Every good thing must come to an end

WOW! It has been 1 year since I began writing on this blog. One year since my journey as Miss Teen Massachusetts- World began & my life quickly transformed from normal teenage high school student to the crazy, hectic, and wonderful life of a Massachusetts title holder. Reflecting back on everything I have experienced makes me realize how fortunate I am to have had life offer me this opportunity. I have met so many people, organizations, new friends, new family, and new memories that have forever shaped me & built me from a teenager to a young lady.

It just doesn't seem right leaving my reign without reminiscing about my year & everything I have accomplished with the most amazing people by my side.. so here it goes.

Favorite Appearance: This is a tough one because there has been SO many that have been incredible for different purposes. Volunteering at the Special Olympics last June taught me about a wonderful organization I have fallen so deeply in love with. Luckily a few weeks ago, I got the chance to volunteer yet again for a Special Olympics dance. Whether it was dancing with the athletes, chatting, or posing for pictures; they have shown me the meaning of living every day to it's potential. Fortunately, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, and a good friend of mine Kay Tetrault asked me to participate in the Audi Best Buddies challenge with her this June. I LOVE these two organizations from the bottom of my heart, and just because my reign is ending doesn't mean my community involvement is!

Other then that, this year had given me the opportunity to build my platform, epilepsy awareness. My sophomore year in high school I was diagnosed with this disease, and after discovering I couldn't allow it to conquer me, I realized what I needed to do in order to spread awareness & funds. This year has given me the tools I needed to raise money for The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation & become their ambassador for Massachusetts. I will never forget the week of full of fundraising I had the opportunity to do in my own town with the help of my amazing sister queens Christine & Julia & somebody who has turned into such a great role model and friend, Jack Villamaino. I'm not with epilepsy, & will not stop until it receives the national awareness it needs & deserves. MAO.. here I come! ;)

As for my other appearances, I must say nothing was cooler then riding in parades with my sister queens by my side and getting a round full of applause while hearing faint "mommy look! a princess!" in the crowd. Or getting the chance to meet the New England Patriots & Adam Lambert! (Thank you Pro FM radio & Barbi Jo!) From meeting people to serve out country at the Air Show to participating in The Amazing Wish Race with other New England beauty queens, I have seen and done so much. These appearances are so much more then I could have ever expected and have let me develop on both a personal and social level.

The people I have gotten to met: Where to even begin - Debbi, Jane, Dana, Sydney, Christine, Julia, Anita, Christina, Monique, Brooke, Lindsay, Jasmine, Michelle, Keith, Jocelynn, Jack, Juilette, Bob, Dan, ect. ect. ect. (I'm thinking off the VERY top of my head.) THANK YOU! Every single person I have met has truly impacted me in more ways then one. Love all of you so so much!

Nationals! Ahh, what a crazy experience. This was truly the icing on the cake of being Miss Teen MA- World. Traveling to Houston, Texas (my second time on a plane, thanks for putting up with squeezing my hand Dana! ;) is such a memory. I met SO many absolutely beautiful girls in all of the states who I know all have amazing futures that lie ahead. Nationals was an unforgettable week that I will always cherish. Thank you Gaspar & the Miss Teen World organization for making the week so extravagant!

For the last time ever, thank you for reading my blog. Your support through this year has meant so much to me & I promise this is not the last you will hear of or see me. As for the future, the possibilities are endless, and there is so much in store for me. For a few updates, I hope to be transferring to Emerson College in Boston for my sophomore year. As for community service, I plan on the Best Buddies challenge this June, more epilepsy fundraisers, and a Relay for Life in June to support the amazing Jane Marshall! & as for pageant, Miss America Organization.. here I come! This is not the end for me, because when one door closes, another is always opening.

Thank you, thank you, thank you; for everyone's love & support! & for the girl who is crowned tomorrow - buckle up that seat belt, you are in for the absolute ride of your life!

-Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World 2010
Tamara Sacharczyk! xoxo


PS: Anyone who would like to sponsor me for the Best Buddies Challenge, my goal is to raise $1650! PLEASE send an email to Tami4025@yahoo.com & I will direct you the rest of the way. It's a 20 mile bike ride and I will be a part of the team pedaling princesses! Your donations will mean so much to only me, but every child's who life you are giving to!

And the year continues!

The past few months have been full of hard work, fun, and extraordinary adventures during my reign. Being a college student makes balancing every aspect of my life a bit more difficult but also so incredible at the end of the day when I realize how many things I am accomplishing all at once.

I am proud to say the end of the first semester resulted in me making the Presidents List at The University of Hartford and ending with a 4.0. My first semester in college was a promising experience that has taught me you can achieve anything by giving your 110%. Although this might be my last semester at the University of Hartford, I am still enjoying every minute of it. Last weekend I visited Emerson College in Boston and absolutely fell in love with it. Not only is the campus comparable to a hotel, but the opportunities are experiences that would not be presented on any other campus. I have applied for the fall semester, so keep your fingers crossed!

As most of you know ever since my epilepsy diagnosis I have been extremely involved in The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation, fund raising, and anything that spreads knowledge about the disease to the public. Epilepsy is the reason why I began competing in pageantry and the reason why I will continue in the future. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to become a part of The Matty Fund. This foundation is Rhode Island based and created by the most kind and giving family I have ever met in my life. I attended their annual event, The Snow Globe Ball with Miss Teen New Hampshire- World, Christine Skorenko. The event consisted of a silent and open auction to raise money for the foundation. I had a blast and hope to continue working with The Matty Fund even when my reign comes to an end.

A couple of weeks before that event, I had an appearance for the Jarvis Green Foundation. This was definitely one of the highlights of my reign thus far. It was also a party for New England Patriots Player Jarvis Green, and I got to spend my evening with players of the New England Patriots. I also had the opportunity to be interviewed on NESN by sports reporter Harry Cicma and was featured on the Jarvis Green show on NESN television.

As months go by the reality that my reign is coming to an end is also approaching. Next week is the free workshop for all 2011 contestants competing for the titles of Miss Teen Massachusetts- World and Miss Teen Rhode Island- World. I am so excited to meet all of the contestants and introduce them to an experience that could lead to the most promising experience of their lives. I am so thankful for everything this given me and all of the doors it has opened. I cannot wait to see the 2011 queen experience the same luxuries and opportunities that I have.

Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

Cheer's to a New Year!

Being back home for break feels absolutely incredible. Although I am in love with college, who would have thought that being surrounded my family and old friends could feel better? While leaving this semester with a 4.0, I was definitely ready for a break and to concentrate on my duties as Miss Teen Massachusetts- World.

I got to spend New Years Eve with my pageant family participating in an appearance. It took place at the Rhode Island Convention Center and was a masquerade ball. Along with Dana Buitta, we held a booth for the Free Your Mind Foundation. This foundation is based around anti bullying is now allowed to go school to school educating our adolescents on the danger of bullying. As the clock stuck 12 reality hit to what an amazing year 2010 has been to me. Being the reigning queen for Massachusetts brought more happiness then the memories of ten years put together. It has also more then anything inspired me to make the most out of every year that follows after it. I have so dreams and goals and although this title has definitely knocked more then a few out of the way, I still have so many accomplishments and challenged to look forward to. So here's to new beginnings, new memories, and another year full of making dreams come true. After all, we only live once right? We might as well do it right!

I have only two months left of my reign, which feels completely imaginary. I cannot believe that almost a year ago I was given this blessing and put on a roller coaster full of adventures. The brochures are being sent out and the search is on for the next Miss Teen Massachusetts- World. To any girl out there considering competing, I wish you the best of luck. Competing in pageantry has not only given me confidence and introduced me to an entire new life, family, and friends; but has shaped me in the person I am today. The people you meet and the experiences you witness are so unimaginable that you sometimes feel the need to pinch yourself to make sure it's really happening to you. Your dreams can come true, and along the way you help so many other peoples come true also. "A women who leads, is a women who serves." So take a chance to compete against the goal oriented, confident and beautiful girls in the state of Massachusetts, the United States, and if you really work 110%, the world. Dream big, because our dreams don't carry limitations, only possibilities.

Who do you think will be the next Miss Teen Massachusetts- World?

These next couple of months I will be taking advantage of my title and participating in as many appearances as possible to give Massachusetts one last glance of how happy I am to serve my duties. So expect some updates soon!

Until then, have a safe bundled up winter, and cheer's to the New Year!
Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

The biggest adventure you can take, is living the life of your dreams

Thanksgiving break came and went & I was fortunate to be able to be home with friends and family and soak in the comfort of being home for the holidays.

My Thanksgiving was small but beautiful. Full of food and family and a list of things to be thankful for. We forget all of the things and people in life that come by and make living that much more special, so I would like to thank everyone and everything that helps paste that smile on my face every day of the week.

-I am thankful for my family. Through thick and thin I know my family will always be my side. They will do anything and everything to make sure of my happiness and acknowledge I'm where I should be. When it comes to my dreams, they are the cheerleaders on the side lines encouraging me with every idea that pops into my head; and with pageantry they have been the absolute greatest driving to Hartford to pick me up for appearances and then usually an extra 2 hours to the appearance. I could never express enough gratitude for how thankful I truly am. I am so blessed to have such an encouraging family by my side through whatever new adventure I throw into their lives.

-My friends, both at home & at college. I am so thankful I have stayed in touch with my wonderful friends from home. I know they are just a skype call away and are still here to make me laugh whenever necessary. Their is no feeling better then coming home and spending every last second with them. I am so thankful for my friends at college. They are litterly my other half and I notice I spend at least over half of my day with them. I am so fortunate to have met such true friends so quickly.

-My reign, I am so thankful every day of my life for being Miss Teen Massachusetts- World 2010. This has been by far the most amazing,exciting, adventurous, and memorable year of my life, and it's not over yet. The people I have met, the experiences I now have stored in my memory - Holding this title means so much to me, and I will continue being thankful every time I put a smile on someones face or hear a little girl call me a "real princess" or raise funds for amazing causes that can truly make a difference in the world. My title means absolutely everything to me, & this year has been the most exciting ride of my life while giving me what I needed to truly discover myself as a person & realize everything I want out of life.

Thank you to everyone who has made my life so amazing! & Happy Thanksgiving :)

The past few weeks I have been on two wonderful appearances. Along with Jane Marshall I was able to visit the beautiful & amazing Bella Tucker. Her house in the process of being reconstructed to fit her needs. Seeing Bella reminded me of how much we take for granted in life. Everyone needs to meet this little girl just to have that wake up call about life in general. She has shown me what living is really about, and to never take advantage of a second of my life. We shared many laughs along with her family and I had one the greatest days I had in a while. Bella has become such a big part of my life and I carry her happiness with me whenever I need an extra boost. For information on Bella visit Friends of Bella.

Epilepsy Fundrasing for E.L.F. has officially begun! A few weeks ago a took a trip back to my high school to fundraise for the American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation. Being the ambassador for Massachusetts it means so much to me when people donate to this cause. What could be a better gift during the holiday's then putting a smile on children's faces who must spend their holiday in the hospital. Whether you donate $3 or $100, every penny counts. If you are interested in donating, please contact me asap! Tami4025@yahoo.com Thank you to everyone at East Longmeadow High School who donated, so little can do so much!

Last weekend I also had the opportunity to ride in the Big Balloon Parade in Springfield Mass. It was a good feeling to be able to make an appearance so close to home. I had such a blast waving to fans and connecting with pageant friends. It was a great morning despite the rain and by now I definitely have my "pageant wave" down ;) Kidding of course!

Last weekend a very good friend of mine Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA gave up her title. I became very close with Brooke during her reign and shared many amazing appearances and memories with her. Brooke, you made Massachusetts so incredibly proud during your reign and demonstrated what having a title is truly about. You have impacted the lives of so many people with your kindess and good heart. I am so eager to see what the future has in store for you and keep up with the endeavors life has planned for you. I know you will keep shining on or off the stage, I am so lucky to have met you & had you become a part of my life!

This Saturday I will be in Rhode Island to attend Miss Rhode Island USA and cheer on my good friend Christine Skorenko! Soon enough the semester will be over meaning plenty of time for appearances and blogging, so get ready for some exciting posts!

Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk xoxo

The Amazing Wish Race

Last weekend I participated in one of most exciting appearances yet, Rhode Island's Amazing Wish Race. This race benefited the Childrens Wish Group of Rhode Island and "Fighting for a Chance." The day was hosted by Louie Stravato & Mike Naylor of TV's The Amazing Race season 16 and was flooded with reality TV celebs from American Idol to Big Brother and of course, tons of beauty queens.

I was on a team with Jane Marshall, Mrs. Massachusetts International; Anita Seraichyk, Mrs. Rhode Island International; and Jena Ribeiro, Miss Teen Rhode Island International. Although we might have been a little slow in the race, we had the times of our lives with the crazy adventures they had us on.

Our first challenge was to fill out a crossword puzzle and word search based on Rhode Island. Obviously Jane and I were a bit lost so we left that part up to the Rhode Island queens. On the way to the next event we decided to take a minor pit stop at a pastry shop where Anita treated us to the best pastries in the world. Although that may have been our falling behind point, we kept going. (Better late then never!) We then went to the next event which was running around a park to find tickets to a merry go round. After running around like crazy I finally found a ticket after looking under a bench. Once all 4 tickets were found it was back in the car to the next event in which we had to name bugs by a picture, create our own big (which sported a crown of course) and had to guess the type of bug after feeling it in a bag. Once that challenge was completed, it was off to the mall to a costume store where Jane and Anita dressed up in outfits as fast as they could. It was then time for me to call it a day and travel back to Connecticut.

This race was an incredible experience for an incredible cause. Thank you to all of the volunteers who took the time out of their day and raised money, and of course the people who held the event. It was an awesome time and if anyone is interested in getting involved in the next race contact Damon Borrelli who puts this together!

Just a couple of days ago I was in Rhode Island again for an amazing photoshoot with J.Holt Photography. http://www.jholtprophotography.com/ - She is a new sponsor for the Miss Teen MA and Miss Teen RI- World pageants and a great one at that. Dana & I both had the chance to shoot in our National gowns & a few other outfits of choice. Although it was a bit chilly, the photographs were so worth it!

Keep in mind that fundraising for E.L.F. is beginning to take off! In a couple of weeks I will be in my old stomping grounds at East Longmeadow High School to raise some money for children with Epilepsy who will be spending their holidays in hospitals. Let's give them safe toys to keep smiles on their faces :) If anyone has any questions on donating please contact me at Tami4025@yahoo.com!

Love your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk xoxo

PINK OUT!

This past weekend I got off of University of Hartford campus and ventured to my long lost home in Rhode Island! It felt so good to be back in Rhode Island after many weeks for appearances. The weekend was definitely full and worthy of importance and I had a fantastic time!
Saturday I arrived and went to Providence Place Mall to meet Miss Teen Rhode Island- World Dana Marie Buitta to get fitted or the fashion show that night. The fashion show was "selling dresses for a cure" and was to raise funds for Breast Cancer. People donate their old dresses from proms to weddings and they are all sold for the extraordinary price of $20. I ended up choosing two dresses to walk in, both gray, one with a Marilyn Monroe look (my favorite style ever!), and the other silvery and classy. After we chose our outfits of choice we ventured to the village to hand out papers about the fashion show that night. I caught up with Christina Kain, a judge from my state pageant and the epitome of a beauty queen and had the opportunity to FINALLY meet Amy Diaz (Miss Earth United States 2009) in person after endless facebook conversations!
That night we participated in a ceremony for the Gemma Foundation. We listened to Breast Cancer survivors and learned more about the disease. The speech's were extremely inspirational and reminded me of how fortunate I am or my health. One particular speaker whose mother had breast cancer impacted me deeply. The emotion in her words allowed you to feel the fear she once was entitled to feeling. Breast Cancer Awareness is such a strong disease that is extremely important for people to carry knowledge about.
That night, Dana & I kicked off the fashion show by freezing our butts off down the runway for a good cause, "Selling Dresses for a Cure." We were interviewed on stage about our reigns, how we got involved in pageantry, advice for anyone wishing to compete, and my personal platform. Although it was freezing the numb hands and toes were worth it to take part in a cause that calls for attention.
The next morning we woke up bright and early to participate in the annual parade on Federal Hill. Lucky for me, I got to play Barbie for the day and ride in Amberly (Miss Teen Rhode Island- World 2009's) sisters pink car! It was tons of fun and the parade consisted of characters from Michael Jackson to batman. After the parade we went to Meet The Stars with Dana and Christine to sign autographs and meet with fans for the afternoon!
All in all, the weekend was incredible an full of fun filled activities. It was SO nice to catch up with my pageant family, I was way overdue to spend the night at Debbi's house! The 16th I will be back in Rhode Island with a group of my beautiful Massachusetts queens to participate in Rhode Island's Amazing Wish Race! Benefits go to The Children's Wish Group of Rhode Island and "Fighting for a Chance!" Don't forget to come and show your support, it should be an inspiring afternoon :)

Until then!
Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World,
Tamara Sacharczyk

Flipping the page

"Flipping the page" is how I like to refer to my current status in life. I have graduated high school, experienced a summer living the life of Miss Teen Massachusetts- World; and have flipped the page to not forget about the amazing life I left back in the small town of East Longmeadow, but to begin a new one in Connecticute.

About a month ago I began schooling as University of Hartford! It has been such a ride and full of so many new experiences. Living on your own definitely has it's ups and downs. First off, (hold the applause please) I have succesfully been making my own bed & doing my own laundry. I know most of you are probably shaking your head in disgust, but having a fabulous mother cater to my every need my entire life was benifical up until now. Other then that, I'm living with a roommate who fortunetly I absolutely adore. I have made tons of new friends from all of the place and feel as though I now have two homes. Classes are going great & I am learning about things I never guessed I would. My work load consists of Media & Politics, Social Welfare, Rhetorics & Writing, Intro to Lit, and Intro to Theatre. On top of the that I am remaining busy by taking dance classes at the Perfoming Arts school and working at the sports center during games on campus. I am also currently trying to get involved with the school channel because as we all know my real dream is to become a broadcast journalist :)

Other then school, I have still been carrying my duties as a title-holder. Being Miss Teen Massachusetts- World is a juggle, but I still wouldn't give it up for the world. Just last week I had the oppurtunity to spend the day on Thursday at the Big E for Massachusets Day! I had such a wonderful time learning more about my state while representing it. I was interviewed by News 40 about my year as Miss Teen MA- World. I signed many autographs and talked to so many of my adorable fans. I even had the youngest boy I've met so far ask for my number, a 7 year old. Although he didn't succeed it made a memorable picture. Talking to little girls & having them tell you they look up to you is so incrediblle and I love every minute of learning about each individual I meet.

At the Big E I was lucky enough to meet a beautiful young girl who had a pace maker. She wore the biggest smile on her face as she walked around the Massachusetts building looking around in awe. I found out she also had Epilepsy, and this reminded me of a very important fundraiser coming up, E.L.F.! This is for toy rooms in hospitals during the holidays to insure children living with Epilepsy can have seizure safe toys. Fundraisers will soon begin so if you'd like to help out, run one, or donate, email me at Tami4025@yahoo.com - It will be appreciated beyond belief :)

I have some appearances coming up also that I'm very much looking forward to! A Walk for Emma Hope where I can connect with an extraordinary girl I met while judging a pageant and hopefully a few in Rhode Island so I can see my director and pageant family I miss so much!

Until then, I'll be busy cramming for exams & papers!
Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World, Tamara Sacharczyk