<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Courage Beneath the Crown]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Courage Beneath]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 15:44:39 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Four Points of the Miss America OrganizationCrown]]></title><description><![CDATA[The crown represents far more than a title or a competition. Within the Miss America Organization, the four points of the crown symbolize the core values every candidate strives to embody: Style, Service, Scholarship, and Success. These pillars create a foundation that empowers women to lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity both on and off the stage. Style Style is about much more than appearance. True style reflects confidence, individuality, and the ability to carry yourself with...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/the-four-points-of-the-miss-america-organizationcrown</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a03e692e8ad7aab1e5e29a3</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 21:00:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_800b6daa8569400c944ad3d0b50968be~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Graduating Early, Dreaming Big: My Journey at the University of Kentucky]]></title><description><![CDATA[My time at the University of Kentucky has been one of the most challenging and rewarding chapters of my life. When I first began my college journey, I knew I wanted to push myself academically, personally, and professionally — but I could not have predicted just how much I would grow along the way. Through dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose, I am proud to share that I will be graduating in just three years. Completing my degree ahead of schedule has required focus,...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/graduating-early-dreaming-big-my-journey-at-the-university-of-kentucky</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69da5ff3a437370fa4908a9b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 02:42:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_d01f28e4152b434e996c0e2baafe9aa5~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Miss Maine 2025/2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last year’s Miss Maine competition was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Standing on that stage, I had the opportunity to share my story, advocate for Functional Neurological Disorder awareness, and grow in ways I never imagined. Every rehearsal, interview, and moment on stage pushed me to become more confident and purposeful. When I was named First Runner-Up, I felt incredibly proud and grateful. I also had the honor of walking away with the Talent Award, a moment that meant...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/miss-maine-2025-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69da5e418614fb4128ae333c</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 18:30:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_b19b5ecb18e3432ea478fd786e4780d5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Invisible Illness, Visible Strength: Living With FND]]></title><description><![CDATA[Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is often called an invisible illness, because many of the symptoms cannot be seen from the outside. Someone may look completely fine, while internally they are managing tremors, fatigue, weakness, brain fog, or other neurological challenges. This invisibility can make FND difficult not only to live with, but also to explain. One of the hardest parts of living with an invisible illness is feeling misunderstood. People may not realize the energy it takes...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/invisible-illness-visible-strength-living-with-fnd</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69da5d108614fb4128ae30bc</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:23:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_daafe50d90e64be88592d335e4b0214b~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Ways to Support Someone Living With Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Supporting someone with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can make a meaningful difference in their daily life. Because FND is often misunderstood and symptoms can be unpredictable, compassion and understanding go a long way. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or loved one, here are five ways you can offer support. 1. Believe Their Symptoms Are Real One of the most important things you can do is believe them. FND symptoms are real and can affect movement, speech, energy, and more....]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/5-ways-to-support-someone-living-with-functional-neurological-disorder-fnd</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69da599d515c02011a0ea7cb</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:40:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_d9669c578aaa4a84bccca54f25d1a57e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_224,h_224,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[FND Awareness Month]]></title><description><![CDATA[April is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Month — a time dedicated to education, compassion, and amplifying the voices of those living with FND. For many, FND is an invisible condition that affects movement, speech, sensation, and daily functioning. Yet despite how common it is, awareness and understanding are still growing. This month is about changing that. Living with FND has shaped my life in ways I never expected. It has challenged me, slowed me down, and forced me to...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/fnd-awareness-month</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69da4b25f955c1c966260d54</guid><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:06:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_81ce65821f394ce0a8b99651c0960297~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Courage Beneath The Crown Journal Out Now!]]></title><description><![CDATA[I’ve been working on this for a while, and I’m so excited to finally introduce the Courage Beneath the Crown Journal. This journal was inspired by my personal journey living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and the strength I discovered through reflection, growth, and learning to navigate an invisible illness. Writing became a safe space for me a place to process emotions, celebrate small victories, and remind myself that my story still mattered. I created this journal to be that...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/courage-beneath-the-crown-journal-out-now</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d6888689f9e676eca159f1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:57:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_0b932cef8c264683a777c80ab1c5db31~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Welcome Back- Life Update: Courage, College, and Exciting Things Ahead]]></title><description><![CDATA[It’s been a little while since my last update, so I wanted to share what’s going on in my life and what is coming soon. I’m now officially a senior in college at the University of Kentucky, which is both exciting and a little surreal! Balancing school, life, and advocacy has been a journey, but it has made me more determined than ever to continue spreading awareness for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). I’m so excited to share that Courage Beneath the Crown is back up and running, and...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/welcome-back-life-update-courage-college-and-exciting-things-ahead</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ca8493138134f8172780d4</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:28:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_c87bad53985d4af290fca21f112012dc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Q+A with Madison Kirwan]]></title><description><![CDATA[I competed with Madison at the Miss Maine pageant this year! She was such a sweet kind girl who really stood out to me. She is such a...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/q-a-with-madison-kirwan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">649cb0f4e9342e8bf2720d7f</guid><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jun 2023 22:18:17 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Oh ya I graduated!]]></title><description><![CDATA[A lot has happened over the last month and I wanted to give myself time to reflect on the past 4 years. On May 20th I officially...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/oh-ya-i-graduated</link><guid isPermaLink="false">649119db75f5cc23f6ac36e5</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Jun 2023 03:19:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_34e07aed7ace49b2af67a3878c1c9c35~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New York Fashion Week]]></title><description><![CDATA[About a month ago I was given the opportunity to walk for two amazing designers in New York Fashion Week (NYFW). It was such a surreal...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/new-york-fashion-week</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6438922b722d5005edf37ce9</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Apr 2023 23:39:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_020f9a0e4a0a4872b2823fe152da8813~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[NYFW HERE WE COME!!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Happy Wednesday beautiful people! I have some very exciting things coming up! Next week I will be walking in New York Fashion week and I...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/nyfw-here-we-come</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63db12aab2e36819ec338c60</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2023 01:33:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_853c0a23e7f64a8c80dcac5cac1734d8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Suprise]]></title><description><![CDATA[This week I recently announced my new title on social media- I am officially your American Ideal Miss Teen Maine. What does this mean? I...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/suprise</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63c857adf4ccb337a6fdfc44</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:36:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_d1f1a3ae9ec244caa33aa403ba15baa6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Year New Resolutions ]]></title><description><![CDATA[It is that time of year again when we start a new year! I can’t believe we are officially in 2023. Today I wanted to share with you some...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/new-year-new-resolutions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63b5e03d91499c4e66448473</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 20:24:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_57584ca0a15c4d6786342acaa74449fc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pageant weekend Recap]]></title><description><![CDATA[On November 19-20th I competed for the title of Miss Teen Maine. Pageant weekend was filled with lots of fun and fond memories that will...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/pageant-weekend-recap</link><guid isPermaLink="false">639128d623ed347214774abc</guid><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:05:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_728579fe5caa473e916d4ab6d9dfebf0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Being Thankful]]></title><description><![CDATA[Happy Late Thanksgiving everyone! I hope everyone had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. This week I wanted to talk about gratitude. What...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/being-thankful</link><guid isPermaLink="false">638963c165bc9a2ff55432a3</guid><pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2022 02:33:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_853c0a23e7f64a8c80dcac5cac1734d8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[It's Pageant Week!!!]]></title><description><![CDATA[This weekend is my pageant and I am so excited to walk across the Miss Teen Maine stage! This week I wanted to talk about the preparation...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/it-s-pageant-week</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63756c5b7b8a64230f7d03c3</guid><pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2022 23:05:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_49aa6871ccf440c288f5f4ca145efd66~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Turning an Adult]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last week I turned 18! I definitely have had many emotions as I officially turn into an “adult”. These past few years I haven’t had some...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/turning-an-adult</link><guid isPermaLink="false">636bd5c854ddab78d51cb6b0</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:31:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_a58d46bfd78a482ba5784970f30d55a5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reality of a Senior]]></title><description><![CDATA[A few years ago I couldn’t wait to be a senior! I felt like it was supposed to be one of the best years. I always thought senior year...]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/reality-of-a-senior</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63650cb2bbd415ed4e5bdd61</guid><pubDate>Fri, 04 Nov 2022 13:00:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_f475d775405a434b852fcf115f64d0a1~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Q+A with Jacquelyn Taylor]]></title><description><![CDATA[I competed with Jacquelyn In the 2022 Miss Teen Maine competition. She represented Brunswick; she was also named Miss congeniality....]]></description><link>https://ellasoccer1105.wixsite.com/the-courage-beneath/post/q-a-with-jacquelyn-taylor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63580409718add056a005ac7</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2022 19:45:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744f68_754dfedddbdc41eb99e347ae0901281b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ella Hamilton</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>