Miss Anoka County says "Hi" to you!

I had a dream last night that I tried to post on here, and ended up posting like 30 pictures instead of typing a post. Hopefully, my lack of technological knowledge will not lead me to such a fate, but only time will tell. Now, to the formal introduction....

Hello to one and all, my name is Colleen Meyer and I have been blessed with the title of Miss Anoka County 2007. It still feels incredibly surreal to be able to say that. As a native of Anoka County (I was raised in Andover), I am so excited to have this opportunity to represent the community that has helped to shape me into the woman I am today. I am currently a junior at the University of St. Thomas, with a biology major and psychology minor. My most recent accomplishment has been the completion of the five and a half hour Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which will hopefully aid me in my goal of gaining entrance to a medical school somewhere in the Midwest.

My platform, "Focus on the Family" promotes the importance of family involvement in successful child development. The need for family is something that has been deeply rooted in me since birth, and was reaffirmed by knowledge I gained in a psychology of marriage and family class I took for my psychology minor. I emphasize the positive benefits of a healthy home-life, as well as the need to recognize a broader idea of "family" within our country--a family that not only includes relatives but trusted friends and neighbors. I have developed a program, called "Who's in your family?" for children ages 5-11 which promotes this message and also excites children about having their family involved in their daily life.

As one can guess, the people in my family are incredibly important to me. They have been essential in the completion of all tasks and accomplishments throughout my life. From the day I was born they have supported me in everything I do, from attending various choral performances while I was in grade school to surprising me with their very own rendition of "We are Family" at my senior dance recital, as seen in the picture (they actually weren't half bad).

I will have to agree with the rest of the girls that contestant forum was a blast. It was fun to either meet everyone for the first time, or see them again, and I know we have lots of good times ahead of us, and that we will be prepared for anything, especially after our "Project Runway" experience. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and to continue on in my journey as Miss Anoka County 2007.

Until next time, peace and God bless, and prayers to those suffering from the tragic events at Virginia Tech.