2024 Year in Review: Social Media

Goodness knows nothing can just be a thing anymore. Nothing can just be what it is. Sports can't be a competitive sporting event. It has to be an entertainment venture. Just like a blog just can’t be a blog. I mean, it can...but it’s not as easy or nearly as much fun. How am I supposed to make sure that the blog is on your mind every waking second of every day? How can I make sure you see some sort of new content as often as possible?

Of course. Social media.

Which is why Section 36 needs to have a presence. OK. More accurately, it's why I want Section 36 to have a social media presence. Even on the sites where I have no idea what’s going on. So, I hope you know about all the other ways you can follow along with Section 36! And, how have those social media sites gotten even better in 2024?

I’m glad you asked.

Once again, Instagram is probably the place I’ve seen the most movement in the past year.

It’s been so much fun connecting with fans and visitors through that site. For Section 36, in the past I have posted exclusively pictures I have taken. It’s a way to enjoy different views from a Red Sox fan. I've continued adding pictures people have submitted of themselves holding a “I’d Rather be in Section 36” sign, or pictures of themselves with Section 36 gear. (So, if you were wondering how you could appear on the Section 36 account, that’s how.) It’s been a great way to add variety to the feed, and publicize some great pictures people have submitted. And the best part? The account keeps adding followers and seeing more interaction, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Here's hoping that number keeps growing. If you’re one of the followers, thanks! If you’re not, what’s keeping you?

While Twitter was once a mainstay, that is no longer the case. Sure, blogs are sometimnes automatically shared to X (bleh) because it's so easy to do. But, I don't remember the last time I posted there.

I have made the switch, like many others to BlueSky. While I haven't built up my following there, It's a work in progress. One thing that makes it different, is that there's only one account for all of the Section 36 Suite. So, sports, sportscards, lifestyle, music, etc all in one place. Something for everyone, if you will.

Facebook provides fun opportunities.

I find it’s a combination between BlueSky and Instagram. It can post links and pictures with ease, and has the ability to allow sharing with friends. The Section 36 page will post links to every post here on Section 36. Facebook is also great for pictures, so it posts pictures that I’ve taken. It’s also a prime spot to post pictures submitted by others. So almost every picture someone submits of themselves with Section 36 behind them, or in Section 36, or holding a “I’d rather be in Section 36” sign, or with Section 36 gear gets posted there. Section 36 has more than 500 likes and adds more all the time, which is great!

Section 36 also has a presence TikTok, Snapchat, and Pinterest. Although TikTok is the only one I've used with any frequency lately. Much like BlueSky, those are all one account for the entire Suite. So, you're bound to find something you like there. Hopefully in 2025 I’ll figure something out. Feel free to follow/add to see the progress! In fact, follow all of Section 36 on all social media accounts.

It’ll be a lot of fun.  

Where can I find you?

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!