It’s been hard to describe the feelings and emotions I’ve felt the past 48 hours, as nothing ever seems to equate to the amount of happiness I feel in my heart. Becoming Miss New Mexico USA has not only been a dream of mine but something that I have been incredibly passionate about for so many years. My “Why I want to be Miss New Mexico USA” is something that has evolved and changed tremendously over the past 10 years and there are several different reasons this title, this honor, this privilege, and this once in a lifetime opportunity means EVERYTHING to me.
Being Miss New Mexico USA means more to me than just a crown, more than a year of incredible experiences, and even more than going to Miss USA. Of course, I’m looking forward to all of those things and I will surely cherish every single moment however, to me winning this title was about giving people hope. Inspiring them to have unrelenting faith that things will work out, and proving that you can achieve your dream if you never give up. I could have easily walked away every year after placing runner up time and time again, but I knew that if I was given the opportunity to represent my state, I would take it and run with it. I knew that I would work tirelessly to leave a lasting legacy and inspire as many people as I possibly could with the 365 days I had as Miss New Mexico USA. It wasn’t an easy road, and let me just say that at times there was a lot of heart-ache. Anyone who has ever competed knows how much hard work goes into competing but if you continue to persist and persevere, one day it will happen and in that moment it will ALL be worth it!As all of the state pageants come to close, I know there are hundreds of girls across the country who are feeling defeated and disappointed. I have been in your shoes so many times before, but please don’t feel hopeless. I absolutely would not be the woman I am today if I hadn’t competed in pageants. There is so much to gain and learn from pageantry that you can’t learn anywhere else. To be able to walk confidently into a room and know exactly who you are and what you stand for- and love yourself for that is beautiful thing. No one will EVER be able to take that away from you. I will forever be grateful to the Miss Universe Organization for instilling the true meaning of being “Confidently Beautiful” in me. Whether you’re competing in pageants or just chasing a dream, hold the vision and trust the process. You have to always remember that hard work will always out work talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence and determination!
There are so many people I have to thank for getting me here. My heart is filled to the brim with gratitude because I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am today without every person who has been a part of this journey. The amount support I’ve received each year has just been absolutely incredible and I am always so taken back. A simple thank you doesn’t feel like enough, but I just hope you all know much each and every one of you mean to me.And New Mexico, THANK YOU!!!!!!! I am honored and humbled to represent you. I am so ready for this year!!! My time has come and I know exactly what I want to do with the title of Miss New Mexico USA and I cannot wait to see how this year unfolds.Stay tuned and hold on tight because this is about to be the adventure of a lifetime!Xoxo,Ashley MoraMiss New Mexico USA 2017
So proud of you sweetie. Congratulations! It has been an honor and a blessing to watch you follow your dreams since I met you when you were in 5th grade! I know that Rebecca is looking down and smiling with such pride in your accomplishments. JBMS!
ReplyDeleteL8ve ya, Momma M