MSJ 2015 | Page 5

Ms. Senior Jacksonville 2015 Deborah Thompson When I became Ms. Senior Jacksonville, I was shocked and thought that I had never been a Queen before. However, I later discovered that in either the second or third grade I had been queen of the May Day. This vision came to me, back in Mobile, Alabama standing on the front porch in a rainbow evening gown, made by my mother. From 1957 to 2014; from May Day Queen as a child to Miss Senior Jacksonville at age 68; did I do a good job representing the seniors this year? I think I did. ! I wore the Crown and Sash everywhere I went for the most part, and took vanity, beauty, pretty and happy with me all the time. I felt good as I received compliments, I did not show uneasiness I felt inside, or any insecurity or loneliness in character I possess by being just me. Especially, when reactions are different from those that I expected. It’s funny how you can learn to control a situation by controlling your emotions and reactions. HOWEVER, in this program I flunked the coaching sessions that may have reinforced my skills on how to deal with my insecurities. Therefore, I was sometimes uncertain as to when and where to wear the crown and sash, when is it appropriate, and just who makes the rules.