Saying farewell: A letter from Miss OBU 2016
January 01, 2020
God’s timing is always perfect. I found that out in my senior year at this wonderful
University. As some of you may know, I was never able to compete in Miss Ouachita
Baptist University in the past because of conflicting schedules with softball season,
but in the fall of 2015, I had the opportunity to take a chance at something that
I had always wanted to be a part of. Even though I was a student-athlete, I still
loved the idea of dusting the dirt off and ditching the cleats occasionally to be
able to dress up, perform, and to speak to others about the importance of life-saving
skills.
The past 15 months have been full of opportunity and growth thanks to the Miss Arkansas
Organization. Who knew I would be fortunate enough to be standing on the same stage
with our Miss America, Savvy Shields?! Because of the Miss Arkansas Organization and
some of my amazing sponsors, I had the opportunity to go to schools and events to
speak on my platform, “First Aid First: Don’t Wait--Initiate!”. Out of 75 appearances,
one of the most rewarding was when I got to teach nearly 300 middle-school students
how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver and CPR in one single day! What a special gift
to be able to give.
I have gained so many forever friends in the process, but I know that so much of what
I have gotten to experience would not be possible without my Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. John 3:30 says, “He must become greater, and I must become less.” This is
not only the mentality we should have in our everyday lives, but this is the mantra
I have had for this year of service.
Thank you to all of the amazing people who have made this pageant a success every
year for the past 50 years! From seeking out sponsors for prize packages to making
sure the lighting is just perfect on each and every girl’s face, you all are the best.
To those who continue to support this organization, I thank you from the bottom of
my heart.
Ouachita Baptist University has helped shaped me into who I am today and I could not
be more grateful to the faculty, staff, friends, and coaches who have made an impact
on my life in the process. You all continually invest your energy, time, prayers,
and talents into so many bright young adults. Thank you, Ouachita, for supporting
me, growing me, investing in me, and standing with me while letting me serve you.
I cannot begin to express how much this year as Miss Ouachita Baptist University has
meant to me. I could not have done it without the support of my family, teammates,
coaches, and friends. It is sad moving on from my first ever title, but I am excited
for our 50th Miss Ouachita Baptist University to claim her crown and serve her campus
to the fullest!
With Love,
Suzie
Suzie Gresham is a 2016 Ouachita graduate from Hope, Ark., and was crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2016.
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