To be honest, it was a little hard getting back to the real world after the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. For a week, I got to meet new people, make face-to-face introductions with those I've interviewed over the phone, and experience the production from night to night.

But getting back to the office is even more exciting and now that my nose is to the grindstone, I get to write about all the people I met! Already I've talked with Rachel Wyatt and her family and friends for our next cover story. Her humility in the midst of all that she's experienced in the last couple of weeks is refreshing. We're also featuring some of the style experts who debuted new clothing lines at the MAOTeen trade show, and catching up with volunteers from across the nation.

I'm grateful to everyone who made the week–my first time at a national pageant competition–so much fun in addition to providing all the story ideas. Watch future issues of fourpoints to read more about the faces of MAOTeen and the volunteers and enthusiasts that make the entire organization a success!

Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer