The Beginning of a New Chapter

Where do I even begin?! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of events.  Let's start with my college graduation.  I am officially a graduate from the College of Saint Benedict's with a bachelors degree in biology and a minor in Spanish.  It is such a surreal feeling graduating from college.  I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I don't have homework to do every night or that I don't have to go back to school on the fall.  A whole new chapter in my life has begun and I'm excited to see where God's path leads me.  I am very blessed to have a supportive family and loving friends who helped me get through my years of schooling, whether I needed a home cooked meal, or a friendly phone call, or even a shoulder to cry on when I was stressed-they were always there for me! Thank You!

The same day as graduation, I jumped in the car to travel to Coon Rapids for Kathryn's very last Night of Inspiration Concert where she recognized "Decades of Miss Minnesotas."  It was such an honor listening to former Miss Minnesotas talk about their year of service and who inspired them to keep going.  It was even a greater treat to watch their talents! Honestly, I'm not being biased when I say Minnesota has some of the most talented state titleholders!  From singing, to piano, to flute, to monologues I was completely entertained.  Thank you Kathryn for putting together so many concerts throughout your year as Miss Minnesota, they trully served a noble purpose with inspiring each community with the core message of sharing your unique God given talents to serve others.  

The next week I gave several presentations to young audiences about my platform, "Empowered to Serve: Turning Challenges into Opportunities."  If you are interested in knowing more about my personal platform and what my presentation is all about, please visit my website http://bethany.beniek.biz/   

A little girl squeezing her own lemon into lemonade

That same week I was asked to sing the National Anthem for a men's Gopher baseball game at Target Field!  I was so excited for this appearance that my sister and I went extra early to assure we were there on time.  Once we arrived we were taken to the press box to wait until the game started.  The time was getting close and we were then taken down to the field!  I couldn't believe I was standing on Target field!  Of course this is the month of May in Minnesota and weather is very unpredictable.  The game was postponed several times until finally two hours after the original game time, they officially cancelled the game :-(

Even though I didn't get to actually sing the National Anthem, I still had the incredible opportunity to stand on Target Field.  The Gophers still have my information so everyone cross your fingers that I'll have another opportunity like this next year!

Last week I had my last Pizza Ranch fundraiser in Waite Park for the Children's Miracle Network.  I was thrilled to see some familiar faces like Miss Minnesota's Princess Melanie!  

I check into Miss Minnesota week in less than two weeks!  Every single day is filled with work, appearances, and rehearsal!  I am getting more excited by the day and cannot wait to begin all of the Miss Minnesota festivities.       

Always,

Bethany Beniek

A Royal Experience

I honestly do not understand where the time goes.  It feels like yesterday that I attended the Miss Minnesota Contestant Workshop and here I am now, 4 days away from graduating college and only 30 days away until I check into Miss Minnesota week!

On April 30th I attended the fourth annual "Royal Experience" where I had the opportunity to teach young ladies how to sing and how I use my talent to praise the Lord and give back to others.  The event was filled with presentations, gifts, glamour treatments and a talent show.  One of my favorite moments of the day was when a little girl named Moriah approched me after my presentation and told me she wanted to sing a song for the talent show, but was afraid of doing it herself.  I told her we could sing a song together and she was thrilled to perform with me.  When our names were called she grabbed my hand and we walked on the stage together.  She held the microphone close to her mouth and looked intently into my eyes while we sang "You Are My Sunshing" to the audience.  She did a fabulous job along with the other young girls who participated in the talent show.  It was definately a moment I will never forget.

Moriah's Performance

There were several other Miss Minnesota Contestants involved in this event and it was great spending some extra time with them before Miss Minnesota week.

Aja and I after our "Glamour Treatments"

My Little Sister Queen Bailey and I

Miss Minnesota and Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen



The next day, May 1st, I had the incredible opportunity to introduce our faculty speaker at our Senior Farewell Dinner by singing a verse of a song.  It was such an honor to get up in front of my entire class and be apart of the evening.  I still cannot grasp the idea that I will be graduating this Saturday!  I remember checking into my dorm room 4 years ago as if it was a moment ago.  This is a very empowing time in my life and I try to cherish every moment, but no matter how hard I try, time continues to fly by.

This morning I took my Dental Admission Test (DAT)!  I studied very diligently over the past two months and I walked into the exam ready to except any results that may occur.  I did well, but I didn't recieve the scores that I was hoping for.  I'm excited that I can put that aside for now and focus on preparations for Miss Minnesota!  Like I said, only 30 days until check in day!  My schedule is loaded with driving, mock interviews, and practice.  I have my last Pizza Ranch fundraiser on Wednesday, May 25th in Waite Park benefiting the Children's Miracle Network.  I hope you all can come :-)  I love eating food for a great cause, and who doesn't like PIZZA!

Don't forget to mark you calendars for May 20th.  I'm very excited to sing the National Anthem at the Target Field for the men's Gopher Baseball game.  If you are interested in going it starts at 3:00pm.  I would love to see you there. 

Always,

Bethany Beniek