She Believed She Could...

“She believed she could, so she did!”

This powerful, motivational quote was introduced to me as I first began competing in the Miss America Organization. Since internalizing it, I have made it my mantra. One of the most special gifts I’ve ever received is my golden mantra band bracelet I wear each and every day given to me by the one who believes, without waiver, in me…my mother, Beth Matrazzo. As cliche as it sounds, I find myself looking down at my bracelet in times of stress and in times of triumph. Every Miss America interview, graduation from Clemson University, hours of sweat in the gym, all the vacations and all the long days in front of a computer working, this mantra has been on my heart.

I wear this mantra band each day for countless reasons; so of them being to carry her strength with me, to aid me in remembering that I can do it no matter how hard I must try, and when it’s all said and done, if I have given it my all, “I did.” While good luck charms are what they are, this mantra band inscribed with these poignant words is more, for me, a bangle of spiritual rejuvenation that pushes me to always believe in me and know, no matter what, I can do it!