Visit To I.S.2

This past year, I began working at Physicians First Messages, Inc. - a medical answering service located on Staten Island that provides services to physicians nationwide! My boss, and owner/operator of the company, is John Calhoun. He has been very supportive of my duties as Miss Staten Island and is as excited as I am about the entire experience. That is why when he asked me to do a favor his wife, I happily agreed.

John's wife, Carol, is a teacher at I.S.2 where she is known as "Ms. Mayora." On January 17th, I arrived at the school with my brother, A.J., and was met by Principal Stallone.

I began my visit by popping into some classrooms to say hi to the kids and answer any questions they might have off the top of their heads. The most common questions were, "How did you get to be Miss Staten Island?" and "What do you do as Miss Staten Island?" I was happy to explain to them exactly what the Miss America Organization is all about.

Then came the real reason for my visit: an intimate assembly with the 7th grade girls. I decided to speak to them not only about my journey in pageants but about determination, self-worth, and confidence, as well. With some follow up questions, I definitely felt like I was able to have an impact on these young girls.

As the girls warmed up, I answered silly personal questions like "What's your favorite food?" and "What kind of music do you listen to?" I do love these types of questions, though, because it lets me show kids that I'm a normal person. For example, my favorite foods include chicken wings, pizza and sushi, and I listen to pretty much all styles of music.

They then moved on to more hard hitting questions. I had the opportunity to open up to them about my difficulties with bullying in junior high school, discuss my opinions of the portrayal of women in advertising, and even tell them what I would do if "the pageant asked me to lose weight in order to compete."

I was incredibly impressed with the students and teachers in this group. I got the chance to connect with the girls in what felt like a very private setting and - though they didn't even know it - they gave me great interview prep! Thank you so much, John & Carol, for bringing me into I.S.2! Your students are truly amazing, Carol. I had a wonderful time!