My Journey to Miss Texas’ Teen

When people see the crown and sash, they often see the final result. What they don't always see are the years of growth, challenges, lessons, and experiences that led to that moment.

My journey to Miss Texas' Teen has never been just about competing for a title. It has been about finding my voice, discovering my purpose, and learning how to use that voice to make a difference.

Growing up in Leander, Texas, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a family that encouraged me to dream big, work hard, and serve others. I have always loved being involved in my school and community through Student Council, varsity cheerleading, volunteer service, and leadership opportunities. Whether I was helping organize community projects, serving on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, or cheering on my classmates, I enjoyed finding ways to connect with others and make a positive impact.

At the same time, my family was navigating something that would forever shape who I am.

When my grandmother, whom I lovingly call Mimi, began living with Alzheimer's disease, I found myself stepping into a caregiving role at a young age. Like many families facing dementia, we experienced moments of uncertainty, heartbreak, and adjustment. I watched someone I loved slowly change, and I learned firsthand the challenges that come with caring for a family member with a chronic illness.

What I didn't know at the time was that there was a name for young people like me.

Caregiving Youth.

As I grew older and learned more about the more than 5.4 million Caregiving Youth across the United States, I realized that many of their stories were never being told. Their experiences often went unseen and unrecognized, despite the important role they play within their families.

I knew I wanted to change that.

In 2023, I launched Giving Grace: Advocating for Caregiving Youth. What started as a personal passion quickly became a mission. I began sharing my story and educating others about the realities young caregivers face every day. Over the past three years, I have had the opportunity to speak to more than 5,000 students, families, nurses, social workers, care managers, educators, and healthcare professionals.

Advocacy opened doors I never imagined.

I had the privilege of speaking before the Austin City Council to advocate for greater awareness of Caregiving Youth. I partnered with organizations including the American Association of Caregiving Youth, Kids Are Caregivers Too, Hope Loves Company, Lorenzo's House, and community leaders who share a commitment to supporting young caregivers. I also worked alongside students and researchers from The University of Texas at Austin to better understand the needs of Caregiving Youth in our communities.

With every conversation, my passion grew stronger.

As my advocacy journey continued, I realized that the Miss America Opportunity could provide an incredible platform to amplify this message.

I was drawn to the organization because of its focus on scholarship, leadership, service, and personal growth. The more I learned, the more I realized how closely its values aligned with my own.

The Miss America Opportunity is about so much more than crowns and titles. It gives young women the chance to develop leadership skills, pursue educational goals, serve their communities, and advocate for causes that matter deeply to them.

For me, that cause was Caregiving Youth.

My first experiences in the organization taught me lessons that extended far beyond the stage. I learned how to communicate more effectively, present myself with confidence, and step outside of my comfort zone. Like many competitors, I experienced both successes and setbacks.

There were moments when things didn't go exactly as planned.

There were times when I questioned myself.

There were moments when I wondered if I was ready.

But each experience taught me something valuable.

I learned that success isn't defined by a single result.

Success is found in growth.

Success is found in resilience.

Success is found in having the courage to keep showing up, even when the outcome is uncertain.

In December 2025, I competed for Miss Metroplex's Teen.

Standing on that stage, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Regardless of the outcome, I knew how much I had already gained through the journey. I had grown as a leader, strengthened my advocacy work, and developed friendships that would last a lifetime.

When my name was announced as Miss Metroplex's Teen 2026 on December 1, 2025, I was filled with excitement, gratitude, and responsibility. In that moment, I thought about everyone who had supported me along the way—my family, friends, mentors, directors, teachers, and the many people who believed in my mission to advocate for Caregiving Youth.

It was a moment I will never forget.

At the same time, I knew the crown represented something much bigger than me.

It represented an opportunity.

An opportunity to continue raising awareness for Caregiving Youth.

An opportunity to serve communities across Texas.

An opportunity to help young caregivers know they are not alone.

Since earning the title, I have continued sharing my platform throughout Texas. I've spoken with students, healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, care managers, and community leaders about the importance of recognizing and supporting Caregiving Youth.

One of the greatest gifts of this journey has been hearing the stories of other young caregivers. Many have shared experiences similar to my own—helping care for a grandparent with dementia, supporting a parent with a chronic illness, or taking on responsibilities that many people their age never experience.

Their stories continue to inspire me every day.

As I prepare for Miss Texas' Teen, I am reminded that this journey has never been about perfection.

It has been about purpose.

It has been about using my story to help others.

It has been about turning personal experience into meaningful advocacy.

Most importantly, it has been about honoring my Mimi and the lessons she taught me through her life, her strength, and her journey with Alzheimer's disease.

No matter what happens on the Miss Texas' Teen stage, I am already grateful for everything this experience has given me. It has challenged me, shaped me, and strengthened my commitment to serving others.

The road to Miss Texas' Teen has been filled with unforgettable memories, incredible mentors, supportive family members, lifelong friendships, and opportunities to make a difference.

And no matter where this journey leads next, I will continue advocating for the millions of Caregiving Youth whose stories deserve to be heard.

Because every young caregiver deserves to be seen.

Every voice deserves to be heard.

And every story matters.

Giving Grace Motto:
"Every Young Caregiver Seen. Every Voice Heard. Every Story Matters."