"Why Is This Happening?"

Hi Everyone!

It's already July? Sure there were fireworks and the temperature did increase to a sweltering ninety degrees but still....doesn't really feel like July. Maybe my mind is stuck in June because it was so out-of-control amazing!

First things first, Miss Ohio week:

As always Miss Ohio week was a great experience! I remember, as a volunteer, hearing that the contestants had a great time making new friends and building skills that they would need for life. However, I always wondered if they were just feeding me a large portion of bologna. Now, I can say that I know for sure they were being truly honest. The friendships that I made last year at Miss Ohio strengthened, new friendships formed and the support from other contestants was overwhelming throughout our time in Mansfield. This group of women were wonderful with extraordinary goals and aspirations; every single one was an inspiration. I had a great week personally as well. I was confident with my interview, felt strong and proud in swimsuit (I ran over 100 miles from May to June!), believed I was beautiful and poised in evening gown, articulate in my on-stage question and graceful during talent. I preformed to the best of my ability and I was really comfortable with the competition portion of the week. Before I knew it, all the preliminaries were complete and all of us were lining up to finish up Friday night's show, little did I know this was merely the beginning of my night! I walked away with five scholarship awards Friday night!!! YAHHHOOOO!!! The winnings were totally unexpected (by the third award I was shouting, "why is this happening to me?!") but I was thrilled to say the least! I was the recipient of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood Style Award, Mina O'Guinn Award, Americanism Essay Award, Miss Ohio Community Service Award and for the second year, The Children's Miracle Network Miracle Maker Award. All of these scholarships totaled up to $1,900! On finals night I was excited to see great girls announced into the Top Ten and thrilled to have such an outstanding Top Five. I was c-o-m-p-l-e-t-e-l-y taken back when I won the non-finalist interview award making my overall scholarship total $3,400!! Overall I had such a great time with my favorite girls and won a ton of scholarship money! I am so excited for Miss Ohio 2011, Becky Minger, a former resident of the Warholic home and my Alpha Phi sister! I know that she will be a great representative for Ohio and delegate at Miss America! She deserves every bit of this success! By the way, just to make things clear those girls were definitely not feeding me a ton of bologna.

Next up, Orientation Training and First B-W Summer Orientation:
I was lucky enough to be selected, out of around 80 applicants, as a Baldwin-Wallace Summer Orientation Leader with 15 other students. I left for Berea the Tuesday after Miss Ohio to start "training" and had the best time ever getting to know the other orientation leaders. It was absolutely amazing to see a group of people so diverse and unique come together and be the best of friends. We got to play Whirly Ball, which I suggest everyone try at least once, learn more about Baldwin-Wallace and improve teamwork, communication and other life skills. We concluded with our first summer orientation. All of us got to meet around 200 of B-W's new, incoming students. I cannot wait for the next orientation and for the class of 2014 to be completely welcomed onto campus!

Then, The Continental Cup:
Caitlin Sutter, my friend and sorority sister, is one of the summer interns for The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and asked me months ago to attend the Continental Cup: International Soccer Tournament. She asked me to bring some pictures and myself and just be ready to sign some autographs and enjoy the opening ceremonies. However, this event was SO much more! I arrived to see tons of kids and young adults running around in their soccer jerseys and lots of vendors. 3,400 kids and their families from all over the world were at John Carroll University participating in this huge soccer tournament. I met kids from Italy, Canada, Barbados, India, Boston, Baltimore and a thousand more places (including Wadsworth where they knew my cousin, Connor and Iowa where they knew my friend from high school, Trisha!) and they all wanted my autograph (I promise I am not exaggerating, these kids thought I was SO cool!) We took pictures, I signed autographs and we talked about which Silly Bandz were the best. I had such a wonderful time and I am really grateful to have been invited to such a fun and unique event!

Next, The Ontario Fourth of July Festival:
I have been attending this festival since it's revival several years ago. There is nothing like being home with your good friends, enjoying some fair food, summertime and Independence Day and this year I was invited to participate in the festivities! Laura Russell, Miss Mansfield and Miss North Central Executive Director and Ontario Fourth of July Festival Committee Member, asked me to be involved in the parade and a short autograph signing at the festival. I obviously accepted and was really excited to see some of my favorite friends from Miss Ohio week and hometown friends and fans! Meggie Wittman, Sarah Hider, Amber Bussa, Heather Wells, Marissa Bucheit, Miss Ohio 2011, Becky Minger, Miss Ontario, Jess Burdette and I had a blast playing some games and winning Zac Efron posters! The day finished with some of the best fireworks I have ever seen and a bowl of homemade ice cream! Perfect ending to a fabulous Fourth of July!

Now:
I will be working for the rest of the summer completing a few more summer orientations and the Weekend of Welcome as an Orientation Leader along with babysitting my favorite eleven year old, Lauren. Also, I will be preparing for Alpha Phi recruitment in the fall since I was elected Vice President of Recruitment in the spring. In addition, I will be getting ready for my final year at Baldwin-Wallace and planning for the future, which is the most bittersweet experience ever.

I am really excited for the upcoming year but am also so blessed to have had the opportunities I have had this past year.

Thank You's:
All of my accomplishments this year would not have been possible without these people: Lynda David, the most giving and fun woman I know! Sylvia and Harvey Jensen, the best executive directors! Phyllis Zahn and Ann Brown, the best chaperone and home hostess! The Jacubik's, what would I do without the support of the Hooty-Hoot Club? Emily and Lora Pheils, I will always appreciate your support, thanks Mom! Abby, Ally, Chris and Shelly, you made my week so enjoyable, relaxing and fun! I can't wait for Abby to take me to West Virginia! Nanci Kenith, that style award is thanks to you and your hoop earring selection! Rachel Foore, for helping me so much and being a huge support! FCCLA, the Berea Children's Home and all the other organizations I have worked with over the year, I am so appreciative of your support and your causes! Mr. Buker and family, Dr. Kathy Conderato, Salon Vivace and Bridal and Formalwear by Bee, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! All the volunteers at Miss Ohio week, you made the week an amazing experience and I am so thankful for all your hard work! Toni Shaum, Lindsey Ward, Nicole Carlone, Sarah Spiker, Ashlee Frazee, Scott Sika (I have a button with your name on it!) and all the other friends and family that came to support me, thank you for being the best fan club ever! To all the others I know I have forgotten, thank you, I am truly blessed to have you in my life and all that you have done is appreciated! And above all else, my family! Mom, Dad and David your opinions are invaluable, your support is unmatched and your love, faith and belief in me is unwavering and I will never be able to fully express my appreciation for that.

Enjoy the sunshine and (although I am getting tired of hearing about it too) keep your fingers crossed that Lebron stays at home.

Peace, Love and Happiness
Ashley