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

So long sweet summer

As the summer abruptly comes to and end, I can't help but think about how much I have experienced in such a short amount of time. Summer is a time to relax, a time to keep old friends & make new friends. But most importantly, summer gives you a chance to be someone you haven't been before. You not buried underneath books & school work, or cliques and sports. You choose your journey, & wouldn't have changed my summer 2010 for the world.

Living these past few months as a title holder has given me the experience to travel all around Massachusetts, Rhode Island, & even Texas! Everything I have done since graduation has been more beneficial than anything else in my life. I've always said life's journey is it's destination, and I've never felt so confident & proud of my journey.

Going to Texas, I had so many crazy thoughts in my mind. I was going to a National pageant, I was representing my state, I had a shot of becoming Miss Teen United States World. What a way to begin your vacation! I look back at the week full of memories like it was yesterday, and still am missing all of the beautiful faces of girls I met throughout the country, and the experience all together. I came home placing top 10 & winning community service! Now that's a way to kick off vacation if you ask me.

Since then, it has been endless fun. I have had so many appearances that I wouldn't have traded for the world. From digging in the sand for keys to a car with Pro FM radio, to holding fundraisers for causes to dear to my heart; epilepsy awareness & the extraordinary Bella Tucker. I made Rhode Island my second home, and spent so much time there! I waved to fans during parades while showing my spirit for the USA, and I crowned countless 5 year old's the new Miss Teen Massachusetts- World during picture sessions.

Whenever I wasn't too tied up with my hectic life, I spent every waking moment with friends & family. I watched my friends grow, and get ready to venture off into college. I laughed so many laughs with the people who have been in my life for what it seems like forever. It's crazy to think after spending so many years with the same group of people, reality strikes & keeps you moving through life. I have a place in my heart for every single classmate in the class of 2010, and I always will.

As I say my goodbyes to summer, I open my arms to an entirely new chapter of life, college. Although I still have my title, & I still have my friends & family, things will being to change. I've always been told to welcome life's transitions with arms wide open.. and I will maintain this attitude through the next 4 years.

Until my next appearance arises with my Massachusetts queens who this summer have also grown into family, so long summer. You have been amazing, every single second. & I can move on with my future knowing the summer of 2010 is one I will never, ever forget.

Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk

End of summer craziness!

Summer is coming to an end very quickly! I feel like these past few months have completely blown by and soon enough sunshine & bathing suits will just be yet another memory for the books. The past few weeks I have been doing so many things that I absolutely love & adore.

All of my crazy adventures & lifestyles began about 2 years ago when I ventured into the most of the time glamorous world of modeling. Modeling is something I have always enjoyed because of my love for being in front of the camera. About a year ago one of my many goals came true & I was signed with Mass Models. Since I began modeling, I have participated in multiple photoshoots & runway shows, met talented photographers, models, makeup artists, and stylist; and have created some awesome pictures! I was lucky enough to get casted for a commercial with a salon, Ochoa's. Their were about 8 other models and every single one of them was breathtakingly gorgeous! It was a long day from hair & makeup, to taping of the commercial to, photoshoots. I left exhausted but it's always so much fun working with a new group of people, especially ones with so much talent up their sleeve!

A couple of days later I had the chance to have a photoshoot with the wonderful & amazing Justin Mayotte! We have been trying to book a shoot for what it seems like forever but after I was crowned it has definitely been a project trying to find the time. I am so lucky I had the chance before college stole me away! Justin works with a group of photographes at Flash House Studio's. He is very talented & professional at all times. I absolutely LOVE the images he has shown me so far & cannot wait to see the ending result with the rest. Thank you Justin for a wonderful photoshoot, I had so much fun!

Last but definitely not least, I was lucky enough to have a very exciting event with Pro FM radio! Christine Skorenko, Linsday, Debbi, and I went to Adam Lamberts meet & greet and got the chance to meet the fabulous star himself! He is absolutely adorable in person and truly is a genuine guy which is so refreshing to see. I've always been a fan of his but knowing that hes just as kind inside boosts him up even more on my scale. We ate, had our pictures taken, & the highlight of my day was someone as wonderful as him congratulating me on becoming Miss Teen Massachusetts- World! It was so much fun & I loved seeing my pageant family before I have to leave for school! Lindsay has truly become the big sister I never had & we share so many laughs when we're together. (Especially when we're cracking up at photoshoots after being starved!)

Yesterday was the most exciting event of all! I had the opportunity to spend the day with a young girl named Danielle, an eight year old girl living with Cockayne Syndrome. She is from Texas, but spent some time at the Boston's Children Hospital during the week to participate in a medical study for children with Cockayne Syndrome. Danielle was chosen as she met all the criteria necessary to participate in this study. To begin the afternoon, I met up with Jane - Mrs. Massachusetts International; Brooke - Miss Massachusetts Teen USA; and Jennifer Hard - Classic Ms. Massachusetts. We first took Danielle to watch the prelim evening gown for Tami Charles Coed pageant. Danielle was so mesmerized by the beautiful girls & gowns, she had the most incredible facial expressions through the pageant. After that was over, we took her to the American Girl Doll Store at the Natick Mall to have lunch. Between her & Sierra, Jane's beautiful baby girl, we had an absolute blast! The girls truly enjoyed themselves and Brooke, Jane, & I enjoyed splurging on food for the afternoon. (Once you have the eating habits of a beauty queen, they sort of stick with you.) We celebrated Danielle's belated birthday and shared so many laughs. I'm so incredibly happy I had the chance to spend the day with Jane & Brooke before college, through my journey they have become such amazing sister queens & family. & exciting enough, I will not only be spending a weekend in September with them, but Brooke & I will both be in Connecticut for college! Definitely going to be a comfort zone knowing she's not too far away. Thank you Jane for making yesterday possible, I had such a blast!

As the summer comes to an end, I am definitely not taking anything or anyone for granted. I'm also in the process of packing up my life, & getting ready to move to CT! It's crazy watching all of my friends leave, especially people who have been in my life for what it seems like forever, but I know that moving on is a huge part of growing up. I'll be busy spending the week I have left attached to my friends hips! This summer has definitely been good to me :)

Love your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk :)

A news reporter & judge all in one week!

A very exciting and busy week just took place :) I cannot believe summer is almost over! It seems I'm always running around like crazy & the time truly just flies. (Not trying to put on a front like I don't absolutely love it)

As most people know, I aspire to be a broadcast journalist. & when I say aspire, I mean I have my heart 100% SET on one day being bigger then Guiliana Ransic and Maria Menonous combined! So luckily, I had the opportunity to go on the air with Bob Venturini for 'An Hour with Bob.'

I had a blast with such a television personality on & off the air. I love observing how other people showcase their personalities on TV and always am sure to soak up as many hints as possible. We discussed everything from me placing Top 10 at Nationals to being newly named ambassador of The American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation. My crown even fell off at a point during the show from laughing too hard after I misunderstood his accent and 'shark' came out as 'shock' leaving me in a deep confusion for a bit. All in all, it was an excellent show & I feel so privileged to have been able to be a guest on it! Thank you so much Bob! & of course, Debbi, for booking me the greatest appearances ever!


Then this weekend, I was able to judge my first pageant! Although it was just side prizes, I definitely learned a lot from behind the scenes & really got the opportunity to see how everything works. It was Mr. and Miss Elegance ran by Tammy Rezendes! She is absolutely sensational and the pageant was definitely very well put together. The majority of pageant girls have been in pageants since they were very young. Since I only began this past November, watching the little ones compete was a totally new experience for me! It was very difficult judging 'best eyes' or 'best dressed' when your looking at these beautiful children. The actual judges of the pageant consisted of my roommates for the weekend, Debbi - my director, her beautiful daughter Lindsay who I haven't seen in months, Dorris who actually did my hair for my state pageant, and Kathryn LeBlanc - whose daughters used to compete pageantry & now a new friend ! We had an incredible time & shared SO many laughs. Although I might have been the party pooper that fell asleep way too early I had the greatest time with everyone! It was definitely a hilarious weekend worth remembering. Nothing is better then spending the weekend with a group of girls. Thank you to everyone in charge of the pageant who let me take part in the adventure & congratulations to the beautiful & handsome new royalty! That stage was definitely rocked ;)

I'm now back in Massachusetts & have some exciting events coming up before I leave for college! (Byebye small town!!) Tomorrow I will be shooting a commercial for Ochoa's Hair Salon, Wednesday I have a photoshoot with Justin Mayotte, & next week I have a VERY exciting event that I will keep secret until the morning of! :) You will definitely be jumping up & down once pictures are posted, (lets just say that!) & of course within the next few weeks, I will be helping out Jane Marshall and a few other queens with a project for Habitat for Humanity!

Hope everyone's enjoying the rest of summer & soaking up the sun before the cold weather does!

Until next time, I'm your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk :)