing compared to how the water felt when we plunged! I have never entirely immersed my body in ice water, so this was a new (and a learning) experience. A learning experience because I was never told (at least I don’t think so) to keep my mouth shut…what is the first thing that I did when I jumped into the water? SCREAMED…and got a mouth full of cold lake water…the water went far past my mouth and I think I felt like lake water wanted to “come back out of my mouth” for quite some time. Later I told the story to my dad and he informed me that swallowing water in such a manner is one way that people drown…oops. I will keep that in mind for next time!

Beside the water in my mouth, it was a really fun experience…I was glad Angie was there with me and I would definitely do it again (as long as we could once again, get some hot chocolate afterward!)

Stay warm,
Kelsey

Saturday, February 7

Hello, again! In my quest to educate elementary students with Financial $marts, I continued my school tour with Junior Achievement. This time, we talked about students and what they want to be “when they grow up” as getting a job and creating a source of income is a fundamental of a strong financial future. After discussions and a large group activity, the students drew pictures of their dream jobs. I was impressed by how many students were drawing Marines and “ArmyMen.” I also saw a good variety of careers depicted…last year when I did this activity, it seemed that all of the students wanted to be either a rockstar or a model…this year, I saw Dentists, Veterinarians, and Engineers.

On Saturday, I went to Glitz at the Mall of America to try on many, many, gowns for Miss Minnesota. There was a Trunk Show going on at the store and it is so busy and filled with high school gals shopping for prom dresses…I saw this as an opportunity to get anonymous feedback on everything I tried on…it was great! After trying on quite a few dresses, I had made a decision! I basically put three dresses together and the designer sketched it for me, I paid and I was ready to go! I am not the type of person who likes to be indecisive…if I need to make a decision, I just go for it. So, I found “the dress” with much time to spare for Miss Minnesota, which is great, because now I can focus on other things. Thank you to Glitz for providing a $500 dress credit to all contestants in the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Pageant...we like to save money and I LOVE to SAVE money!!

Hugs,
Kelsey

February 1, 2008

Now that the "fairytale" called "The Miss America Pageant" is over until next year and after watching Miss Iowa's tap dance, (she ended up 2nd runner-up!!) I am invigorated and ready to work on my new tap dance! 

On Wednesday, I went to Mankato to meet with Paul Finocchairo, who is helping me with my talent. Paul is an amazingly talented person and I am so excited to be working with him. The first thing we did was pick my new talent song. After listening to quite a few songs and imagining the impact that each one could have, we finally chose “Coming Home, Baby” by Michael Buble. I love Michael Buble and never in my dreams did I imagine doing a tap dance to one of his songs, but it is going to be so sophisticated and classy…I cannot wait to perform it on the Miss Minnesota stage!

On Friday, it was time for some fun with one of my best friends…Colleen! Colleen and I met at the first pageant that I competed in…Miss South Central 2007! I was very impressed by Colleen’s knowledge and passion for life and she was a fellow student at the University of St. Thomas…naturally we became friends. Now she is married to the love of her life, Joe Woodington! They got married in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida in December and had a reception in the Minnesota on Friday. I am so happy for her and I know we will continue to be great friends…pageant friends and friends for life!

XOXO

Kelsey

January 26, 2009

This past week, I began my five-week Junior Achievement curriculum for 2^nd graders at Sky Oaks Elementary in Burnsville. For the 2^nd year, I will be teaching 2^nd graders the “Our Families” curriculum! I love this Junior Achievement curriculum, because there is much emphasis placed on hands-on experiences and creative activities that use fun visuals, and the topics covered include: the importance of family, community, working together and jobs, needs and wants and goal-setting! During the first day, we looked at a gigantic poster of families, talked about different jobs that people on the poster are doing and talked about how each person on the poster is helping to create a good community and put together a sticker book that relates to the poster. I am so glad that I get to spend time with elementary students…they are full of excitement, stories, hope and dreams for their lives…their love for life is contagious and I am blessed to spend time with them!

On Saturday, I celebrated a national holiday. I am sure you are wondering, “what national holiday is on January 24^th?!” Well, the MISS AMERICA PAGEANT! Last year, I went to Las Vegas to cheer for Miss Minnesota, Jennifer Hudspeth…it was so much fun to experience the Miss America Pageant from the audience. I wish, with all my heart, that I could have been there for Angie this year, but I had to "live my platform" and be financially savvy -- save some money and stay at home this year :-( It is so motivating to think that one young lady competing for Miss Minnesota 2009, will get to grace the Miss America stage in 2010...what an amazing experience that would be!

This year, I had a Miss America party at my parent’s house…I have to admit, watching the pageant on TV, is not like watching it LIVE in Vegas, but it was still fun and I still got emotional and teary-eyed for our new Miss America, Katie Stam, from Indiana -- the first Miss America, ever, from Indiana! She is so beautiful and will represent the organization wonderfully! After our “party,” we met up with Tiffany Ogle (Miss Minnesota 2004) and her friend, Rhett to critique the pageant and to talk about our new Miss America and how fabulous she will be!

What a fun week…I wish there was a Miss America pageant every week; there would never be a dull moment!

Until next time,

Kelsey

January 12, 2009

 
On Friday morning, I had another radio interview...this time with Red and Don at KTOE. It was definitely a fun interview...Red was one my the judges during the Miss Mankato pageant. He, by far, asked me the hardest question, "Name two pizza places in Mankato that are not chain restaurants." Well, I'm sorry, but I couldn't answer it...I grew up in Apple Valley, and I don't even think I can answer that for Apple Valley! We revisited that question during the radio interview and talked about plans for the year and how I feel about competing for a second time at Miss Minnesota this year. Thank you, Red and Don, for the interview!

On Saturday, I attended Miss Minnesota's send-off to Miss America party in Bloomington. Angie looked great, I am so proud of her and the work that she has done this year! Below is a picture of Miss Minnesota, Angie McDermott, and I at her party!

  

Your New Miss Mankato 2009,

Kelsey