From Introvert to Beauty Queen: My Story

As ironic as it may seem for a reigning queen to admit, I was a very shy and introverted little girl who wanted nothing to do with strangers.  As an only child, I didn’t encounter the sibling rivalry that causes some children to stand up and fight for their rights.  I remember being curious but of all new experiences. I remember cowering behind my mother’s leg when a sales clerk would ask me my name.  My favorite memories were spending summers with my Grammy and Papa.  My grandparents also pushed me to try new things.  My Papa challenged my spirit by engaging my imagination. I have fond memories of invented sword fights using empty paper towel tubes.  As I grew up I was more outgoing, but was still tentative about new activities.  After signing up for gymnastics at age 10, I spent the first 45-minute session sitting in the car, too nervous to actually go inside and attend the class.  I am pleased to have overcome this initial shyness with time and experience, but I definitely retain traits of an introvert and re-charge my batteries with activities of solitude such as immersing myself in my artwork.

My elementary and middle school years were a combination of the usual awkwardness associated with the “tween” years and facing the difficulty of a parent with severe depression at home.   I have quietly tucked away the goofy school photos that exposed braces, glasses and a slick backed bangs of the too tight ponytail.  Even worse the months of wearing a heart monitor while the doctor tried to diagnose a varying heart rhythm that would cause bouts of both fainting and the inability to catch my breath.  My fragile self-esteem was tested by having to walk on eggshells due to my father’s unpredictable behavior.  When these emotions were too much for me to handle, I retreated to safety of my room and released these unspoken emotions into the pages of a journal both through words and pictures.

By the time I entered high school, a new Krista was slowly emerging; having discovered that new experiences offered great rewards, I embraced many activities.  Competitive cheerleading which combines tumbling, stunts and traditional cheer, provided an opportunity for developing self-discipline, a feeling of accomplishment and a sister-like camaraderie.  Traveling to national competitions developed my sense of adventure and leadership skills to the point that I served as captain of the squad.  My leadership skills were further developed as I attended the statewide leadership Summit.  I discovered my gift of empathy and served as a peer mentor, with a self-realized understanding that my past emotional trauma could allow me to serve and understand the emotional needs of others. 

After winning a presidential scholarship to Drake University, I began my college years fully charged with the goal of pursuing psychology and expanding my wings.  While in college I continued to cheer for the Drake Bulldogs, a Cinderella basketball team that won the conference title and competed in the NCAA tournaments – Go Big Blue!  During that event I was selected to co-host an ESPN spotlight.  I also joined a sorority that was instrumental in helping me realize the importance of volunteering.  During these years I also began to un-ravel the tangle of emotions brought on by a difficult relationship with my Father.  I was able to separate the person from the illness and as he began to heal through counseling, our family was reunited. It took me a very long time to gain understanding and finally forgiveness, but day by day, our relationship was progressing in a positive direction.

While volunteering with abused and neglected children my passion to help others was fine-tuned.  I believe that God finally answered my prayers for guidance.  I know that my past emotional struggles, artistic talents and feeling of compassion for abused children are God-given gifts designed to help my live a life in which I can help other reach their full potential.  My education is not complete, as I intend to pursue a Master of Psychology with the goal of becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in Art therapy.   After securing the title of Miss Minnesota International I was offered the position of Healing Arts Spokesperson for the International Child Art Foundation, serving the emotional needs of children who have survived nature disasters.

I never imagined that the shy, little girl who loved to draw her feelings would one day be given the opportunity to serve as Miss International 2012.  I know that this experience will enrich my ability to heal the hearts of children as I travel to promote the healing power of creative expression.

“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Proverbs 3:3-4

Yours most gratefully,

Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012

It's All In The Name!

C- Creative. I have always had a love for drawing and painting. Luckily, my mom is very supportive. She even lets me paint quotes on my walls! You can always find an assortment of paint pens in my purse, which comes in handy because on the first day of school my friends always ask me to personalize their notebooks.

A- Ambitious. From a young age, I have set my dreams extremely high. Since birth, my life goal has been to become a super star. I performed concerts and fashion shows for my family when I was younger. During my first dance recital, I put my tutu on my head, turned with my bottom to the audience, and performed my own rendition of “Oh, You Beautiful Doll”. Needless to say, it was NOT a ballet dance. Although I still love to have household fashion shows, my career goals have somewhat changed. I hope to become an anesthesiologist so I can keep patients comfortable and calm before, during, and after their procedures.

R- Reading. I am most definitely a “book worm”. My Nana began reading to me when I was a baby, and I have loved books ever since. Whether I am curled up with a mystery book or my latest favorite...The Hunger Games trilogy, nothing makes me feel more relaxed!

O- Outgoing. I never meet a stranger! I believe that an effective communicator is someone who is comfortable with themselves. When you are not afraid to speak to others, it makes them feel empowered to do the same.

L- Lifetime. My grandmother and I love to have sleepovers and stay up all night watching Lifetime movies and shows. I have a feeling that tradition will last for many years to come!

I- Intelligent. Academia is definitely my area of excellence. Although I may not have to study much, I cannot hit a softball to save my life. Luckily, my Miracle League Buddies don’t seem to mind that I am athletically challenged.

N- Nurturing. This is definitely a trait that I learned from my mother. When my first brother was born, I would sleep under his crib so I could fix his bottles and “dress him up” in the mornings. I have carried my role as “big sister” with me throughout life, and I love to help others.

E- Excited. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would become the next Miss Teen International. I know that God has amazing plans for me throughout this year, and I cannot wait to share my journey with you all!

Best wishes,

Caroline Crowley
Miss Teen International 2012

My Story, My Life

If we were introduced when I was a little girl, I would have told you I was a figure skater. As the youngest of six children in a small town in Minnesota, I grew up skating on the outdoor ice rink next to the elementary school and the pond that my father flooded on our property for all the kids in the neighborhood to enjoy. By the time I was 12, my parents were driving me 100 miles round trip to the skating lessons and through my teenage years my father woke me at 3:45am daily so I could skate from 5:30 to 7:30am before school.

As a competitive skater who turned professional at the age of 20, I learned discipline, perseverance, as well as, physical and psychological control. It was also through competitive skating that I learned how to be a good competitor, which has served me well in my professional life and pageantry. We can only control ourselves; therefore, competing is about being our best and being willing to accept the results as interpreted by those with whom we are willing to be judged.

If we were introduced when I was in my twenties, I would have told you I was an entrepreneur who understands the incredible responsibility and privilege associated with employing people and building a business. Growing up in a small family owned company, I knew enough to be dangerous. Between my junior and senior year at a liberal arts college, majoring in Psychology with a plan to become a Sports Psychologist, I elected to complete an independent study for a communications credit that introduced a new and innovative product to the construction industry. The result was the founding of Simplex Construction Supplies, Inc., a national award winning construction products company, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary on July 21, 2012.

If we were introduced in my thirties, I would have told you I was a burn survivor. In 1994, I chartered a helicopter to fly over a construction site. I survived a horrific helicopter crash, but not without enduring severe burns to 40% of my body when the helicopter exploded while I was still belted inside. Today, I am proud to serve as an Officer on the National Board of Trustees for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, as a trained volunteer for Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) program, and as an international speaker for the American Burn Association, the World Burn Congress, and various community groups.

If we were introduced today, I would tell you I am a graduate of Harvard Business School, who treasures the friendships forged with classmates who made the cultural experience every bit as important as the academic challenge. I am married to the love of my life Joseph and we have an adorable Maltese dog named Tonka. We live in an historic former flour mill built in the 1800’s along the banks of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony falls in downtown Minneapolis. And last but certainly not least, it is with great humility, that I share with you that I am honored and blessed to represent accomplished and generous married women from around the world as Mrs. International 2012!

With love and gratitude,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012