Kailee Cavaliere

Living in a Material World

Against the backdrop of tree-leafed palm trees and a cool brown wall, vibrant warm colors explode. Orange, yellow, blue and pink are meshed together to create beautiful Guatemalan patters. Debbie, a native to Guatemala, displays her designs in a pop-up shop at a Zacapa hotel.

Presented in the shop are her many blouses, blankets, napkins and wood carvings. A self-taught English speaker, Debbie loves to showcase her goods and befriend Americans.

Like so many Guatemalans, Debbie comes out of a violent deprived childhood. At a young age, she saw her parents murdered. From that traumatizing moment forward, she knew she had to make something of herself without the support of adults.

Today, Debbie lives in her hometown of Antigua with her sister, her three children, and her nephews. Here, we see the importance of strong family ties. She explains that all contribute to keeping her store in the market afloat and profitable. Her specialty, however, is handcrafting each item.

“I don’t remember when I learned to sew, knit or crochet. It was just something I wanted to know,” Debbie said.

Every piece is rich in warm colors and tells a story of the country’s history. Designed with specific textiles and patterns, the blouses and skirts represent the different Mayan tribes. On the same table as the paintings sit wooden animal masks, which signify the different spirit animals.

“The giraffe is my favorite,” said Debbie, “strong, tall and beautiful.” Standing around five feet tall, I can see how she might idolize the gigantic creature.

Debbie’s hometown of Antigua is much more appealing to the average tourist. The small town is nestled in the valley of not one, but three active volcanoes. Antigua, literally meaning “old”, was the original capital of Guatemala.

By way of comparison, Antigua is to Guatemala as Cinque Terre is to Italy, minus the coastline. The city is dominated by cobblestone streets and saturated in colorful buildings. Each business alternating between yellow, red, blue or orange. The shops range from jade jewelry, to accessory boutiques, to artisan chocolate. Yes, this is much more suited for the three-star American.

Tucked away off the main street in town, the market hides Debbie’s shop. The task of finding her specific shop seems to be the challenge. All of the storefronts are similar with bold colors splashed on purses, wallets, and backpacks which border the outside of the shops.

There is no difference between the set up of this market and those in any other popular vacation destination. “What you looking for today,” asked several shop owners. “Best prices in town,” a few others bragged. Walking through the daunting maze feels like a gauntlet. Luckily, a friendly stranger knows Debbie and leads me to her store.

A familiar smile breaks through the product overload. Debbie pulls me lower for a long embrace. With a dignified gleam in her eye, she introduces her family to me and shows me around her shop. The space is no bigger than a walk in closet.

She may not have much personally but she is proud. Guatemala, in general may not have much or be much, but they are happy.

Aside from the intricate beauty of the the materials and products, there is treasure to be found here. It is the simple reminder that there is beauty in strength, results at the end determination, and happiness in simplicity.

Travel Essentials: Guatemala

Clothes? Check. Sunscreen? Packed. Sunglasses? Got them. Here are five more items I wouldn’t leave home without.

Copy of passport: There are many reasons why keeping a copy of your passport is a good idea. These circumstances may include losing a passport or having it stolen. As I experienced more recently, you may also need your passport if stopped by bus or train conductor. However, I will say that in that situation a photocopy did not suffice. If you are carrying your passport, I recommend keeping a photocopy hidden somewhere amongst your belongings at the hotel. In addition, it is never a bad idea to keep a photocopy at home.

Comfortable shoes: Depending on where you will be in Guatemala, comfortable shoes may bare a different meaning. For the first half of my journey, comfortable tennis shoes were necessary when working outside in the dusty and dirty areas of Zacapa. In the later half of my journey, tennis shoes were imperative for outdoor activities like hiking. If neither of these seem to fit your adventure, I would still recommend comfortable sandals because popular areas like Antigua solely have ancient cobblestone streets.

Bug spray: Due to the few water sources, Guatemala is not known for their mosquitoes. In fact, in larger cities like Guatemala City and Antigua, there are few to no bugs. However, venturing out into the more rural areas is where no-see-ums may be hiding. Also known as sand flies, biting midges, and more scientifically, Ceratopogonidae, these tiny critters leave itchy red bumps. Powerful bug sprays like deep woods do an excellent job of keeping the little nuisances away.

Disclaimer: Be cautious of bug sprays with 100 percent repellant. These products may take off colors from clothes, shoes and other materials.

Backpack/ Fanny pack: The purpose of your trip will help to decipher the necessary luggage needed. Like most foreign countries, you should travel through crowded areas with your belongings in front of you. Sometimes a backpack is more feasible because it can carry extra water, sweatshirts and large cameras. In other cases, an over the shoulder purse or fanny pack allows you to keep everything where you can see it. For this trip, I chose to go for the fashion statement. #Freethefannypack

Spanish/ English dictionary: When traveling to a foreign country, specifically those who speak another language, a dictionary is always recommended. The dictionary is a great reference point for those who know nothing, and an excellent security blanket for those who are trying to learn more.

Personally, I had to rely on my three years of high school Spanish. The dictionary is the one item I wish I would have brought to help bridge those moments of communication dissonance.

Heading to Guatemala? Let me know where!

25 & Confused

Hi, I’m Kailee.

Today, I turn twenty-five.

And I’m confused.

Who would have known that 20 years later, I would still be asking myself the same question. What do I want to be when I grow up?

Over the years, the answer has changed from taxi driver, event planner and professional athlete. So far none of which have come true. Now, as I sit here, a quarter of a century in age, I’m confused as to why I haven’t yet figured it out.

I have always been jealous of doctors, dentists and veterinarians. It seems like most times they have always known what they want to do. However, on a recent medical mission, I learned that several nurses and doctors of all ages were wondering the same question.

So, while I still don’t know the answer, this last year has genuinely led me closer to knowing where I see myself going, what’s important to me, and who I do NOT want to be.

To recap: Since last February, I quit my full-time job. In return, I started three “part-time” roles working for sports organizations that I love. I traveled often to places like Europe, Central America and numerous places throughout the states. And, I have worked toward my master’s degree in communications, which will be complete in May.

These experiences have been wonderful, they somehow have left me more confused. Here’s why;

I don’t want to settle. Some people are quite content at a desk, while others are not (like me). Discover which one best suits you and don’t settle for anything else. Often, too many people go through the motions of a mundane role which they could care less about. Please, don’t settle. You and employer will be so much better off.

I’ve learned that passion pays. We have all been encouraged to do what we love. They have told us to “find something we love doing and never work a day in our lives.” This is true. Some may just need a little longer to find out what that is. Learning what wakes you up each morning allows you to dedicate more time and energy into just that. Even if it’s the most unconventional job, persistency is key.

I’m more open to new opportunities. There is difference between a career stepping stone and a detour. Not every role will lead us to the next level career, so to speak. However, it may lead you away from a path you were never meant to go down. It’s ok to think you’re heading in one direction and end up going another. Life is about trial and error.

I’ve learned to make time for myself. No matter if you work a typical 9-5 job, or work irregular hours (like in sports), taking care of yourself should still be your first priority. One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received is that we cannot fully take care of others before taking care of ourselves. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.

So, do you find yourself asking the same question? That’s ok! Take new chances and don’t be afraid to explore. Trust me, you’re not the only one still confused.

Found in Translation

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The beige-colored room was quiet. The only sounds came from the teacher at the front of the room as she calmly reviewed the day’s lesson plan. When the time was right, she gracefully pushed her chair away from her desk, walked to the classroom door, and said cheerfully, “It’s 10:30.” In other words, it was time for English class.

For now, Cagli, Italy, native Giuditta Leoni is teaching in Pergola, just a few miles from her hometown. But this was not always the case. At the age of 18, Giuditta packed her bags for the University of Bologna. At the time, she could not foresee what her love for language could do for her or where her passion would take her. Since then, she has shared her linguistic talents in 12 countries and has lived in Spain, Australia, and the United States.

Although Italy is her favorite place to be, she admits that venturing beyond her home country was not difficult. “When you love what you do, it makes leaving easy,” she said. Now, she believes all of her students should travel and explore the world.

So, how did a young woman travel the world while still going to school? She did a variety of jobs, including working as a gardener and a waitress. As a member of the USA Pavilion-Expo team in Milan, she met U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.

Giuditta began learning English when she was 14-years-old, but she hadn’t thought about a full-time teaching job until she worked as a translator and Italian teacher. In addition to English and Italian, she also speaks Spanish and French.

She was able to practice the Spanish language while completing her bachelor’s degree in Madrid. After a couple of years, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in teaching Italian as a foreign language. “Language is something that makes you free,” she said. “It allows you to express yourself, wherever you go.”

Giuditta now works as an interpreter, a private tutor, and a language teacher, working in a new city or country every few weeks. On this day, she is in Pergola, giving three teenage boys their last English lesson of the summer. As the boys shuffled in together, one said “buongiorno,” and they all took their seats. In English, Giuditta replied “good morning,” and the class began.

On the agenda for the day was first, second, and third conditional grammar. Like a proud mother, she patiently waited while one of the boys read aloud or answered a question in English. When the time came to complete the class, the three boys and Giuditta reviewed the lesson. “Very good,” she said smiling, and the boys were dismissed.

Prior to the class, Giuditta explained the importance of continuing to learn and grow. Education, as she explained, is where passion and understanding begin. “Education is the base for everything,” she said.

In July of 2017, Giuditta will travel to England to serve as a course leader for a program known as Education First. While the program is only three weeks, she plans to continue working with young adults and children to enhance their language skills and sense of culture.

“Language and culture go together,” she said. “There is no language without culture. There is no culture without language.”

Gonzaga; The Beauty in Failure

In a world where people are constantly searching for the next great success story, it is rare to find a place where you are encouraged to fail. This, in large part, is one of the many reasons why I chose Gonzaga University.

Success, as the world has defined it, is making a name for yourself socially, mentally, fiscally or even physically without failure. However, I side with those who believe that we cannot be successful without our failures. While I don’t always look forward to failing, I do look forward to learning. I embrace new challenges. I push myself to live outside of my comfort zone.

In the back of my mind, I had always thought about getting my master’s degree. However, the thought of putting myself in a place where I could be judged for my scholarly achievements was enough to keep me from pursing my degree for some time. If I had to evaluate my success based on society’s definition, I would be socially successful. I was never a poor student, but I seemed to excel in social settings. Then, after speaking with students who had attended Gonzaga, and after conducting some research of my own, I realized that Gonzaga was the perfect place to drive myself academically. The reason being, the school encourages students to push limits, empower others, and gives them a safe environment to fail. In other words, Gonzaga provides students with a suitable place to learn.

I realized then, that Gonzaga represents the same values that I try to uphold. As a whole, the institution is rooted in the Jesuit mission, and passionate about the impact that the staff and students make on their community. When I applied for Gonzaga, I had just completed my year as Miss Washington in the Miss America Organization. Talk about a role which pushes comfort zones. If I had learned nothing else from that year, it was that I was truly capable of anything I put my mind to. Even a master’s degree. As the wise Yoda said, “Do or do not, there is no try,”

Once enrolled in classes, I felt like a student with purpose. No longer did I signify another number on campus. Professors were honest with feedback. Instead of nasty criticism, they gave positive suggestions and pushed for me to think on a deeper level. This was all before ever stepping foot on campus. When first doing so, I was immediately struck with déjà vu. How was it possible that a place I had never been before, felt so familiar? During my immersion, the topic of servant leadership was discussed. Again I was reminded why I chose Gonzaga.

Servant leadership is a form of leadership I have studied for quite some time. Ever since first hearing the term, I was enthralled with the idea that a leader, who wasn’t even in the position of power, could make a difference in the world. These types of leaders are kind, patience, selfless, forgiving, and hopeful.

Nelson Mandela once said, “may your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” At Gonzaga, I am hopeful. Not only do I feel hopeful about my future, but as I walk around campus I feel a commanding sense of hope for other students. Each student I spoke with on campus explained that Gonzaga felt like a home away from home. Even if students didn’t know one another, they appeared accepting and helpful.

Society’s definition of success is flawed in many regards. However, the professors and staff are so open to sharing situations where they have not lived up to expectations, learned from the situation and came out on top. It is this openness and honesty that allows students to realize that like Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, or Oprah, you can hit rock bottom before soaring to success. Gonzaga reminds us that we, as individuals, are the only ones who can define our successes and our failures.

In the words of one of the world’s greatest failures J.K. Rowling, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not lived at all. In which case, you’ve failed by default.”

Gonzaga, and Goals, and Grad School! Oh my!

With my year as Miss Washington complete and a bachelor’s degree in hand, I am ready for new obstacles to triumph. Never did I think that, that would come in the form of grad school. However, when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t say no.

So, now you may wonder…

Q: What are you going to school for?

A: I’ll be getting my master’s in Communications & Leadership Studies. If you know me, you realize that this is right up my alley! Gonzaga is known for their leadership programs and this is a perfect combination of what I studied at Eastern and my passion for leadership.

Q: Why get a Master’s in communications?

A: I think it’s no secret that in today’s business world it’s mostly about who you know and not as much about what you know-especially in the comm/PR world. However, this is now a personal goal that I have set for myself. I never want to stop learning and growing. I think this next chapter will be able to challenge me in new ways that I never imagined and I am excited to see what doors it opens.

Q: But, I thought you were moving to Boston?

A: I still get to! That is the beauty of this program! You have the opportunity to complete courses online, on-campus or a hybrid of the two. For now, I’ll be completing classing online and from Boston.

Q: What would like to do with this degree?

A: The sports industry is still my main focus, but I am also hoping this program introduces me to some humanitarian work as well. My dream job would be working for a community relations department for a Major League Baseabll team.

Why should we ever stop challenging ourselves to do better and be more? I say go after what you are passionate about, go after what scares you and go Zags!

Miss Washington Wednesday: The “What’s Next”

There are two words that I will hear more than any others this week, and they are “what’s next?” But, before we get to that, there’s another question that will frequently be asked this week.

How are you feeling about Miss Washington coming to a close?
Honestly, I am ok and doing well. While Miss Washington is maybe the best job in the world and undoubtedly one of the best years of my life, I knew it was just that- a year. I tried to make the most of it and know the blessings will continue to abound. I am so excited for the next chapter of my life and I am so grateful for the doors that this organization has opened for me.
So now, What’s next?

Well my friends, I don’t have all of the answers to that question, but here is what I do know.

I am moving! And no, I am not moving to a different house or apartment in Seattle, or back home. I am moving to…Boston! (Did you get that from the tea and red socks?)

Why Boston you may ask?

My college roommate and I, who lived together for two years at Eastern, have talked about moving to Boston for some time. She has connections over there that she wanted to move closer to and asked me to accompany her. With a college degree in hand, a whole lot of new experience from Miss Washington and nothing truly tying me down, I feel like I am ready to take on a new part of the world. So this now leads to…

What will you be doing in Boston?

I can’t exactly pin point what I will be doing quite yet. I have a few things in the works and some quick prayers would be appreciated.

What I can tell you is, because of the connections I have made as Miss Washington, I feel confident about job opportunities.

Do you know anyone in Boston?

I will be living with two of my best friends from the Tri-Cities. Demie, as I mentioned was my one of my college roommates. She and I have known each other since 6th grade. Whereas, my second roommate, Peyton, and I have actually known each other since grade school when our brothers played baseball together. We have all stayed close over the years and are excited for something new.

I will have all of my east coast Miss A sisters out there and have been fortunate to connect with a few people in the Miss Mass organization.

In addition, almost all of my new friends from the U.S. Open are from the New England area.

Let’s get a few things straight!

1. I LOVE the Pacific Northwest and will always consider this home.

2. Just because I am moving to New England, doesn’t automatically make me a Patriots fan. Calm yourself Hawks fan, I’ll still bleed green and blue.

3. Yes, I am aware of how much it snows there and I am up for an adventure!

4. I am on a roller coaster going up, so keep your eyes peeled for my future adventures.

So, thats’s all that I know on what’s coming next in my life. I do have plans to travel this summer and continue working for the Mariners for the rest of the season. I know that God will provide for me and His plans are much better than we could ever imagine.

Jeremiah 29:11
Until next time,

Kailee

#MissAmericaServes Information

‪#‎MissAmericaServes‬

Calling all Miss, Teens and Volunteers!

Date: 4/18

Time: 8:30am to Noon

Location: Meet at Renton Chamber of Commerce
625 South 4th St.
Renton WA 98057

Event: Downtown Renton Spring Clean Up

What’s involved: Some weeding, trash clean up and general sprucing up of the downtown area of Renton. What a great way to support the city that hosts us!

What you need: Gloves and rakes or brooms if you have them. Some tools will be provided. Dress is casual. Wear your red Miss America Serves shirt, if you were able to purchase one. If not, try and wear something red. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes. No sandals or “pageant shoes.” Boots or tennis shoes would be best.

*We will be sending out a waiver form if you are under 18 and want to participate…it’s required by the City of Renton since this is partnership with them.

Please RSVP to me if you are or are not able to participate. Thanks everyone!

*Pizza and beverages will be provided. They are very excited to have us involved!

Miss Washington Wednesday: The Teen Forum

This past weekend marked both the ending and the beginning.

The 2015 pageant season has come to an end when we crowned the final three Miss Washington contestants and it was the beginning of the Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen contestants’ journey.

On Friday, the MWOTeen contestants gathered for the first official night of Teen Forum. The first step was paperwork turn in, which is load off your shoulders once it is all turned in! The girls got their headshots taken by the always spectacular Bill Higdon with Select Photography, while Nicole Renard and I prepared to film their contestant videos. (You should expect to see those videos early next month!)

Tayler kicked off Saturday workshops with her talk about “A Day in the Life,” where she shared about her favorite experiences as Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen thus far. I was up next with my talk about social media and the seven deadly media sins. Curious to hear what they are? Message me!

The day continued with other excellent speakers, who talked about pursuing passions, hair & make-up, the top role model award, Western Washington University and Washington Business Week.

Saturday afternoon was probably the most adorable part of the whole weekend. It was time for the Pinecone Princess coronation. (Pinecone Princesses is a mentorship program for girls ages 7-11 to be paired with a Miss Washington Outstanding Teen Contestant. For more information, click here.) As emcee for this event, I was able to say things like, “presenting your royal highness, princess…and her teen…” Let me tell you, each one of them certainly looked like royalty in their white dresses and big smiles.

47a5da37b3127cce9851ca001be200000035100BaNm7Fs3bsZ — Photo by Keith Krueger

The evening ended in the “wildest” and sweetest way possible. The dessert auction and fashion show is a chance for not only the attendees to go into sugar shock from the decadent desserts, but also for the teens and their pinecones to dress in their favorite slumber party attire and model it off for everyone to see.

Tayler and her princess, Kendall, matched in wild animal pajamas, while I just looked wild in my cheetah onesie. Our table ended up with a cake shaped like a dress. It was scrumptious! However, with me having a huge sweet tooth, I table hopped to see what I could scavenge for. I had a bite of almost everything and there is no way to decide which dessert was my favorite!

Check out the video below for more of the fun, all of the outfits and all of the desserts!

Until next time,

Kailee

Miss Washington Wednesday: The $200 Pancake

Yesterday was #NATLPancakeDay at IHOP, where we were able to raise a lot of money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals! This was the 10th year that IHOP and CMN partnered together and in those 10 years, we have raised over $16 million. This year the goal was to raise $3.5 million.

Sienna, who is a miracle child at Seattle Children’s and I were well on our way with one special pancake. A gentleman asked us to make a gingerbread man pancake because it reminded him of his childhood. And so the $200 pancake was born…

Miss Washington Wednesday: The Super Bowl

Congratulations to the New England Patriots on becoming Super Bowl XLIX champions. Prior to the game, Miss Massachusetts and I made a little deal. Because the Seahawks did not come out on top, I had to wear a ghastly jersey for one whole humiliating day. The Miss America Organization is all about empowering women and encouraging each other, so we thought in addition to wearing the other team’s colors the winner would also be featured on the other’s blog. So, take a little time to get to know Lauren Kuhn, Miss Massachusetts 2014!

What is the title of your platform?

LK: Empowering Women through Education

As Miss Massachusetts, what are you doing with your platform?

LK: I’ve established a scholarship, this year it will be $1,250, last year it was $500. I’ve been scheduled to speak in schools and guidance centers, in addition to my previous visits on local television and radio stations, to talk about why higher education is important, how it can empower young women and I can help them find a way to pay for it.

Obviously, I don’t have to recap Sunday. I think we all saw it and lucky for the Seahawks fans it’s all over social media and ESPN. However, I think there were several life lessons to be learned not only from that game, but from the NFC Championship and from the Seahawks organization as a whole.

Now, because this is Miss Washington Wednesday, I wanted to take a moment and point out a few of the lessons I gathered and how I think they apply to the pageant world.

First, you never give up. In the NFC Championship game, the Seahawks were down 16 points and miraculously came back to win in OT 28-22. Some may say it was a miracle, but I think we all knew that it was because they refused to let the score bother them.

As someone who did not grow up in the pageant world, I was quite naive when it came to my first pageant. By the grace of God I won my first title on my first try. I went on to compete at Miss Washington as Miss Tri-Cities and not only didn’t win, but didn’t make the top 10. Year two I win Miss Northwest and had the opportunity to compete, once again, for Miss Washington. I had higher expectations for myself now that I was no longer a rookie and…didn’t make top 10…again. Ok, third time is a charm, right? I knew that I wanted the job of Miss Washington and I didn’t care what my track record was at state. I was going to work hard and make my dream a reality. I never gave up on the vision of the crown being placed on my head and boom! Third time really was a charm.

Second, it is all mental. In the championship game, the Seahawks can be heard on the sidelines saying, “it’s just 16 points. That’s all! It’s no big deal.” And to them, it was no big deal. In most minds, that game was already lost. People, if we waste our time trying to compare ourselves to other or try to settle the score, the game (or pageant) is already lost. This is one of the few situations in life where it is ok to be selfish and only worry about yourself.

Third, you can tell A LOT about a person’s character by the way they win…and the way they lose. It is only human for us to get frustrated once in a while and that’s ok. I am just hoping that you don’t take it out on a big enough stage (literally) for all to see. Russell Wilson is an excellent example of a good winner. He is humble and kind and always gives credit where credit is due. This makes me appreciate him. On the flip side, he is excellent loser. This makes me respect him.

At the end of most things, there can only be one winner. I believe people show their true colors when they lose. Yes, Richard Sherman has quite the mouth on him, however, when he is the first person to shake Tom Brady’s hand after a devastating loss, you can’t help but respect him a little more. The same goes for pageants. Don’t be that sourpuss sulking in the corner, but instead be grateful for the opportunity you have been given and move on. As someone who has lost many times in life, I have seen what happens when I respond to losing poorly and when I am able to lose gracefully.

Needless to say, I am so proud of our team and all they have accomplished this year! The ending may have been heart wrenching, but we have to remember and appreciate all of the amazing things that occurred before that. In the pageant world, we have to be able to look past the night of the pageant and be able to be proud of everything else we have accomplished leading up to that point and everything we will accomplish in the future.

Take a look at Kimball and my trip to Arizona in 12 minutes with the 12’s.

Three Lessons Learned from the 2015 Seattle Seahawks

Obviously, I don’t have to recap Sunday. I think we all saw it, and lucky for the Seahawks fans it’s all over social media and ESPN. However, I think there were several life lessons to be learned not only from that game, but from the NFC Championship and from the Seahawks organization as a whole.

Now, because this is Miss Washington Wednesday, I wanted to take a moment and point out a few of the lessons I gathered and how I think they apply to the pageant world.

Second, it is all mental. In the championship game, the Seahawks can be heard on the sidelines saying, “it’s just 16 points. That’s all! It’s no big deal.” And to them, it was no big deal. In most minds, that game was already lost. People, if we waste our time trying to compare ourselves to others or try to settle the score, the game (or pageant) is already lost. This is one of the few situations in life where it is ok to be selfish and only worry about yourself.