Welcome to my blog! My name is Liza Gill and I am the current Miss Auburn-Midland. I first became interested in entering the pageant world this past summer because of the scholarship opportunity (I'm a first year medical student at Michigan State University...so I could definitely use the money!!!). When I read more about the Miss America Organization, I wasn't just interested...l fell in love! I quickly realized aspiring to become Miss America would complement my life in so many ways! Most of all, it will help me reach my dream of becoming a compassionate physician and a positive role model for young girls.

My personal platform is Tackling Obesity in America. Americans are becoming bigger and bigger, and bigger isn't always better... I'll talk more about this in my posts...

I want you to know that I am EXTREMELY excited for this opportunity and ready to give back to the region, state, and country that has given me so much! Follow me on this blog and please help me in my efforts to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network (partner of the Miss America Organization) and fight against the rising prevalence of obesity in our country.

*To DONATE to CMN, please click on my link on the left that says "Donate to Children's Miracle Network". Then click the "Donate Now!" button*

Saturday, May 7, 2011

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.
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