2008 Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley

As you likely know by now we have a brand new Miss Alabama. Liz Cochran was crowned Saturday night at Samford University.

The girl who is crowned is on a demanding schedule, and is forced to grow up very quickly and mature as a speaker and representative for our state.

I spent some time with outgoing Miss Alabama Amanda Tapley just before she gave up her crown.

Rehearsals for this year’s pageant were relaxing for the outgoing Miss Alabama. She wasn’t competing. She’s been there, done that… but what a year it’s been for this young woman.

“I think absolutely the best part about being Miss Alabama is just taking the experiences that you have had and learn from them,” Tapley said. “I’ve been to every nook and cranny around the state of Alabama and I’ve met so many people that have shared their stories and it’s just been an amazing learning experience for me.“

It takes a nice person to try to teach me how to play “Chopsticks,” with little success.  But, Amanda seems to genuinely enjoy being around people and being herself. One of the toughest challenges for her this year has been a difficult schedule… a schedule that was made for her.

“I’m the type of person that likes to know exactly what’s going to happen two weeks from now or a month from now or even a year from now,” Tapley said. “But if anything I was reminded that I’m not the one with the plans for my life; God is the one with the perfect plans for me.“

This year’s contestants are where Amanda was a year ago. Only one can win, and the new Miss Alabama, Liz Cochran, is in for a life-changing experience.

“The best thing that they’re going to gain is definitely self-confidence from this experience on stage,” Tapley said. “Getting on stage in front of so many people can be an intimidating experience, they’re performing their talent, they’re speaking on stage, they’re walking in swim suits and evening gowns, it’s a huge self confidence builder.  Also they’re building interview skills that will help them for the rest of their lives as well.“

So, her crown is now a souvenir for Amanda Tapley, but she’s wasting no time in thinking about what might be next for her.

“As of right now, five years from now, I’d like to be graduated from medical school, practicing hopefully as a pediatric oncologist… I really have a heart for that field… maybe married.“