Performance at the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum

Tricities Girls Performances at the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum
Date: May 14, 2011
Location: Children's Museum, Saginaw

This event was so much fun! Some of the "Tricities Girls" and I performed at the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum. After our performances, we mingled with the kids and their parents. We were goofy and had a great time. Don't you love our matching pink shirts?

The museum was great, too. There was a whole section on body and health! One of the directors there told us they're starting a few "fun with fitness" type programs at the museum. So, I'm hoping to come back sometime soon and take part in one to help promote a healthy lifestyle in children.

Lansing Sikh Parade and Vaisakhi Program

Vaisakhi
Date: April 23, 2011
Location: Riverfront Park, Lansing

Lansing State Journal article and photos of the event: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110424/NEWS01/104240533/Downtown-parade-fest-celebrate-Sikh-culture
(Check out the photos of the event! I'm in one, and there are some pictures of things I mention below)

Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival celebrating the establishment of the Khalsa (the Sikh community). Each year there is a parade and program in Lansing organized by the the Lansing Guru Nanak Sikh Center. As Sikhs, my family and I represented our community by attending the parade and program, and it is something we look forward to and take part in every year. The program includes prayer followed by a free community meal known as langar. Langar is eaten on the ground, and follows every religious service at gurudawara (house of God; equivalent to a church, mosque, etc.). It is meant to bring together people of all socioeconomic groups. Everyone eats on the floor as equals. Following langar is an an entertainment program. Professional Punjabi singers, bhangra and giddha performances (traditional Punjabi folk dances), and comedians showcase their talents.

In the past, I have performed with the MSU Bhangra Team (Above, I have a picture with the current members of the team, who are wearing pink and blue Punjabi suits). This year, I decided to speak to the crowd about the value of proper nutrition and exercise. I also spoke about my experience with the Miss America Organization, and how I became involved in it and why. I mentioned the great scholarship opportunity and the ability to voice what is important to you through the development of a platform. I encouraged my beautiful, intelligent, and powerful Sikh sisters to reach their potential and use their skills to improve their communities.

I had such an amazing time at the Vaisakhi celebration. This year the weather was PERFECT- sunny and pleasant. I was so happy to be with my family and friends on such a beautiful day and to share with the rest of my community what I am doing with the Miss America Organization. I am so proud of who I am and where my family comes from. I am always happy to educate non-Sikhs about Sikhism and the Punjabi culture. As Miss Auburn-Midland, one of the things I hope to accomplish is bring more awareness of the Sikh society.

Annual MSU Health Care Rally

Annual MSU Health Care Rally
Date: April 2, 2011
Location: Ferris Park, Lansing

The Annual MSU Health Care Rally is a community outreach event that the first year medical students at MSU put on every year. This year the theme was "Active Lifestyles". I was a proud member of the committee that organized the event (afterall, my platform is Tackling Obesity in America!) and enjoyed seeing it come together. There were different tables set up under tents for different organizations from the community and activities for children. We also had two key speakers: Dr. Tom Peterson, a pediatrician in Grand Rapids who is active in treating and preventing childhood obesity, and Dr. Pivarnik, a kinesiologist at MSU, who brought students with him to demonstrate easy exercises that you can do in your own home at no cost. The purpose of the event was to promote more physical activity and healthy eating habits. The event was completely free. Attendees were offered vegetarian shish kabobs, fresh fruit, and water. There was a lot of open space at the park for playing soccer, football, and frisbee (by the way, the MSU Ultimate Frisbee Team was there showing their support and encouraging people to play). Even though the temperature was FREEZING with some sleet, we had a decent turn out!

Also, I want to give a shout out to Miss Oakland County, Elizabeth Hawthorne, for attending the event and promoting her platform on teen bone health. Check us out!

Come to Noodles!

Noodles and Co. Children's Miracle Network Benefit Dinner
Date: March 28th, 2011
Location: East Lansing, MI

The Children's Miracle Network is a band of children's hospitals in North America. It is the official platform of the Miss America Organization. As a titleholder, I work to raise funds and awareness for the Children's Miracle Network.

When I was in undergrad at Michigan State University, I was on a dance team known as MSU Bhangra. Since we competed at national and international competitions, we sought financial help from our community to help pay for our expenses. One of the ways we did that is through Noodles and Co. So, when I was brainstorming ways to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network, Noodles and Co. was one of the first businesses to come to mind. I called the other titleholders at MSU to see if they were interested in doing such a fundraiser with me. There are three of us at MSU: Miss Saginaw County, Miss Tip of the Mitt, and myself. Emily (Miss Tip of the Mitt) and I met with the manager at Noodles and convinced her that we were working for a great cause and that we were determined to help Noodles help us. We promoted the event through Facebook, fliers across campus, and by word-of-mouth. It was so wonderful to see our friends, co-workers, classmates, and even professors come out to support us in our endeavor.

The fundraiser was a success: we raised $237 dollars for the Children's Miracle Network! Emily and I also thought it was touching that a homeless man donated one of those dollars. We didn't feel it was right for us to take it from him, but he insisted we keep it. The benevolence of the human spirit never ceases to amaze me.

Miss Michigan Orientation

Miss Michigan Orientation
Date: March 5, 2011
Location: Holiday Inn, Muskegon, MI

Orientation day was filled with preparations for the pageant (including getting my contestant number: 32 out of 32!), speeches, and dinner. My favorite part of orientation was listening to Katie LaRoche, Miss Michigan, speak. She is a truly inspiring young woman with a heart of gold. There is something that emanates from her that tells me she is one of the most sincere and altruistic people I will ever meet. In the little time I had to talk to her, she and I shared our experiences with Zonta International (an organization of professional women working to advance the status of women worldwide) and the slums of Kibera, Kenya.

Zonta International granted me a scholarship for my commitment to service in 2007. Katie and I both keep in contact with the organization and plan to meet with the Zonta Club of Saginaw for dinner and a meeting in May. When Katie mentioned she had visited Kibera, Kenya, I was so excited to tell her that I organized a group to raise money to support an HIV clinic in Kibera while I was in high school. When I connected with Katie over these things, I knew I was in the right place, with the right organization. I am truly thankful for my experience as a part of the Miss America Organization.

I also enjoyed the car ride to Muskegon and back. My director, Ashley Purdo, and board member, Becky Moore, and I had a lot of good laughs and conversation during our commute. I really appreciate how much fun those ladies add to my experience as Miss Auburn-Midland.

Saginaw Spirit Hockey Game!

Saginaw Spirit vs. Ottawa 67's
Date: February 26th, 2011
Location: Dow Event Center, Saginaw, MI

The Saginaw Spirit media team invited the Miss Michigan Scholarship Organization to make an appearance at a Saginaw Spirit home game. Miss Michigan, Katie LaRoche, and current local title holders were escorted to the ice before the puck drop. Katie, Sydney (Miss Bay County), and I were introduced individually before Katie dropped the puck prior to the start of the game. We also shook hands with the captains of both teams! After the puck drop, we threw t-shirts into the crowd and rooted for the Spirit players. We also signed autographs before the game and during intermission, giving us a chance to tell hockey fans what the MAO is all about.

This event was especially meaningful for me because my dad and nana ji (maternal grandfather in Punjabi) also attended the game. My grandparents have recently returned to India and do not plan on visiting the United States again anytime soon. So, I am not sure when I will see my nana ji again. He said he was proud of my accomplishments, and I will remember that moment with him for life. He also commented on how much reward for success and service there is in America. I think he understood what the Miss America Organization provides for girls like me: 1) a sense of accomplishment and confidence and 2) an opportunity to further pursue our dreams while giving back to our communities. Overall, I had a lot of fun hanging out with my Miss Michigan sisters and interacting with the crowd at this event. I'm so glad I could be a part of it!

Kids' Day at the Midland Mall

Kids' Day
Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Booth 68 at the Midland Mall

Kids' Day is an annual event where there are numerous booths set up inside the Midland Mall for kids to browse. Organizations from around the Midland area and Michigan participate. It's a fun filled day for the kids who get to take part in activities and collect free gifts from the booths! I was situated at booth 68, near Sears. I displayed the poster I made about the Miss America Organization and attracted as many adults and children to the booth as I could. The kids decorated paper crowns with markers and stickers, and Addison (Jr. Miss A-M) and I crowned them.

It was a sweet and simple event but still important. I talked to parents about how wonderful the Miss America Organization is and my unique experience with it so far. I also educated parents about Hurley Hospital being the regional CMN hospital for 15 counties, including Midland. I told the miracle story success of Isaiah Struck, a 3 year old boy from Bangor Township, who on one fateful day last summer, suffered from 2nd and 3rd degree burns after a bonfire accident in his backyard. He was rushed to Hurley Hospital in Flint because Hurley is the regional Burn Center. There he was treated with compassion and quality care, thanks in part to the Children's Miracle Network. CMN gifted him soft toys and blankets on his first day and provided compassionate care such as distraction therapy when he had his dressings changed.

I am so thankful for organizations like the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals that are there for families when crisis hits. It's important for the rest of us to realize that it is because of donations from people like ourselves that these organizations CAN be there for us in the FUTURE in our own time of need, as was the case for the Struck family.

So, as I mentioned earlier, throughout the event, I was busy helping little girls and boys decorate their crowns or talking to people about the organization. I did my best to educate people about CMN and also had a donation canister out. Unfortunately, I only raised $1. The single dollar I raised is pretty special though. It came from a little girl that felt saddened after hearing Isaiah's story. She reached into her own purse and donated the dollar to help other kids like Isaiah. Her compassion for others girls and boys her age reminded me of how innately human it is for us to want to help other people, even at a young age. She also decorated a crown, not for herself, but for her best friend. What a doll!

If you want to change the world, start at home

Woo hoo!

Today, my mom went on the treadmill for 45 minutes of walking. That may not seem like a big deal, but to me it is! As you know, my platform is Tackling Obesity in America. Since I have come home for winter break, I have been pushing my mom to go on our treadmill. So finally, my pushing and her compliance led her to the treadmill. Every day, I'm going to encourage my mom to exercise and eventually, she won't need my pushing and kind reminders because she'll begin to see the benefit and FEEL the difference in her body...afterall, exercise leads to the release of endorphins, which are these wonderful substances produced by the brain during exercise that decrease pain sensation, reduce stress, and produce euphoria. Basically, endorphins produce a (non-addicting) high!

I regularly work out 4 to 5 days a week. So, when my dad saw me continuing this habit at home over break, he became motivated to get a one-year gym membership himself! I am so proud of my dad for not only getting the membership but going to the gym after work a few times last week and this week.

I'm not going to take all the credit for this change in my family, but I like to think I am inspiring my parents to become more active.

I want to add that my mom is incredible. She is an extremely hard working woman and spends most of the day doing things for my family, whether it's cooking every family meal from scratch, taking care of my grandparents (who are currently staying with us), cleaning and organizing the house, working at the hospital, helping my dad at his veterinary clinic...whatever family business you can think of, she's doing it! So, I TOTALLY understand why she doesn't have the energy to workout!!! I believe this is an issue for A LOT of women. Women are still the primary caretakers of the household, leading them to have more responsibilities than their male counterparts. My mom and I talked about this, and I expressed to her that even though I admire her dedication and am EXTREMELY THANKFUL for all the things she does for my family, it would overjoy me to see her dedicate some time for herself.

It's important to spare time for yourself. Health should be everyone's NUMBER ONE priority. We enjoy life the most when we're healthy. We can give more of ourselves to others when we have good health. So, please Moms, take care of your body so you can take care of your children and serve as a good role model for them! Healthy habits start young and parents are the primary role models for their children.

Remember: sound body, sound mind. Goodnight :)

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just finished my last workout for 2010. I'm proud of the physical strength and stamina I have gained this year and look forward to the challenges of 2011. I want to encourage everyone to make "getting fit and living a healthy lifestyle" their new year's DECISION (the term we've been using at Survival Fitness...)

By the way, check out the promotional video for Survival Fitness. It's my workout spot when I'm home from school. It's intense!!!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10100340231754653&oid=365112307550&comments&ref=mf

Santa!

Santa Fest

Date: December 7, 2010

Location: Williams Township Hall, Auburn

I got to see Santa! It had been a few years...

This was a fun event. The girls and I sat at a table next to Santa. While the kids waited in line, they could get our autographs. Sabrina's dad works for a printing company and got these sweet autograph pads made with our pictures on them! You can see them in this picture.

And I had to add this....

Isn't she the sweetest little princess ever? She and I have a lot of fun together.

Midland Santa Parade

Midland Santa Parade

Date: November 20, 2010

Location: Started at Midland High School

My first parade. It was super fun! Thanks to Ashley Purdo (my director) and Becky Moore (board member for Miss A-M) for driving me. Being in the car with Ashley and Becky convinced me a road trip with them would be a blast haha. They're two funny women!

My mom actually made a video, so I don't have too many pictures. Maybe I will try to upload a video later. From the pictures it looks like no one was there, but it was a 3 mile long parade and a lot of people were standing out in the cold to watch the parade. I was happy it wasn't snowing. It was fun interacting with people and hearing the "OOH there's Miss Auburn-Midland!" haha. It felt strange wishing people a Merry Christmas before Thanksgiving though!

Mom and I!

Eat Fish, Save the Tobico Towers!!!!

Date: November 5, 2010
Location: Bay Lanes, Bay City

What are the Tobico Towers you ask? To be honest, I didn't know at first either! But once I did find out, I was delighted to be a part of the fundraising effort.

The Tobico Towers are observation towers at the Tobico Marsh in Bangor Township. They overlook the Saginaw Bay and provide a scenic rest spot along the trail for bicyclists, runners, and walkers. The towers were closed due to safety reasons in 2007. So now, the members of Save Tobico Towers group are working towards raising $70,000 to repair the 30-foot timber towers along the trail.

I was excited to be a part of this movement since it directly related to my platform (Tackling Obesity in America) and benefited Mid-Michigan. I want to encourage everyone to live an active lifestyle, especially including outdoor activities like bicycling, running, and speed-walking...whatever your bodies allow you to do! Our bodies are powerful machines and meant to be used actively on a daily basis. If not, we suffer the consequences: illness (or in other words, feeling less than our best), disease (diabetes, heart disease), and of course, obesity!

So, my part in the effort to restore the towers was to sell 50-50 raffle tickets at the Fish-Fry event hosted by the Save Tobico Towers Group. Sabrina (Miss Auburn-Midland Outstanding Teen), Aubrey (Little Miss Auburn-Midland) and I pulled out the winner of the raffle every hour, and I started selling tickets all over again. We worked the entire time, and I was happy to see people buying multiple tickets each hour. Overall, it was an excellent turn out!

Here's a link to the whole story with a picture of the towers: http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2010/11/save_tobico_towers_group_hosti.html

Also, the Lions Club blogged about the event and included pictures, too. Check it out: http://awlions.blogspot.com/2010/11/lionheart.html

My First Event

The Children's Miracle Network Walk-a-Thon

Place: Hurley Hospital in Flint, MI

Date: October 31, 2010

I raised money for the Children's Miracle Network Statewide Walk-a-Thon and donated at the time of the event. *I especially want to thank the medical students in my class that donated money! I'm glad to be part of the generous CHM Class of 2014.*

Other queens were present, and we all visited children at the hospital. We handed them Halloween masks that one of the moms had made and just talked to them to lighten their moods. I really enjoyed it. When I visited the kids, I became more inspired to go into a pediatric specialty in whichever area of medicine I eventually enter into...

I was also able to physically see part of what the Children's Miracle Network does for these sick children. Thanks to CMN, the play room is AWESOME. It is beautifully painted with an underwater theme and has 3 large screen TVs for video games, lots of toys, boardgames, etc. Having those things really makes it more like home for the kids that have to spend part of their precious childhoods in the hospital.

Also, I met Drew Foster! He is a big champion of the Children's Miracle Network and his family does a lot for CMN and the Miss America Organization.

Sabrina (Miss A-M Outstanding Teen) and I with Drew:

Ice Cream Cake Celebration!

When we went home after the pageant, my parents and I, along with our dog Laila, all celebrated! MMMMM icecream cake! Photography credits to my dad who isn't in these pictures :/

Crowning Moments

I was crowned Miss Auburn-Midland on October 16, 2010. It was one of the best days of my life. No exaggeration.