Farewell- The End of One Chapter, The Beginning of Another

Below is my farewell that was recorded for my final moments as Miss Colorado USA 2019. But before we get into the Farewell (hopefully I can get the audio version too) let’s get into how I was feeling.

In early September, I didn’t really know how I would handle giving up the title of Miss Colorado USA, after-all, this was something I had been working towards for 8 years. I didn’t know if I would be a brat about it or if I would handle the passing of my title gracefully.

The best thing I did to prepare for my farewell and passing of my title wasn’t something I did for myself or with any knowledge that it would help me. In September, I went to watch Addie, Miss Wyoming USA 2019, give up her title. It was after Miss Wyoming USA prelims that I realized my heart was bursting at the seams for a new Miss Wyoming USA to be crowned. I was absolutely ecstatic for another young woman to join the sisterhood, and experience all of the things that my Miss USA sisters and I got to experience. I knew in that moment, that when my time would come, I would give up my title, thank everyone, and be so happy for whomever the new Miss Colorado USA would be.

I think the hardest thing about giving up your title, isn’t the actual giving it up part. I think it’s the ‘What’s Next’ question. Everyone always asks what’s next because I guess in some weird way there’s a perception that Miss Colorado USA is a paid position or the only thing that you’re doing; both of which are completely untrue. Some facts you may have not known about my year as Miss Colorado USA, I worked an average of 80 hours a week, worked out for 2+ hours a day, taught Pure Barre, created this online community through my blog and Instagram, all in addition to my Miss Colorado duties.... to say I had a busy schedule is an understatement. Now that I’m done with my reign as Miss Colorado USA, none of my work duties will be changing. I do have some super fun stuff planned, but that we will be keeping off the internet for a while. ;)

Miss Colorado USA 2019 Farewell

 It was just a year ago that I stood on this stage overflowing with gratitude, as a dream I had been chasing for 8 years finally came true. In that moment, I knew my life would never be the same. This past year has been the most challenging and rewarding year of my life.

As Miss Colorado USA I tried to attend as many events as I could and  connect with as many people as possible. I will miss the opportunity this platform gave me to reach a wider audience and touch more lives.

I would not have been able to win Miss Colorado USA or make it through this year without so many people.

 To all of my Future Productions sisters, thank you. I know I will stay in touch with every one of you, and I couldn’t have imagined this journey without you.

To all of the support I received from the businesses in Lamar throughout my years of competing for the title of Miss Colorado USA, I financially couldn’t have done this without any of you, and I am forever grateful for your support.

To Morgan Presley Dental, Sonata Aesthetics, Core Progression, Bombshell Fitness, Salon Orea, Marguite, and Kari Kisch, thank you for making me feel and look my best for the Miss USA stage.

To the Future Productions staff, it’s been an absolute pleasure, and thank you for this opportunity. Skylar, thank you for all you have done throughout my reign. You made a huge impact on my time as Miss Colorado USA, and on my life as a whole. I am incredibly blessed that this experience cultivated a friendship between us.

Sydney, it was so fun to share this journey with you. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

To my best friends and the best support group around, Gab, you’ve been here since day 1, through all the highs and lows; you have always been there for me in every moment. Thank you for being you, and thank you for being a huge part of my life. Hannah, I don’t think I would’ve won Miss Colorado USA without you. Thank you for recording my walking practice for hours, reminding to be myself, helping me move out to Miss USA, and everything you constantly do for me. Denton, you’re the only person I know who would fly to Reno for the finals of Miss USA, celebrate with me until the early am, then fly back for work the next day at 6am. Thank you for being as dedicated to work and my dreams as I am. Whitney, Tommy, and Kerry thank you for the constant unconditional support and love. I wouldn’t be here without you all.

Logan, Wynter, Jackie, Willow, and Harlow, I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride. Wynter, I probably would’ve given up on this dream years ago if you hadn’t reminded me that I was enough, and had what it takes to do this- you were right. Jackie, Willow, and Harlow, I am your biggest fan and I love you so much.

Mom and Dad, I am so grateful that I am your daughter, and that you raised me to be an independent, strong willed woman. Thank you for talking to me on the phone every day, for keeping me in check, and always supporting my wildest dreams. I hope you’re ready for the next adventure.

To all of you competing today, please remember this is only the beginning. A different day, a different judge, a different outcome. You’ve already accomplished more than some people do in their entire lives, let that drive you into your future.

To my successor, take this year and make it yours. Enjoy every moment, and do as much as you can for this title and this program. You will make Colorado so proud.

 As for me, I look forward to hustling in my career, building an online presence in the lifestyle space, and working with the amazing organizations that I have worked with over the past year.

For the final time, I am Madison Dorenkamp your Miss Colorado USA 2019.

XO,

Madison Dorenkamp