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Auburn University College of Nursing student Abbie Stockard will be taking a little time off from school, having been crowned Miss America on Jan. 5. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Stockard will be traveling the country during her yearlong reign to make public appearances as Miss America, and she’ll use her platform to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis research.

As a student at Auburn, Stockard is a member of the Tiger Paws Dance Team, works as a student recruiter and is active in Greek Life.

Nursing is a demanding major. How have you balanced your schoolwork while also competing in pageants the last two years?

AS: Balancing nursing school with pageantry and other commitments has certainly been challenging at times; I had to make tough decisions about where to focus my time and energy. I learned to make use of a detailed planner to organize my schedule and avoid feeling overwhelmed. I realized that in order to stay on track with my long-term goals, I had to recognize when to pass up certain events or opportunities.

It wasn’t always easy, but each decision strengthened my ability to prioritize wisely and remain disciplined, even when it meant missing out on something temporarily. The key for me was always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

You’re a student, a pageant queen, a Student Recruiter and a Tiger Paw. How did the support of your fellow dance team members help you do it all?

AS: Being part of the Tiger Paws definitely added another layer of responsibility, but it also provided me with an incredible support system that helped me balance everything. My teammates were so accommodating and understanding, and they truly went the extra mile to make sure I wasn’t going through anything on my own.

For example, last year one of my nursing clinicals was in LaGrange, Georgia. I’d leave every Tuesday around 4:30 a.m. and wouldn’t return until nearly 6 p.m. After such long days, I’d drive straight to practice, often arriving late.

Through it all, I was so grateful for my coach’s understanding and for my teammates who were always there for me. They didn’t just support me during practice; they became my best friends. On the days I was exhausted and just wanted to stay in bed, they were the ones lifting me up and reminding me of why I was doing all of this.

Knowing I had such a strong support system made it easier to push through the most tiring moments.

Your future career plans include getting your doctorate in nurse anesthesia, and you have two siblings at Auburn: a brother studying nursing and a sister studying exercise science. What prompted all three of you to pursue health-related careers?

AS: Growing up in a family connected to health care, we were always surrounded by examples of service, compassion and hard work. My granddad was the chief of surgery, both my aunt and uncle are physicians, my cousin is a psychiatrist, my mom is a pharmacist and my dad works in medical sales. My siblings and I saw firsthand the fulfillment that comes from helping others and providing care to those who need it.

I’ve often been told I have a calming presence, and for me, nursing has always felt like the perfect fit. I have a heart for compassion and service, and I find my greatest fulfillment when I am giving of myself to others. As a nurse, you’re at the bedside, providing one-on-one care and ensuring your patients receive the highest quality of care.

Thanks to the Miss America organization, I’ve been awarded over $89,000 in scholarships, which is allowing me to complete Auburn’s BSN program completely debt-free. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities ahead and for the chance to combine my passion for nursing with the opportunity to make a lasting difference in patients' lives.

Aubie has pronounced you his “girlfriend!” Do you think you’ll get to come visit campus during your reign?

AS: Well, Aubie, I love you, too! I’m honored to be your “girlfriend,” and I’d absolutely love to visit Auburn during my reign. With my brother and sister both currently Auburn students, I’m no stranger to campus, and I’m hoping I’ll be requested for several appearances at Auburn.

The Auburn community has played a huge role in my journey, and I can’t wait to connect with my Auburn family again.

Participating in the Miss America pageant has got to be more than a little stressful, but you’re used to balancing academics and activities in your busy schedule. What kinds of tips and tricks do you have for Auburn students to stay healthy and keep stress in check?

AS: Participating in Miss America has definitely been a rewarding challenge, and it has taught me a lot about managing stress and maintaining a healthy balance. As a very involved student at Auburn, I know firsthand how easy it is to feel overwhelmed with coursework, extracurricular activities and everything else life throws at you. These are some of the most effective ways I have prioritized my health and keep my stress in check.

  1. PLAN: I use the Notes app on my phone to map out my days. Whether it was class, appearances, games or rehearsals, I would manage each event by the hour and write down what needed to be accomplished throughout different times in the day.
  2. Don’t forget to recharge. Sometimes you HAVE to take a break. The way I reset was by going on long walks.
  3. Make your nutrition, sleep and activity a priority, too.

What will you miss about being on campus this coming year? What are you most excited for during your reign as Miss America?

AS: It will definitely be an adjustment not performing with the Tiger Paws at the basketball games this year, but you can bet I’ll still be cheering for Auburn from wherever I am, following along on TV! I’ll miss living on campus and being with my friends, too. There's something special about the Auburn community, and I’ve loved being a part of it, but the plan is to come back once my year of service as Miss America is complete!

I am beyond thrilled for the year ahead! One of my biggest goals is to touch the lives and hearts of those I encounter, whether that’s through inspiring young women or engaging with people from all walks of life. I’m passionate about promoting, representing and empowering women, and I’m excited to be a voice that champions their strength and ability to thrive in all areas of life.

Another major part of my reign is continuing to foster growth with our current national and global partnerships while also seeking new opportunities for collaboration along the way. One cause that is especially close to my heart is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My best friend, Maddie, who is also a student at Auburn, has CF, and she has deeply inspired me. I’m looking forward to using this platform to bring more awareness and hopefully get one step closer to finding a cure!