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2008 Miss Plus
America Elite
Calandra Griffin
Q&A With The New
Miss Plus America Elite!
| MPA |
What made
you enter MPA? |
| Calandra |
It
was suggested that I enter a few years ago. I had always turned
down the idea because I had the notion that I was “just regular”
but the thought never left. Last year I had made up my mind to
enter. Again I turned down the opportunity because my father
died and was not emotionally capable. This year I decided the
time was now! I had never been in a pageant. The first was the
Texas Plus America Pageant and the second was MPA. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel as you were traveling to the pageant? |
| Calandra |
Anxious and
ready! I know God was protecting my steps because I can’t
remember the time from my house to Ervay St. |
| MPA |
What was
your favorite part of the orientation? |
| Calandra |
The parties! The
Slumber Party and the Viva La Diva Party was an opportunity for
everyone to relax, let their hair down, dance and really get to
know one another. I especially loved the Diva Party. Our
family and friends could join us and meet the other delegates.
All of the delegates and guests looked FANTABULOUS! |
| MPA |
Tell us
about the new friends you made. |
|
Calandra |
The best way to
describe it is like a sorority but better. Everyone has the
others back. No matter where you are from, what you have or
don’t have. There is a level of diversity that supersedes so
many other organizations. That diversity brings so many types
of consciousness that so many facets of our society are
represented. I am proud to be a part of this. This is what
America is. |
| MPA |
What was
the toughest part of the competition? |
| Calandra |
Group B
Preliminaries. Although the schedule was written and followed,
I never felt ready during this time period. I think my fear
took over and made me skeptical about me being there. I’m not a
quitter. I had to do it, there was no going home. |
| MPA |
What was
the most difficult question to answer in interview? |
| Calandra |
All of the
questions were equally challenging. I wanted to make sure that
I thought carefully about all of the questions and answers.
|
| MPA |
How did
you feel during the opening number? |
| Calandra |
Sexy and silly! I
felt I didn’t get all the steps and was messing up! (I’m
laughing so hard right now!) But looking at all of the ladies
and the feedback from some of the audience members I think we
gave ‘em the WOW! I can’t wait to see the DVD! |
| MPA |
What was
the mood back-stage? |
| Calandra |
Ready and
excited!!!! Everyone was helping everyone and making sure we as
a whole were one. That was great! |
| MPA |
What was it like knowing that
Zoo Productions was filming you? |
| Calandra |
It was a little weird at first but by the end of the week it
became a norm. I didn’t even notice until they were asking me
specific questions |
| MPA |
What was the first thing that went through
your mind when you heard your name called? |
| Calandra |
When my name was
called for the top 15, I was thrilled! Yes! It’s on now! |
| MPA |
Describe
your crowning moment. |
|
Calandra |
When Debbie called
my name for Miss Plus America Elite I was truly stunned and
paralyzed. I was listening for a moment after she called my
name because maybe there was a mistake. I finally got movement
in my legs and made my way to the front so Jenna could crown
me. Backstage she gave me the biggest hug and congratulations
and told me “Girl, do you know you’ve made history! I’m so
proud of you!” I have to say this has truly been the proudest
achievement I have ever conquered. |
| MPA |
What went through
your mind when you heard that you may have a chance to play for
$ ONE MILLION on “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader”? |
|
Calandra |
WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!! |
| MPA |
What
plans do you have for your year's reign? |
|
Calandra |
I want to have
fun! I want to meet lots of people! I want to go everywhere!
I want everyone to know about MPA and what it does for women who
get involved in it. I want women to feel the way that I feel
and show it. You have to love your self so that others can love
you too. |
| MPA |
How do
you plan to promote your platform? |
|
Calandra |
Student Leadership
Through Law and Government Programs
This will give me
the opportunity to meet local, state and national politicians.
This is a monumental year for voting and getting involved in
politics. I pray I can shed light on students and adults and
make them aware of the need for us to make necessary decisions
about our government and who is working for us in those
realms. |
| MPA |
What
advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Miss Plus
America pageant? |
|
Calandra |
Go for it!!! Be
prepared because this is a life changing experience! Do not go
in thinking you will win the contest. Do it for the sake of
just doing it with you best in mind. You will be among the most
beautiful women in the world, inside and out. This will also
give you the opportunity to focus on and bring a particular
issue or charitable organization to the light of others who
could possibly be of help. It’s fun! MPA also sharpens who
you are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
|
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July Diary Entry
Well, this whole thing is
still unbelievable and overwhelming. I'm still trying to adjust
to my life with this incredible title! I want to do the best that
I can do and represent MPA to the fullest. I want to show the
world that MPA is about heart, soul, brains and beauty. All of
these things encompass what a wonderful woman is.
"As for the Future, your
task is not to foresee but to enable it."-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Well, the first thing I
would like to discuss is my platform-Student Leadership Through
Law and Government Programs. Many may not know this but I'm a
high school history teacher. I sponsor the following
organizations: Mock Trial, Student Council and the Youth and
Government Program. I do my platform everyday. That is one
reason why I chose it. Many Americans find very little interest
in politics, law or our government but complain about our leaders
and how they run the show. I feel that it is my duty to teach
young people to not become complacent with what is going on in our
society but to take a part in it and change what they do not like
about it. One of the best ways to do this is through law and
government programs. When I expose students to these realms, most
become excited and want to go further with their learning and
continue expanding the process of the matter.
Friday, July 19, 2008
Torrid Model Search
My first
appearance was the Torrid Model Search at the Parks Mall in
Arlington , Texas . I was a little nervous yet excited about
showing up. I expected there to be a line wrapped around the mall
twice with hundreds of beautiful women waiting their turn for their
opportunity for fame and exposure. When I got there and parked I
noticed that there was no line wrapped around the mall. As I walked
through the mall I noticed no line stretching to the outer door.
When I approached the Torrid store there was no line there either.
Maybe I had the wrong day. I went inside the manager looked at me
the automatically assumed what I was there for and escorted me to
the area where the other ladies were. She was correct of course.
There were about 8 ladies vying for their chance while I was there.
They all were very sweet and nice. I even saw a couple of people
who I had known already (ASHLEY)! When I put my crown on and
explained to everyone who I was they were really excited and proud.
We were approached by two ladies who were shopping in the store from
Tyler , TX . They were talking about how difficult it was to shop
for clothes in a small town as a larger woman and people react to
them. They loved the fact that I was Miss Plus America Elite 2008.
Ashley gave them information to website and for the Texas pageants
if they or anyone were interested. You should see their pics
below. I questioned why were there not as many females there as I
think should have. The manager said that it was a 3 day event and
you could drop the application and photo off from Friday through
Sunday. I was happy with that information but why was there not
more!!!
With
this experience, I realized that plus sized lady information is for
the most part word of mouth (That's how I got the info). This has
got to change. That should have been on the radio, television and
newspaper. Every where!!!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
A Red
Carpet Affair
This event was
a political gala and fundraiser for local Dallas delegates that were
nominated during the Texas Caucus. This was really fun!!! I met a
lot of people. Celebrities, local and state representatives,
performers, vendors etc all met for the common interest of sending
these delegates to Austin to perform their stately duties. A part
of the money was given to benefit the Maxey House and the Dallas
International Street Church . Both organizations goals were to
assist youths, women and the homeless. They had representatives
there from each of the beneficiaries and they all fit right into the
rest of the crowd. It really was just a huge party! There was
music, food, casino games and a style show! Everyone had a great
time! I am a somewhat shy person. I was a little nervous about
going. I served as a hostess and greeted patrons attending. Boy I
tell you, if you want any attention wear red and a beautiful huge
crown! LOL!! EVERYONE asked who I was. I talked to a lot of
people and explained MPA. I wish my business cards were in then.
OH! I met Irma P. Hall!! She is the sweet cute older lady that
played the grandmother in the movie Soul Food. She was soooo sweet
and nice! She seemed just excited to see me as I was to see her!
It was so funny! There is a picture of me with her. Dallas is full
of talented and passionate people. I was glad to be a part of
this. I am thankful for my title and crown. How could I ever have
the gumption to do and be a part of any of this?
August Diary Entry
Friday,
August 15, 2008 -
Coronation Ceremony
The Texas Plus
America team put together a Coronation Ceremony for me and Regina
Linwood the NEW Ms. Texas Plus America. It was the nicest and
sweetest thing anyone other than a family member has done for me.
The food was great, lots of people came in support of the both of us
and there was a plethora of kind words said. Shoots! It was almost
better than my birthday! I tip my hat of thanks and gratitude to
Mrs. Nanette Watts, Mrs. Anne Rodgers, Miss Ensie Jones, my sisters
Shea and LeShanon, my mother Vivian. You have been a continual
support system since I’ve decided to be involved with Plus America.
I love you all dearly!!! It warms me so much that God graced me
with people who truly care about me. All of the Texas queens:
Miesha Medford, Lauren Stewart, Mrs. BJ Johnson (my cousin LOL!),
thank you for all of you support and love. Every little and big
thing that you do is wonderful. All of the county directors thank
you for your support! I know this is an event that you will look
forward to celebrating in the future with your winners. I thank Mr.
Jones, my principal for all that he does in support of everything I
get myself into. (Smile)
Oklahoma! You are some fantastic ladies! Thank you for driving
around for almost two hours to come see me and celebrate. LOL! It
was a pure pleasure having you there.
I was very surprised and excited because Melissa came to the
celebration! She played a trick on me. She said that she was not
coming because it was out of town and her husband was not feeling
well. I understood that, especially since we just finished the
pageant last month. It made me truly happy that she came despite
everything else.
I would like to tell Regina, Ms. Texas Plus America 2008: Have a
great reign. This is one of the best experiences you could have in
life. I could not have asked for a better person to carry on the
title. You are beautiful inside and out. Being queen is work, fun
and rewarding. Get as much out of this as you can.
I know and feel that Plus America is BIG. After the celebration, I
feel ready to do what I need to do for my title as Miss Plus America
Elite 2008. I have a ton of people who are willing and have my back
beyond all circumstances. That’s the best part of this.
Thursday, August 28, 2008 -
Welcome Back To School Reading
Day
I am always ready to get back to work after a long summer. I miss
the kids so much! It was a wonderful pleasure to go see Mrs. Texas
Plus America-Miesha Medford at her place of work as a kindergarten
teacher. She had been looking forward to it for a long time. It is
also sweet to see the little babies that are so pure and innocent.
I enjoy my high school students also, but you don’t always see the
light in their eyes as you do in the younger children. The book I
chose to read was Incredible You by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It is
about making the right decisions and liking yourself just for being
you. The kids really liked the end because we had a discussion
about the book and what would you do scenarios. They were really
into it and came up with really interesting answers. In the end,
the student who remembered my name received the book as a gift.
That was fun!
It is so wonderful to be given to and to be able to give. This
month is about paying it forward. Try it and see how you can make
someone’s day, week or month. It is a blessing to be a blessing to
others.
See ya’ll next month! Smooches!
September Diary
Entry
“You can’t stay in your
corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to
go to them sometimes.
–Winnie the Pooh
I would like to thank Mrs. BJ Johnson for helping me and giving me
advice by showing me how a Queen should be, what she should expect
and know that I can still keep my humility with this role. “Ask and
ye shall receive.” I love you and those who continually help me,
check on me, push me and show me that I mean something to them and
others. This position is so much fun and meaningful but it is a
challenge for me to get out there because of my slightly
introversive personality.
Friday, September 26, 2008 - Texas State Fair Opening Day Parade
I have participated in parades before in high school with the
marching band and flag corp. This parade was so much different. My
body wasn’t aching and sore. Nor was I sweating profusely and
stinky. I had a great time! Don Herring Mitsubishi of Dallas
sponsored a black convertible Eclipse for us to drive. Boy did we
think we were hot! (Well, we were already the bomb. The car just
took us to another level that was somewhere near atomic!-That’s how
fabulous we were!). My friend from work and sister escorted me and
drove the car. The weather was beautiful-not too hot and not too
cool. There could not have been a more perfect day. As we drew
nearer towards the crowds, we waved and smiled. There were two other
“regular” beauty queens riding directly in front of me. They were
stunning. When the crowd saw me and read my sign they started
clapping and cheering! “Woo hoo! Yeah Miss Plus America! You go
girl! You are beautiful!” Construction workers were cheering and
whistling. Many men on the streets were making curvy signs with both
hands and giving the thumbs up. I was so moved that I got teary
eyed! The people were so proud! Most of the plus sized ladies and
even small women were beaming. I see that I represent a lot of
people. That is important. We all need someone to relate to in some
fashion form or another. I pray many of them took down the
information and can be a part or participate in MPA. It will change
their lives. I am living proof!
Saturday, September 27,
2008 - Friendship Baptist Church-Health Fair
“Family First”
I attend a fairly large church in The Colony, TX that I have been a
member of since I was a teenager. Many of the members have seen me
and my sisters grow up to be ladies. I did not tell hardly anyone
that I was involved in MPA so when I won Miss Plus America Elite my
sister told tons of people at the church but they didn’t know what
it meant. I arrived in crown and sash and boy were there questions!
The kids are so cute! They were all shocked and surprised that a
Queen showed up at church. We went through the booths getting
information and getting tested for osteoporosis, checking
cholesterol and glucose levels and getting our blood pressure
checked. There were other booths such as health and life insurance,
personal trainers, spiritual guidance and a booth for all types of
organic products. Sister Hernandez sells those from a company called
Shaklee. It ranges from vitamins, food and household products. It
felt good being there knowing that I have the support of my church
members. I also want to encourage a few of the ladies to be a part
of MPA. They have asked me about the information and want to attend
future pageants. I have said nothing but a word! I’m on it!!!
Until next time, may God
keep you and may peace be your blanket.
Smooches!
October Diary Entry
Saturday, October 25,
2008
Tarrant County Plus America Interest Meeting
There are going to be
some beautiful ladies in the pageant this year! (I bet this is said
every year!) Constance Pullam and Ashley Henderson, the directors
of the Tarrant County Plus America Pageant, invited me to join them
for the interest meeting. They gave very helpful information and
are so prepared for the upcoming event on February 28, 2009. I love
the fact that we are all working together to make MPA the biggest
and best it should be. Excellent job ladies!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wiley College Chapter-Omega Psi Phi Scholarship Ball
My family, friends and I attend this Ball in Marshall, TX each
year. It was a pleasure to be presented as Miss Plus America
Elite! It was so fun taking pictures and speaking about MPA. I was
asked numerous questions about who I was, when and where was the
pageant. I even pulled a few interested ladies to become a part of
the MPA system. The graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
hosts the dance as a way to fund a scholarship program that they
offer to eligible African-American young men who attend Wiley
College. What a beautiful event for a wonderful cause! Yes, this
is the college that is premiered in the movie The Great Debaters
starring heart throb Denzel Washington.
Smooches!
Calandra Griffin
Miss Plus America Elite
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