I had the unique pleasure of spending two days with Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012, this week. I'd interviewed her previously on the phone for fourpoints' April/May cover, and I had the sense that we were going to have fun.

For another reporting jobs, I've met and interviewed politicos like Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, and T.V. personalities like Christopher Knight (aka Bobby Brady), but I was particularly looking forward to meeting Laura because even on the phone, I could tell she was just a regular girl with a fantastic story to tell.

What was most remarkable about Laura is despite her extravagant evening gowns, flawless, white bikini wearing figure, and frequent flyer miles, when I was with her, she felt like an old friend. I am a 24 year old gal from the Midwest. She is a 24 year old gal from the Midwest, and although she carries a heavy responsibility on her perfectly postured shoulders, she conducts herself sans grandeur or entitlement. We talked dating, splurging on desserts, favorite musical genres, and (in another life) what tattoos we'd get.

The fact is that she has a story to tell, and a history of hard work that led her to today, just like each one of you, and just like me. That is how I will remember her, not as Miss America 2012, but as Laura, the sea-food loving, her own hair-doing, dog-loving woman with a dream, passion, and a good sense of humor.

Written by: Erika Fifelski joined the Serendipity Media, LLC team in August 2011. Before that she wrote for a daily newspaper in Northeast Michigan. She has a degree in journalism from Michigan State University, and if she had to choose, her platform would involve advocating for urban farming and food sovereignty.

As a recently recruited writer for the fourpoints team, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself to the members of the pageantry world. The exposure I had to the Miss America Organization prior to this position can be summed up by a handful of evenings spent watching the annual pageant, and a DVD copy of Miss Congeniality. But in the short weeks I've been writing, I have come into contact with contestants, volunteers, Executive Directors, and parents who are true advocates for the organization.

I got into writing because it is my heartfelt belief that everyone has a story to tell. Writing, however, can sometimes be daunting, and that's where I come in. If I can encounter someone, listen to their experiences, and craft an article that exemplifies their passion, then I have succeeded. The people I have interviewed so far for the upcoming issue of fourpoints have fierce affection for MAO, and frankly, they are making my job easy. I hope our fourpoints readers will be as inspired by them as I already am.

I still get starry eyed talking to Miss States over the phone, and my knees are weak just preparing to interview Miss America Laura Kaeppeler in the coming weeks, but to all participants in the Miss America Organization, I am truly looking forward to this opportunity to share in your joys and journeys to scholarship, success, style and service.

Erika Fifelski joined the Serendipity Media, LLC team in August 2011. Before that she wrote for a daily newspaper in Northeast Michigan. She has a degree in journalism from Michigan State University, and if she had to choose, her platform would involve advocating for urban farming and food sovereignty.

Well, I'm not leaving just yet! But today IS the final day of the 2012 Miss America competition. I'm almost out of hairspray and I've lost my voice, but you know what? I have had SUCH a good time.

I am looking forward to the telecast tonight (or this afternoon, I guess) but also a little anxious! Yesterday, Tony Eaton said there were some surprises in the show. I am excited to see what they are but I hope they go smoothly! Experiencing live television is both bizarre and very cool.

I hope that everyone tuning in at home has enjoyed watching our take on the pageant. The preliminary competition this year has been my favorite in the 6 years that I've been coming to the pageant. I know it's not polite to play favorites, but I cannot get enough of Dena Blizzard! She is so incredibly funny. The judges panel was also very fun and relaxed this year, which I think bodes well for whichever young lady they choose as Miss America 2012.

I have gotten to reconnect with a lot of my pageant friends and family this week, and that is a very cherished part of the Miss America experience for me. I know I am not alone in this - almost everyone views this week as a time to get together with far-flung friends.

And I have also had the chance to do a lot of interviews and research. The next few issues of fourpoints are going to be jam-packed with such great information - I am excited to share all of it with you!

You guys, I cannot BELIEVE it is Thursday already! Time is just FLYING by and it's not because of the time difference. Well, not entirely because of the time difference.

The show last night was a blast! It was way more high energy than Tuesday night and I really enjoyed it! If you follow my Tweets (and really, you should!), you will know that there are a LOT of dancers this year! I think there are more dancers than I have ever seen before, which is great. I wonder, though, if the contestants get super nervous becase dance fiend Mark Ballas is a judge? That would definitely make me nervous, but I just enjoy watching Mark Ballas judge. He gets really into the music and performances.

This morning I had the pleasure of attening a press conference featuring: the Quality of Life finalists, the winner of our fourpoints scholarship award, and a whole slew of former Miss Americas.

Miss Kentucky Ann-Blair Thornton won the Quality of Life Award and gave a very moving speech about her platform and the experience of losing a loved one to Alzheimer's.

I also got the chance to talk one-on-one with Miss Idaho Genevive Nutting, our fourpoints scholarship winner. She is such a lovely young lady and you can learn more about her in the next issue of fourpoints. Her mother also stopped to talk for a minute and was so nice, so excited. It's moments like that, that really make it all worth it!

What else? The former Miss America were awesome as always.

It looked like Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund had a very heavy left hand - I think she's engaged!

The Miss Americas also shared where they keep their crowns. Vonda Kay sleeps in hers and Dorothy Benham keeps hers in a butter cookie tin. I swear, you can't make this stuff up!