Today we’d like to introduce you to Misti Nordstrom.
Hi Misti, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first became involved with pageants when I was a college student. I stumbled across a newspaper article seeking contestants for the Miss New Bedford Pageant, a local for the Miss America Pageant. At twenty years old, I figured, why not? I ended up winning and was able to pay for a lot of my undergraduate school with scholarships earned from the Miss America Program. A few years later, I got married, started a family, and my career kept me very busy. I never thought pageants would become a part of my life… until a friend encouraged me to get my pageant shoes dusted off! I learned that there were pageants designed for married women, and older women, and little did I know how instrumental pageants would be in my life, but this time it wasn’t about scholarship money. My younger brother, and only sibling, died in a tragic motorcycle accident at the tender age of 23. He was a registered organ donor. That’s what threw me back into the pageant world. I wanted to celebrate and honor his life in the most powerful way. I decided to become an organ donor myself, and started working as an am ambassador for Donate Life with my regional chapter, New England Donor Services. A crown is an amazing tool for grabbing the attention of people. Since my goal is to raise the national donor registration rate from 58% to 75%, being a titleholder is the perfect opportunity to make a larger impact. Over the last 10 years, I have worked to raise awareness, and funds, and help donor families and recipients share their journeys of healing with others. As Ms. Massachusetts Continental Worldwide, I have been afforded so many opportunities to share my platform with people in my state and beyond. I’ve always been grateful to be a guest speaker at events to support other charities and missions. No matter the event, I am always ready and thankful to be a part of movements that work to improve the lives of others. I am hoping to earn the title of Ms. Continental Worldwide in Salt Lake City this July, extending my platform to a greater population and work on a national campaign. I am grateful to our pageant organization and Director, Loreen Olney for entrusting me with my state title and offering me the opportunity to share my message on the stage in Utah!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing that is worthwhile is ever easy. I can say that there have been some challenges. I’m 48 years old and work full-time as a middle school math and science teacher. I have a family. I volunteer. It is a very full plate, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. The work that I do is so important. I embrace the responsibility and pray that I always deliver my best to everyone I interact with. On top of this very full plate, I, like most women, have moments when I doubt myself. It happens. We start to feel overwhelmed. The important thing is that we don’t give up. I can’t say that I will always have a title or wear a crown, but I will always serve others. That is what a real queen does, and I always try to live my life with service in mind. Preparing for the Ms. Continental Worldwide Pageant has been exciting and challenging. I am traveling to Utah for the very first time with lots of luggage, butterflies in my stomach, and an eager heart.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a teacher for 22 years. It is my true passion and while it is not a glamorous or easy profession, it fulfills me. I have taught in public, private, and charter schools all things math and science. From Physics to Biology, Algebra, and Geometry, my love of the STEM field is undeniable! I have received national awards from President Obama, as well as, The Boston Bruins Hockey Team!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I always look back on memories from Christmas with my family. It was a special time when family would all gather, prepare special meals, and share in traditions that have been shared with many generations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: mscontinentalworldwide2022
