Queen Lauren Isaacs...why I applied to be a Princess!

I feel very privileged to be an ambassador for the 500 Festival Program. The 500 Festival promotes the events leading up to the greatest spectacle in racing, The Indianapolis 500! I dreamed of being a 500 Festival Princess since my freshman year in high school. I watched media coverage of the 500 Festival Parade over the years and marveled at the beautiful, poised, princesses on the festival float. As a senior in high school my assignment in speech class was to give an acceptance speech. My speech was accepting the role of a 500 Festival Princess. I spoke about how I would represent my home town, college, and the State of Indiana with honor and grace. 

During my sophomore year at Purdue I decided to apply for the program. I interviewed and was selected as one of the 66 finalists. After the second round of interviews I received word that I was not one of the thirty-three. I was heartbroken, but determined to try again! A year later I decided to reapply because I did not want to give up on my dream of being a princess. After the second interview I received the email with the subject line “you are a princess.” I was elated!

The Princess Program exceeded every expectation I had. I enjoyed every experience as a princess, from visiting many schools around the state to promote the 500 Festival events, working the water station at the mini-marathon and one of my favorites; having fun with students during Kids Day at the track. I have met many wonderful people during this life-changing journey. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to serve with 32 incredible young women; they are smart, accomplished, beautiful, and loads of fun! 

  

I also have to recognize and applaud the behind the scenes dedicated promoters, organizers, and directors who make the 500 Festival Program a reality. They are the heart and soul of this amazing experience.

One event that stands out for me personally was the morning of the Breakfast at the Brickyard when I was crowned the 2014 Indianapolis 500 Festival Queen by Arie Luyendyk, JR. It was a moment I will never forget.

Seven months later, as I write this, we prepare for the 2015 33 princesses. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve as a 500 Festival Princess and Queen. Honestly, what are you waiting for? Apply for the 500 Festival Princess Program today! It could just change your life!

Princess Lindsay Lausten...why I applied to be a Princess!

While watching Legally Blonde this past weekend (one of my all time favorite movies) I began thinking about Elle Woods and her journey throughout the movie. I know you might be thinking “this movie has nothing to do with the Princess Program…” but in my experience, it has everything to do with it.

My favorite scene from the movie is near the end, when she is questioning the witness and gets her to confess to the crime. I think that this scene transforms her from a timid, unsure law student to a confident and assertive lawyer. She has finally found her passion and her purpose.  

I find myself comparing my journey during my senior year of college to the journey that Elle takes during the movie. She starts out in her comfort zone, surrounding herself with people she knows and activities that she knows she is good at. I don’t blame Elle, comfort zones are easy to stay in. They are safe…and comfortable, so why would anyone want to leave them? I applied for the Princess Program during my senior year  at Purdue University. I was in my comfort zone- I knew the campus and I knew the people. But I wanted more. I wanted to push myself to the next level and step out of the comfort zone I had created for myself. What better way to do this than apply for one of the most prestigious programs for college women in Indiana: The 500 Festival Princess Program. 

I had been thinking about applying for the Princess Program for a while, but I was like Elle- I did not have the confidence in myself to think that I could actually become a 500 Festival Princess. But then I realized that if I did not apply, someone else with more confidence would and they would get the opportunity of a lifetime. I needed to step up to the plate and apply for something that intimidated me- because if not now, when?

Stepping out of my comfort zone certainly paid off. The Princess Program helped me gain an experience that I will truly never forget. I met women who were driven, motivated and wanted to make the most of their college experiences. I formed a special pride in my city and state that I will cherish forever. I was able to be a part of the greatest spectacle in racing and educate my fellow Hoosiers about how important it is to Indiana’s rich history and tradition.

I am 100% certain that the 500 Festival Princess Program helped me transform into a woman who has found her purpose and passion. Elle Woods would be proud. I have a new confidence in myself that I know is a direct result of the Princess Program. I want everyone to have the opportunity to experience this transformation. Do something that takes you out of your safe zone and apply! You certainly won’t regret it.

connecting with our community.

Ya'll know that the Princess Program is an experience of a lifetime! (and if you don't, then read this blog from top to bottom).

But there's so much more. Did you know that we pair each of our Princesses up with a member of the 500 Festival Board of Directors? These pairings are methodical and intentional--we try to match up the Princess's interests and college majors with industry sectors and careers of our Board Members. And our Board of Directors are the movers and shakers of the Indianapolis community. 

There are so many networking opportunities for the Princesses! Not only  with the Board, but also with our community leaders! 

So what are you waiting for? Why not apply to be a Princess?

www.500Festival.com