In August of 2021, I made a life-changing decision: to compete in a preliminary pageant in the Miss Arkansas Organization. That night I not only sparked a passion for competing in pageantry, but I gained a sister, Sophe Sligh.
Sophe is the 25-year-old daughter of Brian and Jan Sligh and is engaged to Kelen Bland. We competed and won sister titles in the Miss Arkansas Organization for three consecutive years, which is almost unheard of, so I consider myself incredibly lucky to have shared those years with her.
Sophe has worked as a nurse, advocated for heart disease, and brought change to her community. Her dedication to serving others is evident in everything she does. She helped me build my confidence by inspiring me to overcome the challenges I faced throughout my years in pageantry and helping me to realize I wanted to serve others just like she does.
Sophe earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University and began her career at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. She now works at Baptist Health Medical Center in Conway. For the past 10 years, she has been a volunteer with the American Heart Association, serving as a National Advocate Leader. Sophe has traveled to Washington, DC, to advocate for access to AEDs and nutrition resources. This year, she returned to school to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
She and Kelen are getting married this September, and I am honored to stand by her side during such a special time. Sophe loves to have fun spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, and traveling the world. Her ability to enjoy life to the fullest while serving others passionately inspires me daily.
When I first met Sophe as a shy 14-year-old, I struggled with anxiety and self-doubt. I was afraid to ask for help due to the fear of judgment. Sophe helped me understand that it’s okay to have mental health struggles and seek help. She showed me how to turn my struggles into a way to connect with and inspire others. Her example of using hardship to help others became a guiding principle in my life. Thanks to Sophe, I gained the confidence to be Miss Arkansas Teen, a title I earned this January.
Now, I have the privilege of traveling across Arkansas and inspiring others just as Sophe inspired me. She continues to motivate me by constantly finding new ways to serve. Whether in her new job or at a different hospital, Sophe always puts others first. As I start college and pursue my career as a nutritionist, I will carry the lessons she taught me. I am grateful to have her as a sister, and I know I can always count on her love and support.