About Me
- Emma L. Gilbert
- Northampton, Massachusetts, United States
- I am a 23-year-old aspiring New Media Journalist. Currently I am studying Communication and Theater at Holyoke Community College. I will be attending The University of Massachusetts in Amherst in the Spring of 2012. I plan to continue my studies in Communication and Broadcast Journalism. After completion of my Bachelor's degree from The University of Massachusetts I plan on attending Emerson College in Boston to achieve my Masters of Communication. I am currently employed at the Historic Hotel Northampton in both The Calvin Coolidge Park Cafe and The Wiggins Tavern Restaurant, where I am a waitress and bartender. I have had the amazing opportunity of meeting people from all over the world. As a local titleholder in the Miss America Organization, I will be competing for the title of "Miss Massachusetts 2011" this July in Worcester! Don't forget to check back and follow my adventures as Miss Western Massachusetts 2011. I look forward to meeting many new friends, raising money, and creating memories to last a lifetime! Check out www.MissMass.org for more details on this amazing organization!
Endings and New Beginnings
I was devastated to find out that my first time competing for Miss East Longmeadow, would also be my last. With the Jaycees families growing, their ability to dedicate a large amount of time to running the pageant successfully became less possible. They announced that they would not be able to hold the pageant that year. As sad as it was, they were our family and we all understood their need to be there for their own.
I was grateful for the experience that I had, and will never forget all that they had done for me. Setting foot on that stage, hearing the applause from the crowd, and succeeding after setting a goal was a feeling unlike any other. The E.L. Jaycees opened my eyes to the wonderful world of The Miss America Organization and I knew that one day I would compete again.
-----
My mother is a hairdresser and growing up I had always watched her work on her clients in the salon she had set up in our house. I wanted to follow in her footsteps and take over, or so I thought. I already knew how to cut hair and would often do my mother's monthly haircut and color. One day late that summer I woke up and decided I was going to attend cosmetology school. It was a very sudden decision but at the time it felt right. I enrolled at Springfield Technical Community College in their one-year cosmetology program and decided that I was going to be a hairdresser.
I loved doing hair and the school experience was amazing, my heart however was telling me something different. I did not have the same passion for hair that my mother and classmates had. If you are a cosmetologist, you know how important it is to have this passion. I felt my creativity fading as I was just going through the motions to finish my semester. At the time this was the hardest decision that I had ever had to make. After a lot of thought, I decided not to go back for the second semester to finish my license.
At first I had felt like I failed. I was not a person who gives up when the going gets rough, but hairdressing was simply not for me. I was being pulled in another direction. I decided that I would continue to work and save enough money to go back to school for general studies that fall. I was going to find out what it was I wanted to do. The only thing I knew at the time was how much I loved school, and that I would be back.
I continued working and was soon able to save up enough money to buy my own car. Most of my friends parents had bought them cars when they turned 18, but this was not a reality in my family. With my mother's help as a co-sign, I took out a loan and put a down payment on the cutest little Hyundai Elantra hatchback that I would soon be able to call my own.
I was so proud of this car and enjoyed the freedom of driving myself where I needed to go. I drove myself to work and was able to put in countless hours as a waitress at both Friendly's, and Texas Roadhouse to work toward paying off my loan. I felt so accomplished that I had earned those keys with my own money.
I am proud to say that today, June 2011, I am two payments shy of paying off this loan. I have worked hard for the past 5 years and have never missed a payment. My car has traveled many miles all over New England, and aside from a few repairs and maintenance, she (yes it's a girl!), has been my proudest purchase.
I did not realize it at the time but I was taking all of the right steps in the right direction and my hard work would soon begin to pay off...
I was grateful for the experience that I had, and will never forget all that they had done for me. Setting foot on that stage, hearing the applause from the crowd, and succeeding after setting a goal was a feeling unlike any other. The E.L. Jaycees opened my eyes to the wonderful world of The Miss America Organization and I knew that one day I would compete again.
-----
My mother is a hairdresser and growing up I had always watched her work on her clients in the salon she had set up in our house. I wanted to follow in her footsteps and take over, or so I thought. I already knew how to cut hair and would often do my mother's monthly haircut and color. One day late that summer I woke up and decided I was going to attend cosmetology school. It was a very sudden decision but at the time it felt right. I enrolled at Springfield Technical Community College in their one-year cosmetology program and decided that I was going to be a hairdresser.
I loved doing hair and the school experience was amazing, my heart however was telling me something different. I did not have the same passion for hair that my mother and classmates had. If you are a cosmetologist, you know how important it is to have this passion. I felt my creativity fading as I was just going through the motions to finish my semester. At the time this was the hardest decision that I had ever had to make. After a lot of thought, I decided not to go back for the second semester to finish my license.
At first I had felt like I failed. I was not a person who gives up when the going gets rough, but hairdressing was simply not for me. I was being pulled in another direction. I decided that I would continue to work and save enough money to go back to school for general studies that fall. I was going to find out what it was I wanted to do. The only thing I knew at the time was how much I loved school, and that I would be back.
I continued working and was soon able to save up enough money to buy my own car. Most of my friends parents had bought them cars when they turned 18, but this was not a reality in my family. With my mother's help as a co-sign, I took out a loan and put a down payment on the cutest little Hyundai Elantra hatchback that I would soon be able to call my own.
I was so proud of this car and enjoyed the freedom of driving myself where I needed to go. I drove myself to work and was able to put in countless hours as a waitress at both Friendly's, and Texas Roadhouse to work toward paying off my loan. I felt so accomplished that I had earned those keys with my own money.
I am proud to say that today, June 2011, I am two payments shy of paying off this loan. I have worked hard for the past 5 years and have never missed a payment. My car has traveled many miles all over New England, and aside from a few repairs and maintenance, she (yes it's a girl!), has been my proudest purchase.
I have even learned how to change my own tire! It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it!
I did not realize it at the time but I was taking all of the right steps in the right direction and my hard work would soon begin to pay off...
Vogue!
Fast forward a few years to my senior year of high school... The day before my 18th birthday was the day that I competed for the title of Miss East Longmeadow 2006. I will never forget this experience and how my life was forever changed.
I still remember my mother telling me she had signed me up. At first, I was speechless, something that never happened. I was nervous and scared, but most of all, I was excited for the opportunity. She wanted me to have a chance at the best education possible, and this organization was the first step in that direction. My mother could not afford to send me to school on her own. She explained that if I did well, it would relieve a huge financial burden for our family. With college fast approaching the following year I knew that it was up to me. I wanted to attend school in the fall like many of my peers and decided that I was going to work very hard to make this happen.
The more I learned about the Miss East Longmeadow Scholarship pageant, and The Miss America Organization as a whole, the more in love I fell. I had no idea that the MAO was the leading provider of scholarships to young women. The Miss East Longmeadow pageant alone awarded over $10,000 to the winner and participating contestants. This was the answer, and I had my eyes on the prize, a college education.
Along with the scholarship opportunities, another big part of being a titleholder was having a platform. Your personal platform was the main focus during the year of reign. I had adopted a platform that promoted the importance of health and fitness to children. This was a very important cause that was dear to my heart. I was grateful to have had such amazing health education and role models growing up. My goal was to give back and help spread this message. Although the title has changed, this has continued to be my platform each and every time I compete. It has been amazing working with children, and providing them with the information needed to make their own healthy lifestyle decisions. There is no better feeling than seeing the face of a young child who realizes that they are in control of their health.
Today with the rising rates of childhood obesity, my platform is more important than ever and I will continue to be a proud advocate promoting the importance of change through education.
For the ten weeks leading up to the pageant, my Friday nights were devoted to all things pageant. I had no idea what to expect and had only ever seen The Miss America Pageant on television. All of the contestants were guided by the devoted members of the E.L. Jaycee committee who prepared everyone to do their best. I owe so much of what I know today to the advice I was given as a seventeen-year-old first timer. They gave us the knowledge and skills that would help us do well not only the night of the pageant, but also in our everyday lives. They made sure that we were preparing for the pageant, but also keeping up on our school work and preparing for our upcoming college endeavors. They reminded us why we were there, and made sure that we never lost sight of that. All of the contestants worked together and became very close friends throughout the experience.We went over paperwork, practiced interview, talent, walking, and went over all of the basics. Before we knew it, the pageant was here.
The time had come. The 2006 Miss East Longmeadow Scholarship Pageant had arrived.
It was my first time setting foot on the stage as a contestant vying for the coveted crown, sash and the chance to represent my town at the Miss Massachusetts state pageant. So much went into preparing for the pageant and the time flew by. I still get goosebumps every time I hear "Vogue" by Madonna, our opening number song. I can even remember some of the dance moves. I had only dreamed of being in a pageant, and now my dreams were a reality. The curtain opened and I introduced myself, it had begun!
The night flew by and before we knew it, all phases of competition were complete. After the closing number we stood on stage awaiting the results. Time seemed to creep by as the wonderful host, Steve Lacy, tried his best to kill time while the judges made their final decision. It felt like an eternity but soon we saw the panel hand him the envelope, the results were in.
Although I did not win, I was awarded $1,000 in scholarship money as second runner-up. I was beyond grateful and knew that this would be a tremendous help in funding my upcoming college experience. For my first time competing, I could not have been happier. I will never forget the look on my familys face as they came over to congradulate me. Although I was not wearing the crown, I felt like I had won. I stepped out of my comfort zone and had done something that I could have only dreamed of. Now that my dream was a reality I knew that there was a lot of hard work in store if I wanted to do well the following year.
I had been bitten by the pageant bug and could not wait for another chance at the crown.
I still remember my mother telling me she had signed me up. At first, I was speechless, something that never happened. I was nervous and scared, but most of all, I was excited for the opportunity. She wanted me to have a chance at the best education possible, and this organization was the first step in that direction. My mother could not afford to send me to school on her own. She explained that if I did well, it would relieve a huge financial burden for our family. With college fast approaching the following year I knew that it was up to me. I wanted to attend school in the fall like many of my peers and decided that I was going to work very hard to make this happen.
The more I learned about the Miss East Longmeadow Scholarship pageant, and The Miss America Organization as a whole, the more in love I fell. I had no idea that the MAO was the leading provider of scholarships to young women. The Miss East Longmeadow pageant alone awarded over $10,000 to the winner and participating contestants. This was the answer, and I had my eyes on the prize, a college education.
Along with the scholarship opportunities, another big part of being a titleholder was having a platform. Your personal platform was the main focus during the year of reign. I had adopted a platform that promoted the importance of health and fitness to children. This was a very important cause that was dear to my heart. I was grateful to have had such amazing health education and role models growing up. My goal was to give back and help spread this message. Although the title has changed, this has continued to be my platform each and every time I compete. It has been amazing working with children, and providing them with the information needed to make their own healthy lifestyle decisions. There is no better feeling than seeing the face of a young child who realizes that they are in control of their health.
Today with the rising rates of childhood obesity, my platform is more important than ever and I will continue to be a proud advocate promoting the importance of change through education.
For the ten weeks leading up to the pageant, my Friday nights were devoted to all things pageant. I had no idea what to expect and had only ever seen The Miss America Pageant on television. All of the contestants were guided by the devoted members of the E.L. Jaycee committee who prepared everyone to do their best. I owe so much of what I know today to the advice I was given as a seventeen-year-old first timer. They gave us the knowledge and skills that would help us do well not only the night of the pageant, but also in our everyday lives. They made sure that we were preparing for the pageant, but also keeping up on our school work and preparing for our upcoming college endeavors. They reminded us why we were there, and made sure that we never lost sight of that. All of the contestants worked together and became very close friends throughout the experience.We went over paperwork, practiced interview, talent, walking, and went over all of the basics. Before we knew it, the pageant was here.
The time had come. The 2006 Miss East Longmeadow Scholarship Pageant had arrived.
It was my first time setting foot on the stage as a contestant vying for the coveted crown, sash and the chance to represent my town at the Miss Massachusetts state pageant. So much went into preparing for the pageant and the time flew by. I still get goosebumps every time I hear "Vogue" by Madonna, our opening number song. I can even remember some of the dance moves. I had only dreamed of being in a pageant, and now my dreams were a reality. The curtain opened and I introduced myself, it had begun!
The night flew by and before we knew it, all phases of competition were complete. After the closing number we stood on stage awaiting the results. Time seemed to creep by as the wonderful host, Steve Lacy, tried his best to kill time while the judges made their final decision. It felt like an eternity but soon we saw the panel hand him the envelope, the results were in.
Although I did not win, I was awarded $1,000 in scholarship money as second runner-up. I was beyond grateful and knew that this would be a tremendous help in funding my upcoming college experience. For my first time competing, I could not have been happier. I will never forget the look on my familys face as they came over to congradulate me. Although I was not wearing the crown, I felt like I had won. I stepped out of my comfort zone and had done something that I could have only dreamed of. Now that my dream was a reality I knew that there was a lot of hard work in store if I wanted to do well the following year.
I had been bitten by the pageant bug and could not wait for another chance at the crown.
Miss East Longmeadow 2006- Gina Rosati with her court.
L-R: Myself, Emma Gilbert, proudly standing as Second Runner-Up, First runner-up: Danielle Portier and Third runner-up Casey Claffey.
We were so excited for the year to come and the 4th of July parade!
Sneakers for Stilettos
Until recently, being a pageant queen was only a fantasy for this self proclaimed "tomboy". I was always one of the guys, and could only be found wearing a dress on rare occasion. Getting all dolled up just wasn't practical for playing in the mud, or running around with my friends. Two of my favorite activities. You could not keep me inside, I was very active and constantly on the move, if you know me today, not much as changed. Nowadays you can find me running around wearing stiletto heels leaving people wondering, how does she do that?
I have come a long way from the very shy and timid young girl that I was. I always tried my best to fit in, never wanting to draw attention to myself. This all began to change when I moved from Springfield to East Longmeadow in sixth grade. I began to get in touch with my girly side, and truly find myself. I wanted to wear dresses, and even makeup, like most of my new girlfriends. I still wasn't ready to give up my tomboy roots and can remember wearing dressy skirts with football and baseball jerseys, hiding my shorts underneath. Looking back, I laugh and wonder how my mother let me out of the house! I think she was just glad that I had stopped wearing all of my brothers clothes. At the time it was my way of living the best of both worlds. I discovered that one of the best forms of self expression was just being myself. For me, being accepted was the most validating feeling. Although I was still shy, I was becoming more outgoing in social settings and was able to make many new friends. I loved living in this new town and began to grow into a young woman due to all of the experiences that East Longmeadow had to offer. I joined the suburban soccer team, made the cheerleading squad and began to dance. I was, and always will be a proud Spartan.
I remember seeing Miss East Longmeadow for the first time, it was life-changing to say the least. The Miss East Longmeadow pageant was a local preliminary to the Miss Massachusetts Pageant. In my town, she was the face of what young women aspire to be. As she rode by me on her float in the 4th of July parade, I remember thinking to myself how perfect she was. She was more amazing than any princess that the great Walt Disney himself could have dreamed up. Miss East Longmeadow was everything I imagined the perfect young woman to be. Not only was she beautiful, she was smart. All I knew was that I wanted to be her one day.
I pictured myself wearing a crown and waving at the crowd with perfect poise, and could not help but smile. I decided I was going to be a titleholder. I would do anything to make that dream a reality. She opened my eyes to all of the wonderful things that The Miss America Organization had to offer young women.
I had no idea that seeing her ride by that day would eventually change my life. This is where it all began...
I have come a long way from the very shy and timid young girl that I was. I always tried my best to fit in, never wanting to draw attention to myself. This all began to change when I moved from Springfield to East Longmeadow in sixth grade. I began to get in touch with my girly side, and truly find myself. I wanted to wear dresses, and even makeup, like most of my new girlfriends. I still wasn't ready to give up my tomboy roots and can remember wearing dressy skirts with football and baseball jerseys, hiding my shorts underneath. Looking back, I laugh and wonder how my mother let me out of the house! I think she was just glad that I had stopped wearing all of my brothers clothes. At the time it was my way of living the best of both worlds. I discovered that one of the best forms of self expression was just being myself. For me, being accepted was the most validating feeling. Although I was still shy, I was becoming more outgoing in social settings and was able to make many new friends. I loved living in this new town and began to grow into a young woman due to all of the experiences that East Longmeadow had to offer. I joined the suburban soccer team, made the cheerleading squad and began to dance. I was, and always will be a proud Spartan.
I remember seeing Miss East Longmeadow for the first time, it was life-changing to say the least. The Miss East Longmeadow pageant was a local preliminary to the Miss Massachusetts Pageant. In my town, she was the face of what young women aspire to be. As she rode by me on her float in the 4th of July parade, I remember thinking to myself how perfect she was. She was more amazing than any princess that the great Walt Disney himself could have dreamed up. Miss East Longmeadow was everything I imagined the perfect young woman to be. Not only was she beautiful, she was smart. All I knew was that I wanted to be her one day.
I pictured myself wearing a crown and waving at the crowd with perfect poise, and could not help but smile. I decided I was going to be a titleholder. I would do anything to make that dream a reality. She opened my eyes to all of the wonderful things that The Miss America Organization had to offer young women.
I had no idea that seeing her ride by that day would eventually change my life. This is where it all began...
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