Lexie Metz Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Lexie Metz is passionate about breaking barriers to medicine, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Black Eyed Susan. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I am also excited that she is our first visitor from the state of Maryland!

So, let's see what happens when Lexie Metz visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Black Eyed Susan crown?

I was a special case in regard to receiving my title for the 2020 competition year. I was selected as a participant to compete for Miss Maryland as the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly halted our 2020 local competition season. Although my crowning was non-traditional, I was still incredibly honored to receive the title of Miss Black Eyed Susan 2020, and represent my home state of Maryland! I celebrated with family and friends in a socially distance manner, and it was very special to me!

What part of the upcoming Miss Maryland competition are you most nervous about?
Call me crazy, but I’m more so excited than nervous for all phases of competition! The Miss Maryland Organization does a phenomenal job ensuring that all of the contestants feel comfortable throughout the week and are able to express their “true selves” during the phases of competition. I enjoy and look forward to expressing who I am as an individual to the judges during all phases of competition! 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Black Eyed Susan?
My most pleasant surprise thus far as Miss Black Eyed Susan

was the amount of money I was able to raise for Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at my first spirit night of the season. My local community, family, and friends were all hands-on-deck in ensuring a successful event for CMNH. It was wonderful to see them outreach a giving hand to a philanthropy that is so close to my heart as a MAO participant and Phi Mu alumni. I look forward to hosting more events for CMNH in the future as well!

How did you select your social impact, “A Medical Mission: Breaking the Barriers to Medicine”?
Choosing my social impact statement was very personal for me! As a student doctor and resident of rural Appalachia, it was easy for me to spot the noticeable void of sufficient healthcare access for my rural community members. My rural community has always put me first since I was a child whether that was through my athletic journey, my academic journey, or even my Miss America journey, and I wanted to give back to them in the best way I knew how, which is through medicine. I wanted to use my voice to bring awareness to the lack of healthcare access in rural communities in Maryland and eventually across the nation, especially in today’s world of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to ensure my platform was being used to advocate for a need that is evident in my hometown. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy the most about performing on stage?

What I have always enjoyed most about performing on stage is the moment of true freedom from worry and stress. Dancing has always been one of those “safe spaces,” for me growing up where I can just let go and truly be myself. 

You’re a model for Gladys Magazine. What do you enjoy about being in front of the camera?
I love being in front of the camera for Gladys Magazine and representing my Gladys family. I enjoy being a role model for young girls in front of the camera. I strive to portray confidence and happiness in every shoot to demonstrate to young women everywhere that they can do whatever they put their minds to when they are being themselves! 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
If I could be a Disney Character for a week, I would choose Rapunzel. First of all, we look alike with our blonde hair haha! I would also choose Rapunzel because I would love to see the world from her innocent point of view again. When she leaves the tower to find the floating lights, she gets to experience everything for the first time. I love the magic that comes with those types of moments and would love to experience everything the world has to offer for the “first time,” all over again!

If you had an extra ticket to an Orioles game, who would you bring with you? Why?
If I had an extra ticket to an Orioles game, I would probably bring my Dad! As a collegiate athlete my self (NCAA DIII Soccer), my Dad introduced me to my love for competitive athletics at a young age. It would be fun to attend a game together and reminisce on our love for sports together!

Is there a feature or activity at an Orioles game that you’d especially like to experience?
As a fan of the Orioles and a girl who has immense pride in the United States, I love the experience of the National Anthem at the Orioles games. There’s nothing like feeling the pride for your country during the National Anthem while simultaneously chanting “O!” for your Maryland pride as well. It’s always my favorite part of the game at Camden Yards.

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That’s wonderful!

As always, I want to thank Lexie for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Lexie continues her time as Miss Black Eyed Susan, I encourage you to check out her Instagram account. It’s a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Maryland title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

 

Thanks again Lexie, and good luck!