Of course I felt compelled to find out more about her, when Mrs. Sonshine heard Miss University of Alabama is helping girls across the country feel like royalty. So I got in touch with this absolutely fascinating young woman and here is her story:
Miss University of Alabama, Helping Girls feel like Royalty
As the world turns today in 2012, it’s seldom you come across a young lady, especially one who’s life has been immersed in the beauty pageant world, that truly understands what being “beautiful” really means. Anyone competing for a crown, with the pressures of recognition based on beauty, is faced with so many choices and opportunities to compromise,
especially when the world makes it all about the outward appearance. But for University of Alabama sophomore and beauty queen Caitlin Brunell, the crown represents so much more than just being beautiful on the outside.
It’s so incredibly refreshing to come in contact with fellow young people whose life’s goals include inspiring others andhelping them to fulfill their dreams. When you flip on the TV tonight, the reality TV world will be spewing garbage into your living room. What is offered as reality is really just a bunch of pre-written scenes that are edited for the viewer’s maximum entertainment. So we learn and are conditioned to believe that today’s generation has no idea what it means to exude beauty from within, without compromising the outward beauty God has created you with. Although this may be true in a lot of cases
across the country, it’s the furthest from the truth when it comes to our Miss University of Alabama 2012.
Caitlin’s first pageant was at 10 years old but it was also her first opportunity to exude true beauty, as the contestants were not permitted to wear makeup. This was a way for her to showcase her true talent, gain confidence, and meet other girls from across the country. In 2006, Caitlin and her mom started Caitlin’s Closet (CC), a non-profit charity that donatesdresses to girls in need all over the country. Whether it’s prom, homecoming, or a special occasion, Caitlin’s Closet has come in and made these girls feel like royalty.
In 2008, Caitlin won Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. During her reign, she asked her class of queen sisters from each state to partner up and donate as many dresses as they could. It actually became a nationwide contest and dresses came in from everywhere! As of today, CC has given away over 9,000 dresses and is continuing to give away more and more. As Miss University of Alabama, Caitlin’s plan is to reach to all 50 states during her year of service.
Caitlin hopes every woman is able to have that opportunity in her life to feel like a
princess and from there, go on to make a difference in someone’s life. A simple act of
kindness can change the world.
“There is something so rewarding about doing something for someone else and when
more inspired,” – Caitlin Brunell, Miss University of AlabamaI see that spark in someone to make a change, no matter what area, I become even
Caitlin will be competing for Miss Alabama this June.
To learn more about Caitlin’s Closet and receive information on how to donate one of your
dresses, go to www.caitlinscloset.org
Roll Tide, Mrs. Sonshine
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