FIERCE

“This is the year I will be stronger, braver, kinder and unstoppable. This year I will be fierce.”

LOVE IT. I may print off that quote and frame it on my desk.

Let me introduce you to the author…

Miss Panhandle, Mindy Schreiber

As you might have seen from my other features on this year’s Miss Nebraska contestants, the year of service as a local titleholder is no easy job. It requires time, dedication and preparation, often in addition to school, work and other commitments. This is Mindy’s FIFTH year of service. She’s been a titleholder in Nebraska since 2010, finishing as 1st runner up TWICE at Miss Nebraska.

“My determination has allowed me to keep persevering for my dream job of Miss Nebraska,” said Mindy in a recent interview. That same drive has also helped Mindy graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in three years and complete her graduate degree (in addition to her bachelor’s) within five. Just four months from completion of that degree, she’s also a Family Medical Therapy Intern with the University of Nebraska. Still, she’s managed to make her way around the state speaking about her platform and making appearances, this year as Miss Panhandle.

“My friends and family joke that I live out of my car because I am always on the go to another appearance, school, or whatever may be on my calendar for the day!” said Mindy. “I love being involved in many activities and organizations because it enables me to give back in diverse ways and meet people all across Nebraska while having fun.”

DETERMINED, PASSIONATE, OUTGOING

From the beginning, Mindy has been an ambassador for the TeamMates Mentoring Program, created by Nebraska legend Tom Osborne. Mindy shares those experiences through appearances as Miss Panhandle, advocating for her platform of service she calls ‘Mentoring: The Power of ONE.’

“Growing up the youngest of four children, I always looked up to my siblings in every aspect of life,” said Mindy. “The lessons I learned from them, as well as from other mentors of mine, will guide me for the rest of my life. Mentoring is ONE mentor, giving ONE hour of their time ONE day a week to help ONE young person be successful. Everyone can spare one hour to make a difference in a young person’s life.”

That influence from her older sisters is actually what inspired Mindy to participate in the Miss Nebraska system.

“I saw how they grew as individuals and as I watched them on stage, I told myself, ‘someday, I’m going to do that,'” said Mindy. “Now, in the final year of this journey, I feel so blessed to be part of this wonderful organization. What I have gained from competing cannot be taught anywhere else, nor can this experience be repeated anywhere else.”

That is just one of the positive takeaways from the Miss America Organization, according to Mindy.

“These relationships are invaluable,” said Mindy. “When the pageant is over, I will still have the friends I have met throughout competing and I will forever be grateful for that.”

Mindy says she has also remained debt free throughout her entire post-secondary education, thanks to Miss America.

“The organization is still relevant today because it is the leading scholarship provider for women in the world,” said Mindy. “Any young woman can be a part of this incredible organization; there is no stereotype, making Miss America both relevant and relatable.”

“Passion flows out of me no matter what I may be doing. I genuinely want to invest 110% of my heart into everything I do. It’s how I was raised and it’s a standard I hold myself to.”

The young women who participate in this system are the best of the best; they lead the pack in their communities, schools and churches. In Mindy’s case; she’s leading a marathon of sorts and the finish line is drawing closer in North Platte.

Mindy Schreiber has her fierce game face on. Smiling, of course.