Why I Do Pageants???

Tonight I got a comment on my facebook pertaining to why I do pageants and the conversation is posted below. I love hearing different viewpoints and am so glad my friend brought it up! I think its fantastic we have public forums to discuss things so we can all better understand each other and where we all are coming from! If any of you ever have any questions feel free to facebook me or find me on twitter.

I have found filling my life with diverse, seemingly unrelated goals has developed me a unique individual. I am blessed I have had the athletic ability to pursue volleyball at a high level nationally and internationally. I am blessed to be a full enough package to have competed in the toughest state pageant in the USA and been relatively successful. I am blessed to have had the ambition, compassion and global prespective to start an international charitable non profit organization. I am further and finally blessed to have the ability to devote myself to a career in health as I pursue goals to one day become a doctor.

I love hearing input from people who just know me as a volleyball player, or just a student, or just pageant girl etc because I love letting people know there is so much more to me and there can be so much more to anyone if you set a goal and put your mind to it!

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(background: she's a good friend from back when I used to play volleyball for UCLA)

My friend: Nana, You"re so much more than Miss USA! Really, I'm sorry but is that what you want out-of life? Your're so much more..

Me: hi! I understand where you are coming from. I think there are alot of stereotypes about pageants out there that are just not true. I have learned, grown and developed more as a person than I did playing volleyball and as you know with volleyball I grew and matured a whole lot! It takes so much to become and be a titleholder, but unfortunately there are stereotypes about pageants that dont allow people to truly understand how positively impactful competing can be for a woman. I have met the smartest, most confident, ambitious women competing vs. any other part of my life.

It takes a lot to aspire to something much bigger than yourself and to add you do it in front of millions of people around the world. That is what it is to want to become a miss usa, developing yourself to something way bigger than you can imagine while having to sometimes withstand intense setback, negativity and criticism... it is in a nutshell the American dream.

This is not the ONLY thing I want out of my life, there are many parts to me and I seek a balance everyday to fulfill each aspiration. I want to be a doctor, I want to develop my non profit even further, I want to have a family etc this is just a chapter in my life just like playing volleyball was.

Its hard for people from each phase of my life to understand the other. For example, I know its hard for alot of volleyball people to understand my desire to compete for pageants or to understand my desire to seek higher education, but there's also more to life than just pursuing a sport too. I think now adays, especially for women, there's more to life than just being one thing. We have become 'renaissance women' seeking careers and goals and not just staying home..I think thats something special that should be celebrated no matter what form its in.

I have found athletics and pageantry to have more in common with each other than expected and its sad alot of people judge one and the other. All I can say is I love surprising people and I love having the unique opportunity to have more to my name than just a volleyball player or just a student or just a humanitarian or just a pageant girl. I hope that clears things.


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Oooo The Memories.

It has been 2 years and I am in my last set of finals before I complete my Post Baccalaureate Premed program at USC!!! Come May 20th I will be taking the MCAT and by June 1st I will begin the Medical School application process. It is very competitive and the cycle of applying takes about a year. I am ready for the challenge and new chapter in my life!

Anyway in the midst of all this studying, I found myself browsing through old pictures of all the years I have competed in the Miss USA system. From winning Miss Malibu, to representing the city of Beverly Hills, to capturing the title of Miss Los Angeles County this year, I have had a great time being a titleholder, meeting new people, being active in my community and competing at Miss California USA! I am excited for this fall and the next round of state competition! Enjoy the pics and wish me luck on finals!xo

Official Miss Los Angeles County Photo Shoot

Hope you enjoy this video! I had a little photo shoot with my teen Monique about a month ago! We had a good time and got some great shots!

Miss Los Angeles USA is a preliminary to the Miss California USA pageant which is further a preliminary to Donald Trump's Miss USA and Miss Universe! Miss USA is in Las Vegas this summer and I am so excited to be traveling to attend the event with 10 of the most beautiful girls in the country. A group of us who compete in different states from Texas to Colorado to Kansas to Maryland etc are excited to be sharing a suite for the whole weekend of events! Make sure to tune in to my twitter for updates and pics:)

THE GIRLS: Kym Smith, Annilie Hastey, Cierra Jackson, Ariel Wilson, Brittany Larson, Alex Miller, Kathryn Dunn, Kelly Bischoff, Ashley Rene' Baumgartner

It's best to check the video out on my youtube channel and while you're there, make sure to stop by all my other videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/NanaMeriwether

You can also follow me on twitter for updates on what I am doing this spring! http://twitter.com/NanaMeriwether

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the Meriwether Foundation, I would like to express a sincere thank you to all 2010 community volunteers and contributors!

(Swaziland)



I am so grateful to report that the scale of our work is growing rapidly. From planning to open 2 new medical clinics in Zambia and Zimbabwe to delivering a record number of medical supplies, books, agricultural goods, clothing, school supplies etc, our projects continue to look to better the lives of so many in rural Southern Africa.

(Lambo Village, Zimbabwe)








(Zitha Village, South Africa)


I invite anyone inspired to make a difference this holiday season and in 2011 to help sponsor one of our many programs or join in one of our volunteer trips to Southern Africa scheduled throughout the year. Also check out our 2011 raffle(details below) to win an exclusive Southern Africa Vacation for two!

(Victoria Falls, Zambia)




(Cape Point, South Africa)



I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year!
(Table Bay Mountain: Cape Town, South Africa)


Nana Meriwether
Co-Founder and Director

Wilhelm D. Meriwether; MD, MPH
President and Medical Director

Nomvimbi Meriwether; JD, MBA
Program Director

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Win Southern Africa Vacation For 2 Travelers and Make a Difference at the Same Time: Join Our 2011 Raffle!

Raffle Ticket Cost: $100.00

Grand Prize: International and Regional Africa economy class air­fare for 2 travelers aboard South African Airways from Washington Dulles International Airport or JFK International Airport; ground transportation in Africa; 5 nights in Cape Town at Table Bay Hotel; full day tour of the Cape Point including Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Penguin Colony at Boulder Beach and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; full day wine tasting and tour of the wineries; cruise to Robben Island to view Nelson Mandela’s cell; full day Cape Town city orientation and township tour; interactive African drum­ming and cultural experience; 3 nights safari and accommodation at a private game reserve in the world renowned Kruger National Park area; volunteer service at the village; 2 nights in Johannesburg at Michelangelo Hotel; full day tour of Soweto and the Apartheid Mu­seum; 3 nights at Royal Livingstone Hotel in Victoria Falls Zambia; tour of the Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world; day river safari cruise at Chobe National Park in Botswana; elephant ride safari along the mighty Zambezi River.



The Raffle is conducted by the Meriwether Foundation, Inc.. The Raffle proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s ongoing charitable programs in Africa. For the Raffle Official Rules and purchase of Raffle Tickets download the Raffle Form at: www.MeriwetherFoundation.org or email us at: missions@meriwetherfoundation.org




Meriwether Foundation, Inc.
501 ( c ) ( 3 ) International Non-Profit Charitable Organization










Questions or comments? E-mail us at missions@meriwetherfoundation.org or call us at 301-880-0535
Mailing address: 9213 Pegasus Ct. Potomac MD 20854
Like Us on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter!

Fall 2010: Miss California, Duke University and New York!

I have had such a great month!! In early October I ran for Miss Los Angeles County run by Toay Ortiz. Anyone looking for more experience on stage before state/Miss California and a chance to hold a local title that comes with making fabulous appearances in southern California should do a prelim. Toay runs about 5 of them including Miss Hollywood this upcoming February 2011! With Toay and her fabulous team, I am readying for Miss California in just a couple of weeks. We have been gown, wardrobe, swimsuit, makeup etc shopping and I am having a blast with Toay and her team of experts! This week we begin interview and walking training! I cannot wait to make Toay Productions proud at state. (www.toayproductions.com)


(Miss Los Angeles County Weekend before my interview and backstage before the show)




The weekend right after Miss Los Angeles County was Miss California Orientation weekend at the fabulous Riviera Hotel in Palms Springs. It was a weekend full of sessions and photoshoots all in preparation for finals weekend in November. We got to take our official Miss California 2011 Contestant pictures with Benizo!(=an amazing photographer).
(The beautiful Riviera Hotel in Palms Springs, practicing the look I almost did for my official shoot with Benizo(pardon me, I am sans makeup), and finally the look I decided on for my official photo for Miss Ca 2011!)




Besides all of that I got to go on an east coast trip about 2 weeks ago! The weekend started in Maryland where I met up with my parents. We took a road trip to North Carolina…may I just say, so glad I’m not an only child! haha just kidding it was great to spend time with them, especially my dad who I see maybe twice a year because he is always working or in Africa volunteering his time and services.



We went to Duke University where it was my dad’s annual Medical School Alumni reunion. I attended Duke University before transferring to UCLA and it was my first time back since my freshman year of college back in 2003 (I’m old). It was a special Alumni reunion that weekend because the Duke Medical School had an afternoon celebration kicking off construction for the new hospital they are building. My dad was the first African American to attend Duke University, so it was an honor to walk around campus with him knowing what doors he opened for the prestigious university. So many med students came to shake his hand in admiration and thanks and it re-inspired me to keep pursuing my dream to be just like him when I am older.


(Duke University has the most amazing botanical gardens. My mom and I took a walk through them while my dad mingled with his class of 1967)

After Duke, I flew to New York! I can definitely see myself living in NY..hopefully with a move in date around May 2011 ;) It is such an amazing city.


I got there on a Friday night and immediately went to dinner at MPD a new restaurant in the Meat Packing District. During dinner everyone in the restaurant started dancing and my table ended up eating our dessert mid dance to Lady Gaga , it was a blast! The next day I took a walk through SoHo(where I was staying) and had brunch at the Mercer Hotel. I got to see a show too! I saw Jersey Boys! What an amazing cast and production, the music was awesome!


That Saturday night we had dinner at The Lion. The atmosphere and food were fabulous, I hope to go back..but probably won’t be able to get a reservation again :( After dinner we went to Tao for Kim Kardashian’s 30th Birthday party. We of course danced the night away, it was a great time.


(Forgot to take pics at Tao, but everyone always says I look like Ciara so this picture will do!)


The next day, Sunday, was a day full of shopping and walking the city. I was on the look out for a Miss California gown and wardrobe. Blessed with amazing weather, I decided to end my afternoon of shopping with a stroll through central park. I had a great time in New York and cannot wait to get back.


I have so much to look forward to. Miss California is in about 3 weeks and I am having fun preparing. Although a little stressful at times because I am balancing school and starting MCAT classes on Monday, multitasking and being busy 24/7 is what I live for. Ever since my student athlete days at UCLA, I have learned how to juggle my many different ventures all at once. I guess it’s genetic..my dad has lived so many lives in one from being a world class athlete to a world class doctor and humanitarian, I guess I am just trying to be half the person he is!


REMEMBER TO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!Especially during this exciting time as I prep for Miss California 2011! Thanks and see ya next time!




(more pics from Miss California Orientation in Palms Springs. In between sessions I would run back to my hotel room to get some Organic Chemistry studying in. And Also a pic of some of my new friends! Miss California this year has the highest number of contestants ever in history, very competitive!..on that note off to hit the gym!)

The Meriwether Foundation.

(BEST VIEWED ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL IN HD! CHECK IT OUT!)




About 5 years ago, I was inspired to cofound an international nonprofit charitable organization called The Meriwether Foundation. Motivated by the work my parents did in the early 1980s, the foundation focuses on operating medical and healthcare clinics, sustaining HIV/AIDS orphanages, and establishing community and agricultural projects in rural Southern Africa. Further, in response to the dire need for education at all levels, we have founded schools ranging from preschool to a health science college.

(FEEDING PROGRAM FOR ORPHANS, ZITHA VILLAGE)

(ORGANIC GARDEN, EASTLINGTON VILLAGE)









In the early 1980s, my father, Dr. Wilhelm D. Meriwether, traveled with my mother to South Africa to dedicate 8 years of service as a missionary medical doctor. While he worked pro bono in clinics and hospitals, my mother established projects in impoverished villages to motivate economic empowerment. For example, she initiated programs that encouraged villagers to make and sell indigenous arts and crafts to support their families. She promoted feeding schemes for the malnourished and implemented agricultural projects to help meet dietary needs. To this day, whenever my family travels back to the villages my parents worked in, people will sing and dance upon our arrival, grateful for my parents’ selfless dedication.

(ZIMBABWE)

The Meriwether family has continued to support the needy in Africa both remotely from the US and by organizing trips to the region to raise awareness of the myriad issues still plaguing it. These groups have consisted of students, volunteers, physicians, healthcare and nonhealthcare workers, and even a white house fellows delegation. In 2005, we formally established The Meriwether Foundation, and we have since achieved a 501(C)(3) nonprofit status.


(CHITINGWIZA HOSPITAL, ZIMBABWE)

Through my work with the foundation in Southern Africa, I have been blessed to engage in wonderfully enriching experiences. I have helped drill bore holes to provide water for villages whose closest access to water was from rivers or streams several miles away. I have worked to provide food, school fees, uniforms, education and counseling to orphans affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I have made bricks from water and river sand to lay new foundations for better village housing. I have provided medical service to the sick while shadowing my father in rural hospitals and clinics. I have fed, played with and taught preschool and primary school students. In the footsteps of my mother, I have helped provide agricultural and medical supplies, clothing, laptops, school books and so much more. I have sat on a committee to plan the curriculum for the health science college founded by The Meriwether Foundation that helps train physician assistants, home base caregivers and other healthcare workers. I am absolutely thrilled to continue this ongoing work through The Meriwether Foundation.


(ROOFING THE ORPHANAGE, ZITHA VILLAGE)




I am so grateful to my parents for paving the way so that I and so many others may help those less privileged in Southern Africa. We have projects in 6 countries, namely South Africa, Malawi, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia. These projects could never exist without continued support from our friends and colleagues here in the US, so I would like to extend to all of you an invitation to volunteer or fund any of our current or future projects.


For more information please email: Missions@MeriwetherFoundation.org. Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon!!
Ps. Our next trip to South Africa will be in December. If you would like to join, send me an email at nana9213@yahoo.com or email the above posted Meriwether Foundation email.

Food.

Random fact about me: I grew up a vegetarian! My father raised us kids(my brother and sister) vegetarian and we were not allowed to eat candy or watch tv either. To this day my father is still a vegetarian...it's probably why he looks like hes 30 years old (when hes actually 60-something;) shh dont tell him I told). Anyway I too to this day would rather a delicious vegetable dinner over a huge steak.(Although I do enjoy a delicious steak once in a while..shh dont tell my dad that either he still thinks I am a vegetarian).

As Miss California(in November) and Miss Los Angeles(in August) near I have begun focusing alot on my diet. For me it's about making better choices. With the ton of school work I have it seems way easier to stop and get a quickie meal to go somewhere when in reality taking the time to make my own meals is a)WAY healthier and b) doesnt even take that long.

What do I eat??Well, I am obsessed with farmers markets. There is a great one every Sunday in Brentwood and they have the best fruit, flowers and veggies. They also have really good Mexican food....:( My typical farmers market bag will be filled with beets, carrots, kale, parsley, spinach, cilantro, yams, all sorts of berries, peaches, lemon, garlic etc. There is just something about picking out your own fresh food from local farmers... The only things I usually pick up from the grocery store are extra firm tofu, soy milk, soy yogurt and granola.(I love using soy products over dairy!They make me feel better and they are better for you)




I sometimes slip from eating healthy especially on weekends but I try to stay on track especially when I think about being in a swimsuit on stage in a couple of months.

Anyway I am off to do more physics problems:( I have an exam next week. I am officially done with the second half of Physics(and Physics in general!!) in about a month...well that is until the MCAT. After this summer I venture into the lovely world of Organic Chemistry in the fall! Wish me luck!