Nicole Joy, a 2001 graduate of Blackduck High School and a 2005 graduate of Bemidji State University, was chosen last fall to represent Beltrami County in the Miss Minnesota International Pageant.
A lifelong resident of Beltrami County, Joy works part time at Timberline Sport-N-Convenience in Blackduck. A friend of hers had seen the article in the local paper about the Miss Minnesota International pageant.
"She said I should apply for it and see what happens," said Joy. She filled out a form, sent in two pictures and about four weeks later, she got the letter confirming that she had been chosen.
"The Minnesota Pageant coordinator sent me a packet of things that I had to do, which included coming up with a platform, get sponsors and make up a page or two for the official book," she said.
While attending BSU, she saw how the media affects young people and teenagers. "Young people overlook who they are and try to be what the media says they should be," Joy said.
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So for her platform, she chose to focus on the affect that this has on the young people in today's society. "It is such a hidden problem, but I have seen it with so many of my friends and people I went to school with," she said.
"It leads to so many problems including eating disorders, depression and surgeries, and it occurs in both men and women," Joy added. "They so easily fall into the trap of trying to 'fit in,' that they will do whatever will get them there, whether it is good for them or not."
She stressed that young men and women need to be shown, with the help of positive role models, that they can feel good about themselves. This can be done by eating healthy, working out and looking for internal peace by maintaining positive relationships with people who appreciate them for who they are.
She believes that people should be who they are, not what society says they should be. "You don't have to change your eye, hair or skin color to fit in," she added.
"If I'm fortunate enough to be selected as Miss Minnesota, I will be able to reach a broader audience and bring awareness of my platform to many communities around the state," she said.
Joy said she looks forward to the pageant to meet new people. She also hopes that it opens up new doors for future endeavors. "I'm hoping it will get my foot in the door for some other experiences like modeling," she said. She has already been approached and thinks it would be enjoyable.
However, she is currently a long-term substitute teacher at the Ponemah Elementary School and really loves her job. "I love it when students understand what I'm teaching, when it sinks in and the 'light' goes on," she said with a smile. "Teaching is so much fun, and it is getting easier the longer I do it."
Joy said she has a wonderful support system. Her family consists of her mother, Mary, her father, Jim and her younger brother, Chris. Her boyfriend of five years, Jon, has also been a great support in all her pursuits.
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She likes to read and go for walks, attend movies and go to sporting events, as well as spending quality time with family and friends
What three words would she use to describe herself? "Ambitious, independent and compassionate," said Joy with a smile. Her favorite saying certainly is representative of her philosophy on life -- Every opportunity comes with difficulty, every difficulty comes opportunity.
The Miss Minnesota International 2006 Pageant is being held this weekend at Stewart Hall on the St. Cloud State University campus. The crowning will be at 8 p.m. tonight.
