Alyssa Bates: Miss Kentucky Collegiate America

Looking into the mirror is a daily habit for almost everyone in the world. We check to see if our clothes fit well, if our face is presentable, and to get confirmation that we look as good,  as we feel. Most of us go on about our days,  and never think twice about that mirror image. Yet, others find their reflection hard to handle and wish for a different body. Sadly, I used to be one of those people. I focused on the negative things about myself, and would point out my imperfections to friends and family members. Although everyone gave encouraging words to disagree, I still believed my opinions of my body were valid.  

Over the years, I have started to notice that other girls felt this way about themselves too. I realized that body  issues did not just affect me, it affected many of my peers. So when I talk about what BRAVE means to me, it is not just about building respect and values for everyone,  but also is about teaching young girls to build  respect for themselves too. 

Although building respect for myself took some time, I believe the topic of bullying yourself needs to become more of a conversation in the classroom. When I speak about BRAVE, it is a steppingstone for many kids in the classroom who have experienced the same thing and are going through the same pain I did.  And like me,  many have never said anything to anyone. In my  presentations, I always make it a point to share with them the different resources they have to use as a support system, including talking to me. 

As Miss Kentucky Collegiate America, I have taken on a mission to reach students of many different ages and backgrounds to instill skills in them that they can use to address bullying to themselves and to others. As I tell kindergarten and first grade students; it is important to fill your bucket with kindness, because when your bucket is overflowing with kindness you have the chance to share it with others. And that is why this title means much more than just a crown or sash to me. It’s a chance to show kids that were just like I was that they can truly “Love Their Reflection”.