Hi! I'm Belle.
I grew up in South Jersey, with my mom, dad and older brother. I always wanted to follow in my brother's foot steps - whatever he did, I did too. When he began dancing, I was two years old. I was already enthralled with The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Shirley Temple, but I would dance in the door way of my brother's classes. That's where I fell in love with performing.
My first ever dance recital photo!
From there, I followed in his foot steps and began theater at the age of 6. At that moment, my dream was to be a Broadway star. That dream fast approached and when it was time to choose my path, I decided to attend college at James Madison University for my BA in Musical Theatre.
Around that same time, I was diagnosed with Vasovagal Syndrome, a condition that will cause patients to unexpectedly pass out. This, along with the stressors of graduating high school, created an anxiety and depression loop for me, which led to an intense battle with suicidal thoughts. Mental health became a huge factor in my story around this time, an obstacle that I overcome time and time again. Since then, I have learned how to manage my anxiety.
With the support of my family, I was able to successfully begin college. My journey as a Musical Theater student had its ups and downs, but eventually exposed one thing: I lacked confidence in myself. During my sophomore year, I was placed with an amazing mentor for my vocal studio. Dr. Maddison became one of the greatest role models in my life, growing my confidence and joy through teaching me to sing opera (which was a surprising but welcome turn of events). In May of 2021, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre with a minor in Spanish.
Around that same time, I was diagnosed with Vasovagal Syndrome, a condition that will cause patients to unexpectedly pass out. This, along with the stressors of graduating high school, created an anxiety and depression loop for me, which led to an intense battle with suicidal thoughts. Mental health became a huge factor in my story around this time, an obstacle that I overcome time and time again. Since then, I have learned how to manage my anxiety.
With the support of my family, I was able to successfully begin college. My journey as a Musical Theater student had its ups and downs, but eventually exposed one thing: I lacked confidence in myself. During my sophomore year, I was placed with an amazing mentor for my vocal studio. Dr. Maddison became one of the greatest role models in my life, growing my confidence and joy through teaching me to sing opera (which was a surprising but welcome turn of events). In May of 2021, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre with a minor in Spanish.
Upon graduation, I found my heart in a different place. I loved theatre, but I was feeling called to work in mental health. I left my childhood dream behind, and began to formulate a new one. Sometimes we outgrow our dreams, but that does not mean we are a failure; it means we are ready to succeed in new ways.
I moved back home from Virginia and began working towards my new goal. I took classes to fill in the gaps. I started working at Rowan College of South Jersey in Student Life to invest more in higher education. But one piece was missing - how was I going to pay for my advanced degree?
My mom had the solution... competing in Miss America. I had never seen myself as a "pageant girl," but I decided to give it a shot. In August of 2021, I competed in my first Miss America local, and won. This began a journey that would change the outlook of the rest of my life.
I moved back home from Virginia and began working towards my new goal. I took classes to fill in the gaps. I started working at Rowan College of South Jersey in Student Life to invest more in higher education. But one piece was missing - how was I going to pay for my advanced degree?
My mom had the solution... competing in Miss America. I had never seen myself as a "pageant girl," but I decided to give it a shot. In August of 2021, I competed in my first Miss America local, and won. This began a journey that would change the outlook of the rest of my life.
Through Miss America, I earned much more than a crown and scholarship money. In my four years, I have gained lifelong friendships, irreplaceable skills such as interviewing and public speaking. I grew confidence in ways I never imagined possible. I made connections with programs throughout the US, such as Mental Health America, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, that helped me during my application process for graduate school. Miss America has provided me with the opportunity to find and live out my purpose.
Currently, I'm a rising third-year student at Widener University in the Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology. For the past 9 months, I worked as a Clinical Psychology Trainee at Ursinus College, beginning my experiences in providing therapy to an amazing group of students. I have grown my platform, Shout Our Struggle, into a statewide initiative, reaching over 5,000 people in just four years. I still get to nourish my love of theater by teaching music to students in the Pitman Elementary School Masquers program.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is this: you can be whoever you want to be. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one identity or path. Becoming your best self means embracing all the different parts of who you are.
Currently, I'm a rising third-year student at Widener University in the Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology. For the past 9 months, I worked as a Clinical Psychology Trainee at Ursinus College, beginning my experiences in providing therapy to an amazing group of students. I have grown my platform, Shout Our Struggle, into a statewide initiative, reaching over 5,000 people in just four years. I still get to nourish my love of theater by teaching music to students in the Pitman Elementary School Masquers program.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is this: you can be whoever you want to be. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one identity or path. Becoming your best self means embracing all the different parts of who you are.
