Meet Christina Joann

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Joann. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.

Hi Christina, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

Overcoming negativity and skepticism from others is all about cultivating a resilient mindset, believing in yourself, and maintaining a laser focus on your aspirations. Throughout my journey, I faced discouragement from teachers and peers who insisted I wasn’t cut out for modeling or pageants. Yet, I chose to rise above their limitations and let their words fuel my ambition. Fast forward to today, at 40, I am proud to say I’ve been published and hold the title of Ms. Polk County 2025 for the Miss Millennium International pageant. What I’ve discovered is that criticism often reveals more about the insecurities of others than it does about my capabilities. Instead of allowing negativity to derail my progress, I transform it into motivation to push harder and evolve. I surround myself with a network of uplifting individuals who inspire and support me, and I constantly remind myself of my ‘why.’ By staying disciplined, embracing continuous learning, and trusting that consistent effort paves the way to success, I have managed to rise above self-doubt and the doubts of those around me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Last year, I made the empowering decision to dive back into the world of pageantry, and I am proud to share that I am currently Ms. Polk County 2025 for the Miss Millennium International pageant. My journey is driven by a powerful mission: to inspire others by showing that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your dreams. I am passionate about raising awareness for cystic fibrosis, a cause that deeply resonates with me as I carry the CF gene and lost my sister to this disease when she was just 13 in 2002. Through pageantry, I have found a remarkable platform to honor her memory and advocate for those affected by cystic fibrosis.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that three qualities have truly shaped my path: resilience, confidence, and adaptability. To cultivate confidence, resilience, and adaptability, it all begins with taking action and embracing a growth mindset. Confidence blossoms when you confront your fears, engage in positive self-talk, and celebrate even the smallest victories. Resilience is forged through viewing failure as a stepping stone, remaining steadfast in the face of challenges, and prioritizing self-care. Adaptability flourishes when you stay open to new learning experiences, view change as a chance to grow, and maintain a flexible approach. Remember, success isn’t about dodging failure; it’s about moving forward despite it. Trust in your abilities, keep pushing ahead, and truly embrace every step of your journey.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past year, I’ve experienced significant growth in my ability to overcome procrastination. Balancing a full-time job, attending college full-time, engaging in volunteer work, and making appearances as Ms. Polk County has taught me the invaluable skill of effective time management. I’ve embraced the importance of tackling tasks head-on rather than leaving them until the last minute, and it has made a remarkable difference in my productivity and peace of mind.

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Richard Odell

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