Social Media

Let me start by saying that social media and I are in a love/hate relationship. It has completely changed the way we communicate with each other. It’s a brilliant and easy way to connect with people from all walks of life and all over the world, but have we become too wrapped up in the online world?

I love my Instagram. I love to take pictures, look at pictures, and edit pictures so it’s by far my favorite social media network. If I let myself I could spend hours on this one site and never get bored. This is the down side to social media. Yes, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and every other site out there are all wonderful assets to have, especially if you are involved within an organization, but we have to limit how long we are spending on these networks.

The online world isn’t real life. While it’s a great way to keep in touch with friends, family, and your community it simply isn’t real life. So many people have become impersonal when on the internet and often ponder saying or posting something that they would never say or do in the real world.

We live in a fast paced world where we immediately know when something has happened and we are constantly being hammered with new information. In this crazy mesh of ideas and news, we have to stay grounded.

As hard as this may sound, let’s set our phones down, log off the computers, and turn off the Tvs‘. Let’s talk with each other face to face! Let’s go outside and get active together! We are the only ones who can keep our bodies healthy so don’t be a couch potato!

With this said I challenge you to log off of this computer and go spend time with your family and friends. Go outside! Have fun! Live the healthy life you want to live!

Love,
Haley

Osseo Senior High School Student Inspires Thousands

I was so inspired to read this article about a student from my alma mater – Osseo High School.  Senior Kevin Curwick, turns the table on bullying by using social media to spread message rather negativity.  Since we know cyber bullying is such a large issue for many young people, I knew it was important to share Kevin’s story with all of you.

After noticing negative messages about fellow Osseo students on Twitter, Curwick “decided to bring out the positives instead of the negatives in people” by creating @OsseoNiceThings, which highlights accomplishments, talents and positive attributes.

As a result Curwick has received national attention include an invitation for interviews with Ryan Seacrest, the Today Show and others.  Many people protest against bullying and say it needs to be stopped.  Curwick says, “But those are usually are just words.  A lot of time bullying is fraught with negatively and eventually you have to try something different.”  His Osseo Nice Things campaign has inspired many students across the nation to set up similar twitter accounts that are focused on highlighting the positives in people.  By the end of last week, he went from 120 followers to 2500.  I think I will join too!

There is always time to do the right the thing is proven by Curwick.  Even though he is finishing his final year in high school, serves as president of the National Honor roll student and captain of both the football and Nordic ski team, is a member of Junior Rotarians and rep at the North West Suburban Leadership Conference; Curwick still makes time to make a difference.  As pageant contestants, we all aspire to change our communities for the better. Curwick has certainly accomplished that.  If I was the director of a “Man-geant,” he would be my king!

All kidding aside, I am so proud to be an Osseo alum and associated with such a mature young man.  I would like to challenge all of my readers and international pageant sisters to checkout @OsseoNiceThings or to start a similar campaign of positivity in your our community.

Links:
http://www.kare11.com/news/article/986868/391/Football-player-beats-cyber-bullies-at-own-game?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Cbc%7Clarge

http://twitter.com/OsseoNiceThings

Krista Wanous

Social Responsibility

Social media is one of the best things to happen for the Mrs. International Pageant.  Facebook gives us the chance to share photos and keep up on the strides each title holder is able to achieve to make a difference.  Twitter provides real-time updates in a news format.  And then there is Pinterest, to share designers fashions, successful fundraising ideas and news articles.   With all these great resources to share everything you are doing with the crown, the one thing to remember is personal safety and the safety of your loved ones.   

I recently received an update on social responsibility that I wanted to share with you all.  Two (2) key items to remember are to (1) be mysterious, and (2) mix it up.  As a titleholder, you can find yourself with stalkers who like to follow your every move without your knowledge.  How can you throw them off their game?  You can alter the times when you post information on Facebook and Twitter.  For example, if you are going out of town for an appearance, it may be best to wait until after the appearance to share it online.  Time and time again there are cases of homes being broken into because of information posted online, especially when you “check-into” locations with Four Square and other apps.   

Being a titleholder in today’s society is a blessing.  You have so many more opportunities to spread your message, fundraise and help others.  Just be sure to keep your wits about you.  If you ever have a doubt about sharing information, just hold onto it, and share it after the appearance is complete.  This will protect you and those you love, plus you can still share all the wonderful things you are doing as a titleholder. 

Janet Bolin