I am a person in recovery. This may be a little different than what you'd expect to hear from a "beauty queen." But I am happy to say that yes, I have been recovering for multiple years now. I am in service as the chairperson for a 12-Step group and I am extending my ministry of recovery to groups of individuals transitioning from prison back into society through the Christian Association for Prisoner Aftercare and the Dorothy project, Inc.God has blessed me with a mission and I am running with it!

Did you know over 2 million people over the age of 12 in America are addicted to prescription painkillers? The statistics for substance abuse and dependence are staggering. The sad part is how many women with families are affected by addiction. Women just like me. You might know one. She could be your mother, or your sister. Maybe your aunt, grandmother or teacher. This woman might even be you.

Addiction affects women of all walks of life. Your typical addict is no longer the homeless bag lady you breeze past while on your way to work. The typical addict nowadays may be your supervisor. Women as managers and heads of companies has exploded far faster than societies ability to cope. Millions of women find it hard if not impossible to meet all of the demands. When the pressures exceed the demands, many women turn to alcohol and drugs. Reality shows like "Intervention" expose the facts all too poignantly. We are now confronted with women shown on national television going to work and performing while drunk and high. But this probably doesn't surprise you. You probably know someone at work that does this. It might be you.

Addiction is a cunning disease. It's a tricky disease. Addiction will let you function just enough to trick you into thinking you don't have a problem. I am speaking from experience. I was able to go to school and perform with a 3.86 GPA in a grueling Master's degree program and I was addicted the whole time. I was  even able to work and no one was the wiser. Or so I thought. It took a series of events to snap me back to reality. I was blessed to be forced into treatment. I thank God every day for His wonderful mercies! If I had not been compelled into treatment my fate would have been that of many other addicts; jails, institutions, or death. Of course at the time I was resentful and nonchalant. I thought I'd act like I wanted to change and look like I was with the program. Whatever it took to get by. Again, God took an active and definite role in my recovery. He led me to a group where I actually made the connection. That is when my recovery began. I became the chairperson and group facilitator last year.

As I began to recover and heal, my life became different. I really had to face my negative emotions and learn how to cope in more productive ways. I was always encouraged though. Two members of my group were particularly encouraging. One would always tell me I had the capacity to lead many people to recovery. The other would always refer to me as a beauty queen. It didn't occur to me until I had 2 1/2 years clean that being a beauty queen would be an excellent way to lead women to recovery!  You see I had to return to who I really am in order to see how God is using me for His purposes. I had to get out of the haze of drug use. I had to get myself back. Me, with all my gifts and talents. Me, who always wanted to help others fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams. Me, who struggled so hard to become a counselor to do just that. Well now that I'm back, I'm reaching for the stars!

This brings me back to my pageant platform: Recovery from Addiction. I'm recovering and proud! I refuse to remain anonymous. The way for me to encourage the most women toward recovery is to be the Face of Recovery. My message is simple: you are not alone, you can stop using drugs, you can recover. My mission is to become Mrs. Michigan United States 2008 and to take this recovery message all over the country. Watch for me!