Miss USA 2009

Me and Linds at dinner with our dramatic 1940s make-up from the photo shoot!

Another Fadil shot from photo shoot :) Sooo much fun!
Me and Linds

Getting my make-up and hair done :)

Me and Dad

Me and Alec at the Best Buddies Event

Project Sunshine

Me and Linds in the theater during rehearsal

I got to hold the MBA trophy--They picked the 4 best basketball states--Go Cavs!!!

Me and Penny-My wonderful supervisor during Miss USA--Love her!

OHIO + MICHIGAN= BEST FRIENDS!

Glamour photo from photo shoot with Fadil
My best friend Sammy and Me :)

The night of the Final show-We went out and had so much fun on my last night in Vegas!

Me and Melissa, my beautiful director :)

Me and Linds saying goodbye :(

Making cards for Project Sunshine, one of my favorite things we did!!

Miss USA was Live April 19th on NBC!

Hey everyone! I have been so busy with work at the hospital, but I am finally free to write about Miss USA. Being at Miss USA was an experience I will never forget. I am truly blessed and so grateful that I was able to represent Ohio. I met so many wonderful girls, and we made memories that will last forever.

When I arrived at the Planet Hollywood, the day was filled with registration, fittings, photo shoots, video taping, and interviews. It was definitely a long 3 weeks of hard work and dedication! A typical day was waking up at 4 am, getting ready with full hair and make-up by 6 am for breakfast, rehearsals for 6 hours, events at night, and then back to our room to sleep for MAYBE 4 hours!! My roomie, Lindsey (Miss Michigan) and I had the most amazing time together. Who would have thought that Ohio and Michigan would be best friends, considering our football teams are rivals! Each and every morning, Linds and I put music on to get ready for our day together. We prayed and stayed positive, and it wouldn't have been the same without her by my side. I love you Linds!

The hardest part of being in Vegas for 3 weeks was being away from family and friends. We had one "Family and Friends" day where we were able to visit and spend time with family for most of the day. It was so nice to see my parents, sister, grandma, and best friends. I turned 22 in Vegas, which was so much fun! My dad gave me $100..I put all $100 on black on the Roulette table, and I won!!! :)

Although I did not place or make top 15, or even win, I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have been given throughout my year as Miss Ohio USA. I left Vegas being proud to represent my state and proud of myself. When my papa passed away this past January, my mom got me a heart-shaped necklace with his thumbprint engraved on it. I wore the necklace every single day at Miss USA, and it gave me strength. Everytime I felt weak, upset, or stressed, I thought of my Papa, and I felt him watching over me the entire time. I miss him so much, and I wish he would have made it to see me at Miss USA, but I know he was there in spirit.

Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support. Thank you Melissa for being there for me and believing in me. And to my pageant sis, Kelsey, Miss Ohio Teen USA---Top 15!! You go girl! You were absolutely beautiful! xoxo

Love,
Natasha