for our future u of a sweethearts

After already getting some questions from high school seniors about the tiny but important details of this thing called college at this place called the University of Arkansas, I figured I’d lay it all out on the table as best I could.  I know second semester of senior year can lead to a whole lot of dorm room daydreaming! Here are a few ladies who dug deep to give you a good word of advice.  We hope this helps!

 Megan Rapp, Chi Omega, Lee Summit, MO – “A white comforter is a bad idea.  I got a stain on it.”

Anna Standridge, Chi Omega, Conway, AR- “It may be a hassle to bring your dress up trunk but a broke college girl plus sorority functions equals bad news bears.”

Megan Black, Pi Beta Phi, Houston, TX– “Attach something colorful to your keys or you will lose it in a bedspread. And maybe a cute hook for it by your door would be good, too.”

Ali Hastings, Chi Omega, Little Rock, AR– “Spend your flex dollars wisely. They go quick.”

Caroline Webb, Zeta Tau Alpha, Springfield, MO- “Once you start taking the Yellow Route bus, you’ll never stop. ”

Jaclyn Burnett, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Jonesboro, AR– “If you can find a smart friend in honors, room with them and you won’t regret it because you’re gonna get an end room. Swag.”

Sara Belmer, Chi Omega, Dallax, TX– “Don’t take a 7:30. Ever. Under any circumstances.”

Emma McNeil, Chi Omega, Jonesboro, AR- “Not bringing a TV to college was the best decision I’ve ever made.  And go out and be social from the get go. It helps.”

Paige Gentry, Pi Beta Phi, Searcy, AR- "Enjoy your parents while you can. Stay classy. Enjoy the easy homework."

Michaela Held, Chi Omega, Little Rock, AR- “Be prepared to get plenty of monogrammed towels for graduation, or at least make it a priority to obtain a towel wrap! It’s like a robe and a towel all in one, a must have for dorm life.”

Anna Kay Hilburn, Chi Omega, Kennett, MO- “Every boy needs a good game day accessory so make sure to grab a roll of those sorority stickers when you’re at the house.”

Morgan Peterson, Alpha Omicron Pi, Jonesboro, AR- “No need for wall decorations pre-rush.  You’ll get plenty on bid day.”

Laura Carpenter, Chi Omega, Marion, AR – “Get a good roommate. It means everything.”

Lindsey Sweetin, Chi Omega, Little Rock, AR – “Don’t let your room become the hangout room because you won’t go to sleep until 3am.”

Autumn Hulbert, Pi Beta Phi, Waco, TX- “Nobody else knows what they’re doing either.”

Kimber Changose, Chi Omega, Little Rock, AR- “If you land a resident reserved parking spot, be prepared to be the driver.”

Blakely Glass, Chi Omega, Memphis, TN- “Emergen-C. Look into it.”

Cat Bostwick, Kappa Delta, Little Rock, AR- “Remember that teacher reviews are anonymous.  So don’t try to apologize for the terrible review you gave her on the last page of your final exam.” …girl, oops.

Caroline Gibbons, Chi Omega, Marvell, AR- “When it comes to your grades, meetings with your professors are better than meetings with your friends. Trust me.”

Machen Beard, Chi Omega, Searcy, AR- “Investing in Netflix is a must.”

            

Hannah Hill, Alpha Omicron Pi, Heber Springs, AR- “A random roommate is not the worst thing that could happen.  They may end up being your best friend.”

Madeline Wagnon, Chi Omega, Shreveport, LA-"If you don't know who to room with, use Roommate profiler on the Arkansas Housing website.  It's like eHarmony for roommates. Trust me."

I also want to throw in a few things that I personally feel can make your year extra sweet:

-If you’re contemplating sorority recruitment, do it.  I mean it when I say I can’t imagine doing college without my sisters.  I thought it was cliché but I have met so many people, made my best friends, and grown so much as a woman just because of my first semester in a sorority.

-If you don’t think you want to live in Reid Hall because it’s too far away from the center of campus, think again.  I truly believe that it is the picture of the freshman experience.  I never once have to wait for a shower, I always have what I need, and no, no one steals all my clothes from my closet.  It’s the best way to meet girls that are not in your sorority and that is a huge blessing.

-Those being said, live as high up in the building as you can.  The ONLY day I regretted it was move-in day.  Every single other day, I am thanking God for the sunrise, I am staring right into the razorback football stadium, and I can see the mountains for miles and miles and miles.  Best decision ever. (The room numbers on the stadium side are 09-22)

-In my opinion, you don’t need a microwave.  There is one downstairs in the kitchen and I’ve only ever used mine to make popcorn.  Now a fridge on the other hand…go for it.

-You need a laundry hamper on rollers…I know they may not be as cute but please just trust me.

-Don’t get in a big fight with your parents on move-in day over things in your room.  I promise they are only temporary and you can always rearrange.

-The cuteness of your favorite shaggy rug is not worth the excess discovery of hairballs.

-Do not fret over the window side or the door side. I promise there are pros and cons to both.

-Bring hang up bags and duffle bags for the weekends that you have to go back home.  You don’t want to be the girl carrying all of her things home in trash bags.

-Write your name on all. your. clothes. They can get lost in the laundry room.

-Spend time decorating your room before you come.  I know it may seem overrated but coming home to my bright yellow room with a real headboard, a real bed skirt, and a curtain over the closet makes it feel way more homey than I could have ever hoped for.  It’s as cozy as can be. 

-Before you move in, discuss with your roommate whether or not you want to lock your doors every day.  My roommate and I both decided to lock the doors every time we left the room and it has kept us from having any problems.

-When buying appliances, TV, printer, or other things you will keep beyond freshman year, DON’T split the bill.  That prevents problems when you’re moving out.  You share all year and then when it’s time to go you know what’s yours and what’s theirs and it works out perfectly.
-It doesn’t matter whether you loft your bed or not…don’t over think it.

-And for all of the believers reading this, find a good bible study about identity and start it right when you get here.  It has easily been the most transitional year of my life thus far but at the end of the day I stayed sane because I knew who I was in Christ.

Now, for graduation you should ask for:

*Fleece lined leggings

*Towel Wraps

*A Wireless Router because Ethernet cords are no fun.

*A Keurig for you coffee drinkers

*House Shoes or Slippers

*Comfy Tennis Shoes

*Resident Reserved Parking

*Sonic, Starbucks, Walmart, and Chick-Fil-A gift cards (and don’t use them before you get here)

*Rain Boots and a heavy-duty raincoat

*A heavy coat for the next snowpocalypse

*An organizational planner…without it I wouldn’t survive.  Even your own hole punch and stapler are a big help.

*Cute shorts/skirts to wear with t-shirts during recruitment (If you’re unsure what size t-shirt to get when you sign up for rush, go with something more fitted.  It’s incredibly difficult to tuck an XL t-shirt into a pair of cute printed shorts; that doesn’t mean you’ll get a small on bid day.)

Finally, the sacred and SO hard to find Reid Hall Dorm Measurements:

*From the top of your shelf on your desk, to the ceiling is 39 inches.

*From the top of your bed board to the ceiling is 25 inches

*From the counter of your vanity to the top of your vanity is 23 inches tall and from the top of your vanity to the ceiling (AKA where most would put T.V. or storage bins) is 15 inches tall

*The ledge on the window side is 13 inches

*The closet is a total of 71 inches tall; 21 inches above the shelf in the closet, and 50 below.

*Bed skirts are different measurements based one where you loft your bed.  I’d recommend just making some and then basing your bed height off of something that works with it when you get here.

^^I’m not sure if these apply to an end room, rooms 08 and 23, but I know they apply to the regular and corner rooms!

Good luck and have fun! It's been the most fun semester of. my. life.  

Love, 

     Maggie B.

what a weekend

About a week and a half ago, all of the 2013 Miss Arkansas contestants gathered at the Pleasant Valley Country Club to enjoy a yummy brunch, meet each other, and choose their spot in the lottery.  If you're new to this, like me, the Miss Arkansas Lottery is a list divided into three groups: A, B, and C, that is the overall lineup that determines which night you perform what at the Miss Arkansas pageant! This year each group would have 15 contestants; meaning 45 total!  The lottery is something I was nervous over...if we're being honest!  It can mean a lot in the long run of your Miss Arkansas experience, ALTHOUGH they say if you don't get the spot you want, no worries, the judges will find their new Miss Arkansas! Anyway, I had kept an eye on Group C after I was crowned Miss Lights of the Delta and was learning more about what the state pageant would consist of! Group C starts with Wednesday night being swimsuit (meaning I could have an Oreo or two sooner than later), Thursday being Evening Gown, and Friday being the talent portion for your group.  I mainly liked it because of that Oreo AND the fact that Friday night would be the night I had so highly anticipated: TALENT! What a dream.  To sing in front of thousands... everyone you love, care about, represent, and who looks up to you.  They all get to see you do what you love in a fabulous gown as they cheer for you and support you.  What a dream! I absolutely cannot wait.  Friday night of prelims will be when more of my friends and family will be attending due to the work week being finished.  The more the merrier! Wow. I'm so excited.  But I accidentally skipped the story. Yes, I landed in Group C. Here's what happened:  a ton of prayer, and a "good feeling". I sat toward the corner of the room at the country club behind my director and a name card that stated Miss Lights of the Delta.  About half way through the meeting, someone announced that they were going to begin drawing names for the lottery.  All of the girls wiggled in their chairs, nervous, and anxious to know their place!! You wanted your name to be called first because that would mean you could choose any spot on the whole board.  But at that point, I had a weird feeling... I knew - I just knew - they were going to call my name first.  A peace and contentment came over me that I was in the right place at the right time: The Miss Arkansas system.  A window where I could be a mentor, a representative, a speaker, a singer, etc. I finally felt so content. ...Sloane, our lovely reigning Miss Arkansas, drew the first name from the bowl... "Miss Lights of the Delta, Maggie Benton".  Woah!  I knew it!  Crazy...I would be first to choose my spot in the lottery. An answered prayer.  I discussed my choice from Group C with Mrs. Marrietta (my incredible director), smiled at my mom, walked over to Mrs. Jessie, and asked for spot 42 in Group C.  The perfect spot for me.                                         
                                                                                           

Following the meeting, I had the rest of the day to bond with my sister queens from NEA.  We all "hit it off"! Jenn (Miss NEA), Sarah (Miss ASU), and Somer (Miss River Delta), and I all had dinner at 7:30 and didn't even leave the restaurant until 10:30 if that tells you anything. AND we went and had ice cream because we still hadn't finished all the talking that needed to be done.  It was perfection.  The next morning, we woke up and got ready for the Golf Tournament and Arkansas Children's Hospital tour.  I went to the tour expecting to see what I saw on television.  I didn't know that it would affect me as much as it did!  After we made Happy Birthday posters and Congratulations posters downstairs, we got to go meet some of the patients.  One in particular was a girl named Alex.  A sweet, strong, courageous, beautiful twelve year old girl I will never forget.  She asked that all 20 of the contestants that were touring at the time, come visit her room.  A huge leap of faith on her part.  We all filed in as she sat in a chair beside her bed.  She was connected to a machine from every angle.  It was like everything that we had been so worked up over the whole weekend just faded away and all that existed was the situation matter.  She passed around three long necklaces full of beads.  It was a system they did at Arkansas Children's called Beads of Courage where each patient gets a bead when they go through a trial…whether it be an X-ray, a surgery, a night in the ICU, or many more things. Three. Long. Necklaces.  She was very proud and she should have been.  I have never seen a more courageous girl.  I was later informed that Alex received a new heart and was doing well. Another answered prayer! God is so faithful.  I truly got to see firsthand why the Miss America Organization loves and supports Children's Miracle Network. 

Okay so not to mention that prior to all of that excitement, every single contestant had a model shoot with Tony Bowls where we were completely pampered.  Tony picked out our dresses, shoes, and earrings…artists did our hair and makeup, and we modeled for an incredible photographer. We also had quality time together as contestants. I really got to know Kylie Wright Miss OBU whom I already love! She is so sweet and I know we'll be spending a lot of time together during the week of Miss AR! ...After my morning photo session, I drove home quickly to watch my boyfriend graduate, and then that night I graduated, too.  I had my hair and makeup already done! How ideal! I couldn't have asked for a better graduation day.

Kylie and Me!

Having a blast!

Finished product. What an amazing experience!

 It was truly a blessing of a weekend.  Thank you to all who have supported me so far.  I can't wait to represent NEA and the Lights of the Delta at Miss Arkansas this summer as the best me I can be.  It will be a one in a million experience and I am so thankful.

Miss Lights of the Delta 2013

Last summer I had the privilege of meeting Miss Arkansas 2011, Kristen Glover, and was so impressed with her poise and intelligence that it was inspiring!!  A few weeks later was the Miss Arkansas 2012 pageant, so I decided to watch the finals with my good friend.  Little did I know it would have such a huge impact on the rest of my life!!  I watched the top 10 showcase their talent, physical fitness, intelligence, and beauty, and watched the beautiful Sloane Roberts become Miss Arkansas 2012.  The weeks following, I continued to hear and see about it on social networking and the media.  The more I saw, the more I felt like the system was something I wanted to be a part of.  A group of well-rounded, thriving women with incredible goals, talent, and intelligence.  How could I resist?  Later that week I knew that I wanted to work toward becoming Miss Arkansas one day.

My grandmother, "Nene", always wanted me to compete but I never followed through.  I had never done a single pageant.  After praying and talking to my parents, I took Nene to lunch and shared the news.  The news that I wanted to begin competing in the Miss America Organization.  She was thrilled.  I then told the rest of my family who supported my decision and I began asking my friends in the pageant system how to get connected.  For the six months following that time, I dedicated hours to working out, interview lessons, current events, paperwork, and more.  I had heard incredible things about the Northeast Arkansas Pageant Association lead by Marrietta Jerome and Eva Lee Graves.  Multiple girls who had been involved in the system directed me to them and I knew I wanted to take a shot at their pageant! My first chance was Miss Lights of the Delta, December 1st 2012, a day I will never forget.

The first weekend in December came in no time.  My mom and I loaded the car and headed to Blytheville completely open minded and ready for a new adventure: the world of pageantry.  I have nothing but good things to say about my time since.

That Friday night we had a successful rehearsal and then loaded the bus to go see the Lights of the Delta lighting display. (P.S. It's SO fun!! Take your family this Christmas to see Santa, the Lights, and have some popcorn and hot chocolate.  It's a blast!!)  The next morning we were up bright and early to get hair and makeup done by the magnificent Jane White (I just love her) and go to our interview!  There were two sections of competition.  The afternoon was swimsuit and on stage question and the evening was talent and evening gown.  After every phase was complete it was time for crowning.  They began to call out the runner ups and I had not heard my name called for a preliminary award or a runner up.  "The new Miss Lights of the Delta is..." ...little did I know what name was about to be said.  I won!

I later told my mom that if I had expected to win, I would've practiced a prettier face to make.  You'd have thought I won Miss America!!

But I am so thankful for the remainder of that weekend.  I was crowned in front of my incredible, supportive family and friends, there was an after party where I met Miss Arkansas 2012 for the first time! AHH! And on top of all that, I got to pig out the next morning at Perkin's Blytheville on a short stack of pancakes and some bacon. ;) I attended my first meeting with my director, Marrietta Jerome,  that same morning.  She is so wonderful at what she does that I couldn't even begin to explain it! She rewarded me with tons of gifts from incredible community sponsors and a huge blessing of a $3,000 scholarship to take to college with me in the fall.

Since that weekend, I have made appearances across Northeast Arkansas, met people all across the Natural State, made countless friends and memories, spoken about my platform, and raised money for the national platform Children's Miracle Network.  I am a testament to the "awesomeness" of the Miss Arkansas Organization and all that it brings to the women of Arkansas.  Being brand new in the pageant world, I could not have wished for a better experience.  I am sincerely thankful for this experience and opportunity and I CANNOT WAIT for the 2013 Miss Arkansas Pageant where I will make more lifelong friends, and strive to become the best woman I can be.

Above Photos:

1. Interview
2. On Stage Question
3. Talent
4. The best pageant coach/friend -- Maegan Inzer
5. Sweetest daddy in the world
6. Lights of the Delta Court
7. Sister queen, Katie Gardner
8. FAMILY...could not have done it without them...mom, dad, and my sweet grandparents
9. My amazing interview coach, Mrs. Jane Slocum