Get to Know Chole McLaughlin - Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012

Name: Chloe Christine McLaughlin
Age:19
Hometown:Frankfort, Indiana
College: Indiana Wesleyan University
Major: Double Major - Church Music and Christian Worship

Favorite food: Anything Home-cooked (college puts things in perspective!)
Favorite TV show: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite movie: The Italian Job
Current #1 most played song on your iPod: Don’t Stop The Madness by Tenth Avenue North
Favorite quote: “Never, Never, Never Give up.”- Winston Churchill

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: Plan Ahead
Paper OR plastic: Paper
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: Half-full
Introvert OR extrovert: Extrovert
Cats OR Dogs: DOGS!
Morning person OR night person: Morning Person

What is your most embarrassing moment? 
At my state Distinguished Young Women Program on prelim night, I participated in the Self-Expression portion and our question was “Is the world a better or worse place to live in now than it was 50 years ago?” My immediate reaction was to talk about the Civil Rights Movement and how the world was a better place in the 60’s because people got together and stood up for something. Well, when I went up to the microphone I proceeded to say “And the people banded together in racism….. AGAINST racism.” I then smiled and completed the portion, but went back to my host family’s house thoroughly mortified. Now I look back on it and laugh, because my ability to cover my mistake was part of what helped me win the program!

If you could be any color crayon, what would you be and why? 
I would choose to be Shamrock, because one of my favorite colors has always been green, and my family is part Irish: it also can never hurt to hope for a little bit of luck.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)? 
String cheese, diet cranberry splash sierra mist, peppermint mocha coffee creamer, and two pears from IWU’s dining hall.

What is your biggest fear? 
BIRDS. I am curl-up-in-a-ball, cry-in-a-corner horrified of birds, specifically seagulls.

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own? 
College is hard, so much harder than I ever imagined it would be. I wish someone had told me how difficult the transition was and how much homework I was about to become enveloped in, so I could better prepare myself for it. I also wish someone would have told me that college means making certain sacrifices and choices. It is not humanly possible to join EVERY club that you want to join. I had to pick only a couple, which was new for me, because in high school I was in 12 clubs.

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
My entire Distinguished Yong Women experience was magical, but I’m not sure any moment in my life thus far could top my experience at Nationals this summer. Don’t get me wrong, it was stressful and overwhelming, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I became so incredibly close to the other 49 girls. Distinguished Young Women really is a sisterhood of women who stick together and encourage one another.

I came into Nationals harboring the notion that I would never fit in with these girls or be able to foster any kind of significant relationship with them, because I felt different. I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived in Mobile to find that none of these girls saw the “differences” that I had been so worried about. The Distinguished Young Women from across the country only saw how beautiful each girl was in her own way. We were not unnecessarily competitive or obsessive about winning, it was about the experience and getting to know America’s best and brightest.

As I look back on those two weeks it is so hard to pick just one moment that could sum up my love for the program. So I won’t pick a moment from the weeks of the program, I instead will share about letters. After my first week at Indiana Wesleyan I was ready to come home, because college was nothing that I had hoped it would be. It was hard and stressful and I cried every night because I felt so alone and unhappy. Giving up is never an option for me, so instead I posted a comment on the National Finals Facebook Page asking for prayer and thoughts, because life was harder than I’d hoped. The next week I got two letters in the mail and a long email; one from Stephanie Brady of New Hampshire, another from Emily Thomas of Massachusetts, and the email from Paige Wilson of Kentucky (who was also my roommate!). They were simply letters of encouragement and hope and reminders of the 49 girls who love me. These letters were a reminder that I am never alone and a true testament to this program. My favorite part of this program is the promise that I never have to feel alone, because there will always be 49 girls across the country cheering me on.

Get to Know Christina Maxwell - Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012

Name: Christina Maxwell
Age: 18
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
College: University of Michigan
Major: majoring in Musical Theatre, hoping to minor in Writing

Favorite food:  I absolutely love trying new foods and haven’t found many I don’t like!  But I love comfort food, Thai and Indian food and sushi.
Favorite movie: The Help
Current #1 most played song on your iPod: “That’s Why I Pray” by Big and Rich
Favorite quote:  “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs.  Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman
Favorite time of year:  Right when it begins to turn from summer to fall

Plan ahead OR procrastinate:  Plan ahead.  My schedule is so crazy in college that I oftentimes have to plan my days out ahead of time, down to the minute!
Paper OR plastic:  Plastic
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty:  Definitely half-full
Introvert OR extrovert:  Extrovert!  But, I also love having quiet time to myself when I can recharge and reflect.
Cats OR Dogs:  Dogs
Morning person OR night person:  Night person

What is your most embarrassing moment? 
I have so many!  One of the top ones was in high school when our football team won a huge game.  Everyone decided to rush the field and I thought I should live on the edge and join them!  I ran to the fence, all excited, and tried to climb over it and got stuck on top of the fence.  I, of course, got caught and never lived it down!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you absolutely need for survival? 
My bible, coffee and a strong and brave friend!

What is your biggest fear?
Not using my gifts and talents to their greatest potential and realizing at the end that I didn’t pursue my purpose with all of my heart and strength.

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own?
It is ok to say “no” to the many activities going on in college without feeling guilty about it.  So much of college is about prioritizing time and you ultimately have to say “no” to good things!  You should never feel guilty for turning down an invitation to do something when you need the time to get your work done or to relax.

Sum yourself up in three words.
Bubbly, determined and compassionate.

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
This is the hardest question in the world.  I could write a whole book of favorite moments from Distinguished Young Women!  But, my absolute favorite has to be one that occurred at the local, state and national level: the remarkable people I have met.  This program seems to be a magnet for people who are full of contagious purpose, compassion, brilliance and dedication – both the participants and the incredible adults who make the programs happen.  I made countless dear friends who I know I will remain close with throughout my life, from my precious host families to the dedicated chairmen and committee members to the amazing young women I shared this experience with.  I learned so much from the young women I met through this program.  It is absolutely priceless to have a network of girls all across the country who share the same level of passion and purpose and can encourage each other as we go through the same big life changes at the same time.  When I think of all of the people who have made this journey such a transformational one, I am so overwhelmed with what an immense blessing the people of the Distinguished Young Women program are.

Get to Know Ali Houser - Distinguished Young Woman of South Dakota for 2012

Name: Alinia (Ali) Houser
Age: 19
Hometown: Beresford, South Dakota
College: The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Major: Dental Hygiene
 
Favorite TV show: Pretty Little Liars & Greek 
Favorite movie: The House Bunny, The Hunger Games, and The Lucky One
Favorite Olympic sport: Swimming (Ryan Lochte & Michael Phelps…Need I say more? ) and gymnastics
Favorite quote: “I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” –Audrey Hepburn
Favorite time of year: The very beginning of fall when it is still warm outside but the leaves are beginning to change colors!

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: I am definitely trying to be a planner, however, procrastination sometimes thinks he is my best friend and invites himself over unexpectedly.
Paper OR plastic: Reusable-recycling bags! Go green!
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: I’m definitely a glass half-full kind of girl. Positivity is essential!
Introvert OR extrovert: I am an extrovert for the most part but I feel as though it is important to be a little of both. I love being around people however sometimes a little alone time is good for me as well.
Cats OR Dogs: Puppies and kitties, please.
Morning person OR night person: If I could, I’d probably sleep until noon everyday…does that answer the question?

What is your most embarrassing moment? 
My most embarrassing moment was during my senior year at my high school. At our school, we have an “Agriculture Week” (Let’s not forget I’m from South Dakota) and the FFA students decided to have a “petting zoo.” During choir, we got to go out and see all the animals like chickens, goats, and other farm animals. In a trailer, they had a baby cow. I wanted to see it so I got up into the trailer. A boy in my class thought it would just be hilarious to close the door while I was in there.  Oh man, did I scream and cry! Now, my school isn’t big (about 250 students) but it was pretty embarrassing to have everyone witness this. I got moo-ed at about 100 times that week.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)? 
Apple juice, cheese sticks, and carrots.

What is your biggest fear? 
It’s insane how many fears I have. I am terrified of clowns, rumble strips on the road (the things that tell you to slow down and make your car shake), drowning, being stuck in an elevator, being in a tight space in the dark, spiders, and so much more! I’m such a baby!

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own? 
I wish I knew how much I was going to miss my family and friends. I was so excited to move on into the next chapter of my life but I didn’t realize how much I would miss the people that supported me through the previous one. The college experience has definitely strengthened the relationship between my mom and myself. She is no longer just my mom but she is my best friend as well.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? 
I want to be happy. As long as I’m happy, everything else will fall into place.

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
I don’t know if I can name one specific favorite moment from my experience with Distinguished Young Women. I have so many amazing memories. One that I just can’t get off my mind, though, is when we went to the Spot of Tea restaurant. David Weincek and Amy E. Goodman came to visit us there. Chandler (RI) was dared to lick his elbow (if someone does this to you, you cannot feel it!) Of course, she did. We laughed hysterically as she casually walked over to him as he talked to another table of girls, bent down, and licked his elbow!! We completely lost it! David was so confused about what everyone was laughing about!! Another memorable moment was definitely watching Norma’s rapping skills on the Has-Beens video! The entire experience changed my life and I will never forget all the wonderful times I had in Mobile!

Sweet 15: The Tune of Life - by Michelle Rodgers

Beginning this week, we will introduce a new series to the Be Distinguished blog. "Sweet 15" will be a collection of posts written by past participants of the Distinguished Young Women/Junior Miss program reflecting on their 15-year-old selves. Get ready for some wise, witty and seasoned advice from women of all ages and backgrounds. They have gained perspective on their teenage years from diverse life experiences and will share with you through this fun new series!

When I think of myself at 15, the first image comes from the ceiling, an aerial view. I’m lying flat on my back on the grungy white carpet in my room, soccer shorts and a t-shirt, bare feet, hair splayed out like a wild-eyed child. My hands are pushed down against the floor, my eyes are huge, and it’s unclear how much I was actually breathing. The stereo in my room was playing Jewel’s Pieces of You album at top volume, and for the first time in my life I was listening to music. I mean really listening. And, let me tell you, it shook my world. I was so completely wrapped up in Jewel’s light, cobwebby voice that I couldn’t even move. I mean, come ON!This was music. This was perfect. This is the first moment in my life when I can remember music really taking hold of me, scooping me up and holding me tight. (Shania Twain when I was 7 doesn’t really count, although that’s also pretty vivid.) I savored every word Jewel sang and labeled each song as some profound commentary on human existence.

Ok, I was a little intense.

While the lying-on-the-floor-can’t-even-breathe intensity has dulled (somewhat), music has threaded through my life ever since as the way that I root myself to the ground, and learn something while I’m there. Music has followed me up and up, dappling the days throughout high school and college. Unfortunately, so have a lot of other things: the nagging self-doubt that comes with growing up, the comparisons to peers that do nothing but stress you out, and the overwhelming feelings of not being good enough or smart enough or popular enough or even just enough enough.

But the thing I’ve been dazed into realizing is that everyonehas those feelings. We’re all just humans. We all feel those things.People are just people, like you. There is so much common ground, and even though it’s hard to see it through all the anxiousness that we’re not enough just the way we are, the amazing thing is that everyone feels that. That girl in your science class who always looks so perfect and makes everyone laugh? She probably wishes she was better at sports. And the girl who always gets the lead in the school play probably wishes she had someone she could really call a best friend. No one’s perfect, and I’m constantly amazed by how much common ground I find with my peers, especially those who I admire so deeply.

It’s like, have you ever listened to a song, and thought ‘That’s exactly how I feel! I didn’t think there was anyone else who knew this feeling, but man, this song really nailed it.’ For me, music reminds me that we’re all human, and we’re all going through the same things. I still believe that everyone can find a song for every time they’ve lost, and every time they’ve won. Rock and roll might just save us all.And really, we don’t need to worry so much. We’re all there in the thick of this together, and if we’re considerate, open, patient, and kind, that will wrap us up better than any song ever could.

Everyone has the things that keep them human, that keep them rooted in their bones. For me it’s music. For you it might be books or family or your dog or friends or the morning or the night. Learn all you can learn from these things, and remember that people are just people. You are just people. I am just people. Don’t worry about the things that make you unhappy or stressed or dissatisfied. Don’t compare yourself to others – it’s a losing game. And don’t wait for someone else’s permission to be happy. Today is the day. Vienna waits for you.

Michelle Rodgers has just begun her senior year at Northwestern University, with a major in Social Policy and minors in Business and Theatre. After graduation, she plans to move abroad for a time and work with Education Policy through afterschool programming. Michelle is originally from the tiny town of Winchester, Kentucky, and gets a particular tug on the heartstrings from Bluegrass music. She was named America’s Junior Miss 2009 during the 52^nd America’s Junior Miss National Finals, now known as Distinguished Young Women.

Get to Know Keyna Hoselton - Distinguished Young Woman of North Dakota for 2012

Hi! I’m Keyna Hoselton from Fargo, North Dakota! I am 18 years old, and I am currently attending Oklahoma City University, majoring in Dance Performance with a possible minor in History.

Some of my favorite things:
Food—ICE CREAM!
Olympic Sport—Gymnastics in the summer and Figure Skating in the winter
Movie—Tangled!  …or Sherlock Holmes. Depends on what mood I’m in!
Time of Day—Night! I am most definitely a night owl.
Quote—“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney
   
Plan ahead OR procrastinate?
Most of the time I procrastinate, but if it’s something I really love or am interested in, I will definitely plan ahead.
 
Paper OR plastic? 
Grocery bags? Plastic.
Money? I usually use my debit card, so once again, plastic.
 
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty?
The glass is definitely half-FULL! Life is so much more enjoyable when you have a positive outlook…even in tough situations.
 
Introvert OR extrovert?
Introvert. I like to spend time by myself relaxing, listening to music, and reflecting. However, I do also love hanging out with friends and being social, so I could also say extrovert!
 
Cats OR Dogs? 
DOGS! They are so much more cuddly!
 
Morning person OR night person? 
I am most definitely a night person! Getting out of bed is easily the hardest part of my day.

Some more random facts about me: 

• If I could be any color crayon, I would be “tickle me pink” because I love pink, and the name makes me smile! 
• If you were to look in my refrigerator right now, you would find Greek yogurt, original V8 juice, almond milk, and fruit! I am doing everything I possibly can to eat healthy and not gain the dreaded “Freshman 15!” 
• Something I wish someone would have told me about college life that I had to find out for myself is to use your spare time throughout the day to work on homework rather than waiting to do it at night. Then, by the time the evening rolls around, you have half as much work to and it’s possible to RELAX and unwind from the day! 
• Me in 3 words=Bubbly, Determined, Curious 
• When I grow up, I want to perform on Broadway! What could possibly be better than having a career where I get to sing and dance and make people happy?!

The Distinguished Young Women program had a huge impact on my life, and I absolutely loved every second of it. However, if I had to pick one moment that stood out as being my favorite, I would have to say the time we spent at Camp Grace: both the ropes course and our campfire time. It was a great way to build our relationships with each other and to help us see each other less as competitors and more like team mates. It was an incredible way to get to know each other and help each other. We truly became best friends, even sisters, within the first few days of knowing each other because of the time we spent at Camp Grace.

Get to Know Lauren Hoppa - Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado for 2012

Name: Lauren Hoppa
Age: 19
Hometown: Grew up in Franklin, Wisconsin but now living in Parker, Colorado
College: Oklahoma State University
Major: Athletic Training

Favorite TV show: Friday Night Lights
Favorite Olympic Sport: Summer – Gymnastics; Winter – Figure Skating
Favorite Time of Year: Fall
Favorite Quote: “I don’t know where it is you find courage. There isn’t a map. It sort of follows the road of emotion. Sometimes stopping your conviction in anger, other times parking beside fear. Courage plays no favorites, takes no sides. It can be as impressive as a walk on Venus or as simple as a kiss. And sometimes, in our darkest hours, courage is all we have.” – Unknown
Current #1 Song Played on Your iPod: Wanted – Hunter Hayes 

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: Plan ahead
Paper OR plastic: Plastic
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: Glass half-full
Introvert OR Extrovert: Extrovert
Cats OR Dogs: Dogs
Morning person OR night person: Night person

Sum up yourself in three words.
Outgoing, persistent, athletic

What do you want to be when you grow up and why?
When I grow up, I want to be a physical therapist and preferably working in the sports medicine field. Being a dancer my whole life, I had several major injuries that required me to stop dancing for months at a time and to have a great deal of physical therapy. I often times felt that I was never going to recover and would never be able to dance again. However, my physical therapist worked with me not only on gaining strength back in my feet, but also keeping me motivated to recover. I understood how important the relationship was between a physical therapist and their patient. I saw first hand how moving the profession of physical therapy could be and was inspired to help others who were in the same position that I once was.

What is one goal that you have set for yourself and achieved? What is one goal that still remains to be achieved?
One of my greatest goals that I had set for myself was to qualify for the World Championships for Irish dance. Growing up, I had always looked up to the older dancers who had been perfecting their skills for so many years and what grace and poise that they had. Although I had to endure several injuries and surgeries to my feet, I never gave up on trying to obtain this goal. After countless hours of perfecting my skills, stretching, strengthening my muscles, and endless stamina workouts, I was grateful enough to have achieved this goal and represented the United States at the World Championships in 2009 and followed that up with the years after. One goal that I currently have is to make it into the Athletic Training program here at Oklahoma State University. It is a very competitive program and would be an honor to be accepted into during my sophomore year.

If you could be any color crayon, what would you be and why?
I would be the color pink. Pink has a variety of shades. It can be bright, vibrant and strong. I believe that this resembles one side of me as I am very outgoing and love sharing my positivity with others. However, pink can also be a more subtle and delicate shade as well.  Although I am very outgoing, another side of me shows compassion and how much I value my personal relationships and connections with each and every person that I meet. It is my softer side and that reveals my delicateness as well.

What is one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own?
People had always told me how important time management was. They always said to make sure that you plan out how you are going to spend your day. However, I still felt like I was rushed to get things done—particularly my homework. One thing that I have learned is just how valuable breaks in between classes are. Even if it is only a 15 minute break, they add up. By making use of each of these breaks to get a few problems done for math or a paragraph written for English, I found out that homework and studying becomes much less stressful and rushed.
Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
I never would have expected how great of an impact Distinguished Young Women has had on me. I know, that probably sounds cheesy. But this experience has changed my character and motives me for the better. My favorite moment occurred while we were in Mobile, Alabama for the National Finals. On Be Your Best Self Day, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Woody's Song, a school for children all of whom have autism. Until that day, I had never personally worked with those who have autism. To be honest, I was a little worried about what to expect. However, from the moment I walked into that first classroom, I was overwhelmed by the love, compassion, humor and joy that each of these children had. I remember sitting down with a young boy who could not speak because he had missed this learning section in his life due to autism. However, he could still communicate through the use of a program on an iPad. I was astounded by how this simple technology changed this young boy’s life. I also fell in love with their love. All of the students just wanted to be loved – whether that’s through hugs, tickles or just by playing games with them. In return, they gave you that same love back through a smile or giggling laugh. For me, this was as an eye opening experience. The fact the Distinguished Young Women could just spend one day with them shows how much greater this program is. It’s not just about the 2 weeks we spent in Mobile or who one the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America. I believe that it is about what we can take away and give back. It is about every community we can help, every service project we can do and every life we affect. We are 50 young women from the class of 2012 who are just beginning to share all that we have learned.

Get to Know Carly Henry - Distinguished Young Woman of Pennsylvania for 2012

Name: Carly Henry
Age: 18
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania   
College: Elizabethtown College
Major:  Biochemistry major, Business minor

Favorite food: Greek Yogurt
Favorite TV show: Big Bang Theory
Favorite movie: “The Notebook”
Favorite Olympic sport: Equestrian
Favorite quote: “All glory comes from daring to begin.”
Favorite time of year: Fall

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: Plan ahead...as long as I don’t procrastinate on that too!
Paper OR plastic: Plastic
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: Half-full, optimism can take you places!
Introvert OR extrovert: Extrovert
Cats OR Dogs: Dogs.  They are man’s (and woman’s!) best friend, after all.
Morning person OR night person:  Morning!

What is your most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment happened a little less than a year ago on my high school’s stage.  I had decided to give a musical a try, and ended up with the part of Amber von Tussle in “Hairspray”.  Amber and Link have an onstage kiss near the beginning of the show.  Now, of course Link Larkin was played by the cutest, sweetest guy, which made the whole kiss thing that much harder.  During the first run through of lines, I was so nervous about that part that I freaked out and just went in for a smooch.  Unfortunately, he wasn’t planning on it.  So, while the entire cast sat watching in the audience, I ungracefully planted one right on his unsuspecting lips.  He stood there in shock, and I stood there turning beet red.  The run through continued through the awkward tension in the air.  It wasn’t all bad though.  Eventually he and I were able to work through this so very uncomfortable part and turned it into a bit of a joke.  The funniest part of it all, is that a few months later, Link Larkin and Amber von Tussle became a couple in real life!  So, this is proof that no matter how embarrassing a moment may be, there is always a silver lining to even the most awkward of clouds.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)?
My refrigerator in college is a mish mash of all kinds of odds and ends!  There is a ton of greek yogurt on the bottom shelf, my roommates iced tea in the door, and some frozen Reece’s cups in the freezer part.  The weirdest thing, though, is my eye cream!  I read somewhere that to de-puff tired eyes, store eye cream in the fridge so that the cold reduces the swelling.  It actually works too!

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own?
I wish someone had told me that the water tastes horrible!  Dorm water is very far from the well water that comes out of my faucet at home.  It didn’t take long for me to start using my Brita pitcher!

Sum yourself up in three words.
Talkative. Nerdy. Optimistic.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why?
When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.  People always ask me what kind of doctor, but at this point I haven’t decided.  As long as I get to heal people and make them feel better from head to toe, I don’t care which specialty I choose.  I want to give my patients a gift every day, and the greatest gift you can give is the gift of good health.

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
How can I pick one moment from my year with Distinguished Young Women?  From the local to national level I had nothing but a positive experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.  The one moment that stood out in my mind, though, was handing over my title at the state program this past summer.  After that show, I would officially be a has been.  It was a bitter moment, but it was definitely very sweet too.  After my farewell speech I realized that as a has been I held even more influence.  Now, girls from across the country could look up to me and follow my example.  The Distinguished Young Women program will travel with me for the rest of my life.  Becoming a has been wasn’t the end of the journey, it was just the beginning.