As a Lowcountry South Carolinian, I have had the opportunity to live in all three sections of our beautiful state: the Lowcountry, the Midlands and the Upstate. Many have enjoyed amazing experiences living in our state since South Carolina has so much to offer — a rich past, a bustling economy, and stunning landscapes. But unlike most people, I traveled and lived in various places across our state wearing a crown, with rhinestones.
Welcome to my journey serving our state as an ambassador, as a Miss America Contestant, or more specifically, as Miss South Carolina. It was not the crown that made the difference on my journey across our Palmetto State. There were wonderful people who were my teachers along the way, coupled with experiences that opened my eyes to unlimited opportunities. No doubt there is much physical beauty to celebrate throughout the state of South Carolina, but my journey led to more than places of beauty; I learned lessons from experiences I could have ever imagined.
If I were to describe our state, it would be a combination of history, commerce, and beauty. For a grand tour of South Carolina, Johns Island is where my journey would begin, since it was my first home. Only a thirty minute drive from historic downtown Charleston, it is a magical island surrounded by salt marshes, winding creeks, and magnificent live oak trees. My next stop would be the Midlands, where sandy soil transitions into red clay; this is South Carolina’s hub for state government. Finally I would travel to the Upstate, known for rolling hills and majestic mountains. This section of South Carolina is the home for many foreign investors. In fact, part of the Upstate is known as the Charlanta megaregion because it is positioned between Charlotte and Atlanta. This strip on the I-85 corridor produces more than one trillion dollars in economic output.
My childhood on Johns Island was filled with adventures. I explored dirt roads, swam in Abbapoola Creek, and bogged up to my knees in pluff mud. This 84 square mile island is the fourth largest on the Southeastern coast, and it offered plenty of opportunity for a child’s imagination to soar.
My father was a tomato farmer and every summer, for a few weeks, our lives were filled with harvesting cucumbers and tomatoes. We prayed for ample rainfall without the devastating effects of a freak hail storm, limited heat, and a strong market. It was not a one-man show but rather a group effort consisting of folks from all races coming together to help my father’s farm operate. I observed hard work and “heart work” with a common goal that the Johns Island’s vegetable growers would have a successful tomato season. It was 9 months of preparation for a harvest that lasted only 3 weeks. According to several of the remaining farmers on Johns Island, we fed the entire United States fresh tomatoes during the month of June. Everyone who worked on the farm took pride in what Johns Island farmers called the “money crop.” It was a beautiful sight — truck after truck loaded with vine-ripened tomatoes traveling to the packing shed for transport across the country.
When a new crop of produce brokers took charge and state-of-the-art technology was adopted, Daddy changed with the times. So what did I learn? Prepare, produce, and pick. If you want to be successful, prepare. With the right systems in place, you can produce an amazing crop. And then the time is right, pick or harvest that crop at least three times. In other words, make the most of the harvest.
I had no idea that the Miss America experience was in my future, but as I look back, I understand how the law of the harvest was a powerful tool that prepared me for my walk on that iconic Miss America stage. I even gained the courage to wear a swimsuit, which is not only revealing but one of the most challenging phases of competition. But I did it, not to show off any part of my physical appearance but because I considered it an accomplishment from the hard work that resulted from running down dirt roads while being chased by John Deere tractors. Just like all of the ingredients necessary for growing a prize-winning crop of tomatoes, if you work hard, prepare, and pray for the right conditions, you can enjoy an amazing harvest.
I learned the most about my abilities while living in South Carolina’s capitol city of Columbia. I was a struggling student academically, but I knew I could conquer my college years; after all, I was a farm girl and we don’t quit. I learned how to be a leader and how to organize my life to be productive. The reward was immense. I worked in the office of the governor during my college years and loved being in the presence of the great minds who led our state. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that iron sharpens iron, so if you want to be an outstanding person, associate with outstanding people. This is true for any arena in life, but my personal experience was pivotal to my becoming our state’s ambassador.
The Upstate of South Carolina is where I lived after being crowned Miss South Carolina. I loved the beautiful mountains of the region, and I understood why my parents referred to the folks who live in the Upstate as “up-the-country people.” I was welcomed with open arms and honestly lived my dream. I actually had the choice to live anywhere in the state of South Carolina, but I wanted to experience the Upstate and become acquainted with the endearing folks who live in that region. I had the time of my life. If not making appearances or singing at various events, I loved exploring waterfalls and mountain trails and rummaging through hidden country stores.
It was a blessing — no, a gift — to experience all three sections of our amazing Palmetto State. My Miss South Carolina crown now rests in a mahogany armoire, but oh my, if it could only talk … Every rhinestone in that crown represents the story of people, of places. Our marvelous Palmetto State represents a crown of jewels I cherish that will shine in my heart forever.
