Why Miss South Dakota?

Being born and raised in Minnesota, I get this question a lot "Why Miss South Dakota?"

Have you ever visited a place and thought "this is where I want to spend the rest of my life?" In high school, most of my classmates would visit well known cities such as Paris and Rome, I even visited there myself. They would return saying that they could live there their whole life. I returned grateful for the knowledge that I had gained, but ready for an American burger and shake. Where I am going with this is when I was sixteen, my family traveled to South Dakota for a family vacation. It was gorgeous! I loved seeing the magnificent badlands and the historic Mount Rushmore. Not to mention the beautiful landscape of Sylvan Lake. But honestly my favorite part was all the cows on the drive through the state, and also the buffalo (I tried real hard to convince my parents to get buffalo after our trip.)

Notice my "I <3 Buffalo Shirt" :) from our trip to SD in 2010.

Where I was born and raised was my parents decision, and yes, I thank my parents for raising me in Minnesota, it was a great up bringing. However, where I go to college and spend the rest of my life is my choice. And there is no where I would rather obtain my education and eventually raise my cows and kids. It is a state that is devoted to supporting its number one industry, Agriculture. It also provides such a great environment for businesses to grow and develop. Of course, it is also home to my beloved South Dakota State University and that is a big vote in its favor. Lastly, the people of South Dakota are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. The feeling of neighborly love is so strong in this state, as I have seen so much in my three years living here.

They say "home is where the presets on your radio are." My home has been Brookings, SD for three years and I hope I will call South Dakota home for many, many more years.

(Sorry Mom, Dad and family, hope you like Highway 14.)