OFM_Getting_Personal_Leah_Roddenberry_1121_DEPT 10 / 25 / 21 10 : 46 AM Page 1 GETTING PERSONAL Miss Florida 2021 Leah Roddenberry on her civic engagement , finding strength in dance and the upcoming 100th Anniversary of Miss America . 1 . I was a very introverted child growing up 5 . A typical day in my life depends and terrified to speak or use my voice . on what day of the week it is because However , every day is a new adventure ! I was very creative . I loved going to dance class But I and expressing my feelings through the art of typically wake up around 6 a.m . , dance . Even though I was not the best artist , I drink my cup of coffee ( or three ) really loved fashion from a young age and while watching the news , have a sketching dresses . I used to want to become a phone call with a mentor and make dress and bridal fashion designer . my to - do list for the day to get done . From there , I usually take an hour - long power 2 . When I attended the University of Florida , walk throughout I saw a need for more young women to become my neighborhood and do an civically oriented and politically ambitious aerobic workout . Then , I start both in the community and on campus . accomplishing my tasks for the day . I I usually end my day going to the founded the first Florida chapter of IGNITE dance studio at 9 p.m . to work on National , a national , non - partisan organization my Miss America talent and then that empowers college - aged women to use their go home , have some frozen yogurt voices and become politically involved and and relax before the next day ! interested . tolerance and acceptance . I first read this book in eighth grade and learned the 3 . During COVID , I was having conversations 6 . I am most excited to live out my lifelong value of looking with teachers and mothers who expressed their dream of performing at Miss America . at issues from someone else’s point of view . It Ever concerns about not having enough resources teaches the importance of not judging others since I was 4 years old , I had a dream to become for their kids while they were in the middle of before you walk in their shoes . Miss America . I am so grateful to have this at - home learning . opportunity to attend the 100th anniversary I decided this was the perfect competition and showcase how this organiza - time to create a resource that would teach about 9 . Growing up , my family spent summer tion has transformed me from a little girl with civics in a fun and interactive way . I wrote vacations in Destin . My favorite thing about a dream to a woman with a vision . Leah Goes to Washington to do exactly that . The the summer was having all seven of us hop in readers are encouraged to learn about civics our convertible van , which we dubbed “ the through the book and take a cut - out character loser cruiser , ” and riding up to the panhandle 7 . I got involved with the Miss Florida of little Leah with them and demonstrate acts to enjoy the beautiful beaches . Organization when I was 6 years old through of community service . The book teaches the the Sunshine Princess mentoring program . I importance of being curious about civics and was mentored by incredible ladies who taught 10 . Most people are surprised to learn that at getting involved in your community at a young me what the organization really provided for the age of 17 , I underwent spinal fusion surgery age . The proceeds of the book go toward young women , including Laura Rutledge , to correct a 63 - degree curvature in my back due funding scholarships and grants for young Miss Florida 2012 , who has been an incredible to scoliosis . I now have two titanium rods and women who demonstrate leadership potential . mentor and friend for me . From there , I began 18 screws fused to my spine . People are very competing in the outstanding teen program shocked to hear this when they find out that I and had the unique opportunity to serve as Miss am a dancer and have been 4 . I founded [ the nonprofit organization ] Be a dancing since the Florida’s Outstanding Teen both in 2013 and LeadHER as a result of my own struggle with age of 3 . I was told that I most likely would not 2015 . After my experience , I knew I wanted to self - confidence during my youth . be able to touch my toes or dance again after I want to become Miss Florida , and I am now extremely this surgery . However , I was determined to not teach young girls the foundations of leadership grateful to represent Florida at the 100th let this roadblock stop me from pursuing my and courage so they can learn how to tackle any anniversary of Miss America . passion for dance . I am proud of how hard I situation they may face . I want to ignite the have worked to regain flexibility in my back and spark within every young woman , providing to now say I am performing on the Miss them with the opportunity to dream bigger and 8 . My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird America stage . pursue goals they never thought possible . by Harper Lee , which teaches the importance of 12 ORLANDO FAMILY november 2021 ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM