Reyna Bergstrom Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Reyna Bergstrom is passionate about improving communication, a talented singer, and the current Miss North Dakota. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Reyna Bergstrom visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss North Dakota crown?

The moment my name was called as Miss North Dakota I remember standing on the stage in a state of shock, my jaw hanging in a state of disbelief. Before I even realized what was happening, I had a crown bobby pinned to my head and I was walking across the stage as Miss North Dakota. I remember calling all of my sister queens over to hug me and that was the rest of the night — lots of hugging, smiling, laughing, and rejoicing. I specifically say “rejoicing” because that’s what it was for myself and for so many people close to me: a night of celebration. Not only had my longtime dream become a reality, but we were all able to  finally be together in person; it was a reunion of the Miss North Dakota community. 

 

It’s been over three months since that night and I’m still processing my new reality as Miss North Dakota. I don’t want to waste the incredible opportunity that this role is; I remind myself daily that I need to make it count. 

 

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss North Dakota?

So many things…  to make Miss North Dakota and the MissAmerica Organization more visible in the business world, to strive to make each person whom I encounter believe that they matter, to listen well, to speak positively into the lives of others, to grow the Miss North Dakota scholarship fund, to increase general awareness of the Miss America and Miss North Dakota Organizations, to promote and advocate for North Dakota based businesses and organizations, to host an art show that showcases North Dakota themed art, to educate on my social impact initiative which addresses the importance of intentional communication. So, to answer your question… no, I don’t have a specific goal; I have many. 

 

This was your fourth time competing for Miss North Dakota. How will that experience help you when you compete for Miss America?

I’m a believer that more experience only helps in preparation — it gives you added confidence, maturity, practice, and time to perfect the various areas of competition. I’m twenty-six, so I’ll be one of the oldest candidates to ever walk across the Miss America stage, and that is something that I’m proud to say. I’m excited for Miss America and humbled and honored to represent my home state of North Dakota. 

 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Influencer Era: Impact Beyond the Screen”?

For the past nearly three years, I’ve worked as a content specialist at a liberal arts college managing their various social medias. In this role, I’ve realized the powerful tool that social media can be; however, when it displaces in-person communication and interactions then we have a problem. Face-to-face communication and being present with whom we’re around should always take priority, which is why I’m excited to be sharing about the importance of communication skills this year. 

 

As a talented singer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

While a student at Concordia College, I sang and toured in its premier choral ensemble, The Concordia Choir. While singing in this group, the conductor emphasized the importance of the circle of communication, and how beauty can be made and shared between the musicians and audience. That’s my favorite part — the sharing of something intimate and special between myself and those listening. 

 

You’ve done a lot of traveling. Where's your favorite place you’ve visited?

How can I pick just one? Every place is unique and piques my curiosity! Aside from North Dakota, I’ve spent quite a lot of my life exploring the western part of Montana. I’ve hiked over 200 miles in Glacier National Park! 

 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

First of all, I LOVE this question. I think I’d have to say Peter Pan, for multiple reasons. One, the obvious reason, he can FLY. Second, his best friend is a fairy! (Tinkerbell Bell!) and third, when I was little I didn’t want to ever grow up — so I felt I could relate to Peter Pan. I always wanted to stay a kid. (I actually wrote a blog post about this a few years back, linked here.)  

 

If you had an extra ticket to a Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks game, who would you take with you? Why?

Probably one of my grandpas because they both enjoy baseball! 

 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’d always wanted to throw the first pitch at a game, and I was recently able to do this as Miss North Dakota at a Larks game in Bismarck, North Dakota!

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I've always wanted to do that too! 

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

As Reyna continues her time as Miss North Dakota, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss North Dakota website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Reyna, and good luck!