Southwestern Today
Student Stories
SAGU Education Student Semi-Finalist for Miss New Mexico, Receives Miss Congeniality
Jordan Chanley
My name is Jordan Chanley. I’m a senior at SAGU in the elementary education program. I’m the youngest of six kids. I have four brothers - Bart, Brett, Shad, and Cutter - and one sister, Heidi. I had a wonderful childhood filled with many great memories, love and laughter. My parents, Norma and Charles, raised us in church and my Granddaddy, Hubert Ratliff, was an A/G preacher who graduated from SAGU in 1946.
I grew up in Hobbs, New Mexico. Earlier this year, the director of the “Miss Hobbs” beauty pageant, who is also on the state board of the Miss New Mexico Pageant, approached me about entering the local pageant, sponsored by the Miss America Organization. The organization offers scholarships and wonderful opportunities to open doors of ministry for my passion of mentoring children.
On March 17, I was crowned “Miss Hobbs” along with best interview, best fitness and lifestyle, best talent, and best evening gown, along with “Miss Congeniality” voted on by my peers.
The competition gives you a chance to pick a platform about something you are passionate about to serve others, help the community and get involved. It also gives you a voice to be heard about something you believe in. I chose “Mentoring Children” for my platform because I love children and I want to be a teacher someday. I believe that children are our future and our greatest asset. That is why it is of critical importance to teach them the proper virtues, values and social skills to ensure a peaceful evolution to ourmulticultural civilization. I have been mentoring a fourth grader in Waxahachie for an hour per week during the spring semester, which has been a wonderful opportunity to be a great role model and influence in a child’s life.
I competed in the Miss New Mexico pageant the week of June 9, in Alamagordo, New Mexico. I wanted to receive the title of Miss New Mexico to gain a larger audience for my platform issue of Mentoring Children and for the scholarships. I was a semi-finalist in the top ten out of 24 contestants and received the coveted Miss Congeniality award.
I love kids! After I graduate, I plan to teach and mentor children and continue to be a volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. SAGU is preparing me for my future by helping me become a woman of valor and providing an environment where I can grow in my walk with God. The university is also giving me the qualifications and degree I need for my future career.
When I first came to SAGU, I really thought chapel would be a dread, but began to love it and realize that there isn’t any better way to start your day than by praising the Lord and hearing a good sermon. Amen! One of my other favorite things about SAGU is forming friendships that will last forever!
I didn’t really want to come to SAGU when I was initially looking at colleges. I was accepted to Texas State in San Marcos and I was planning on attending there. My mom attended Southwestern in the 60’s and has always spoken well of it. She persuaded me to visit SAGU during Campus Days. I really enjoyed the people and how welcoming and warm the school was. I felt a peace about knowing that SAGU was the school I needed to attend. Now, I am so happy and thankful that I listened to my mother.