Heather Harris's dream came true, and she said it is helping her grow as a person.
The vocal performance junior was crowned Miss OCU during the annual pageant Nov. 22. There were 11 contestants competing for the title this year.
"I'm so blessed and honored to be Miss OCU," Harris said. "It was a huge surprise.
"I was very happy, so happy I can't even express it. I'm still in awe about it."
As Miss OCU, Harris will receive three semesters of free tuition, as well as free room and board. The first runner up was Hailey Ford, music theater graduate.
Winning the title has helped Harris learn more about herself and grow as a person, she said. It also took a lot of dedication and hard work.
"I've been in the Miss America system for the past seven years, and by participating in the organization it has helped me grow and realize that whatever you want in life you have to work hard for it," she said.
At last year's competition Harris was first runner up to Molly Colvard, but it didn't deter her from her dream, she said.
"My dream was to become Miss OCU," Harris said. "I worked hard and believed that I could do it.
"Because of my willingness and my belief in myself, my dreams came true."
Harris's platform for the competition was bully harassment. She said she chose it for personal reasons.
"I was bullied as a young child," Harris said. "Throughout the time I was bullied I felt very alone. I kept to myself and was very insecure.
"Once I spoke up and got some help the bullying ceased and I became a stronger person."
It's been encouraging for her to speak out about bullying, Harris said. It also has helped her grow even more, she said.
The next stage for Harris is preparing for the Miss Oklahoma pageant, which is in summer 2009. To get ready Harris said she will work on staying fit and healthy, stay informed on current events, work on her interview skills, and look for a song to perform.
Despite the stresses of working toward another title sometimes you have to relax, Harris said.
"Through all of the staying healthy and fit you have to let go and have fun," she said. "You have to know that all that you're doing is your best."
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