Angela Laird is a student, a CSA, a sister and still finding time to participate in competing for the title of Miss Sonoma County 2012. With all the responsibility on her plate, she still finds time to grace Sonoma State campus with integrity, friendship and an overwhelming positivity that inspires all around her. She is consistently found smiling with bright, fresh eyes despite juggling a schedule that would run a weaker soul straight to the ground. Her presence is demanded not only with her residents and among her sisters but also within the community as she reaches for one her most noble dreams, to obtain the title of Miss Sonoma County.
The Miss Sonoma County Pageant is a preliminary pageant that precedes the Miss California and Miss America pageants, which gives young women an opportunity to further scholarship and support awareness of platform issues. Laird exudes a grace that is uncompromised by her challenging schedule; despite her time commitments she found a couple of spare minutes to chat with me as I asked about her secrets to doing it all. Laird first admits one of her key secrets to success; investing in a planner.
“It’s nice to get everything that you need to do down on paper. When you finish a task, you have the joy of crossing it off,” said Laird. Laird also keeps a journal that helps her keep track of inspirational quotes and her goals that help remind her of why she is making this journey.
“It’s nice to have a support system of people that care about you and your goals,” said Laird. “It’s okay if you make a mistake- it’s not the end of the world.”
Laird and the other contestants have been working hard and practicing for the pageant scheduled on March 3rd at the Spreckels theatre in Rohnert Park. Laird confesses that she’s more excited than nervous for her favorite part of the competition; the talent portion of the show. “I am so excited to perform a vocal performance of the song ‘Big and Loud,’” said Laird. As the pageant gets closer, Laird doesn’t lose sight of her aspirations or focus.
“It is important to pay attention to the news, stay hydrated, and not to stress out too much,” said Laird.
In the Miss America Organization, Talent is worth 35% of your score and Interview is worth 25%, overall accounting for over half of the competition. Laird believes that the most preparation goes into the interview portion of the competition.
As the weeks press on, all the contestants continue to prepare and publicize the event in order to fill the Spreckels theatre with supporters. Tickets are on sale for $20 and can be purchased by calling the Spreckels Performing Arts Center at (707) 588-3400.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Sonoma chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.