It is her faith and God’s glory that has allowed Jasmine Murray to experience an incredible life’s journey at the young age of 23.

Saturday night, Murray will step down as the reigning Miss Mississippi after she crowns her successor and will step into the next phase of her life. But beginning that next stage of life does not come before looking back on a year of serving as one of her state’s ambassadors.

“I was so thrilled and just absolutely amazed at how God allowed me to have that opportunity to walk on that stage,” she said, talking of her experience at representing Mississippi at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J. “All the support from Mississippi was absolutely amazing. I did not know that many people from Mississippi were going to come out and support me, but there were so many people from Mississippi that came to Atlantic City to watch me and that was incredible to see, and it meant the world to me.”

During the 2015 Miss America Pageant, Murray was named as one of the top 10 finalists.

Among the year’s other highlights, Murray said performing at the National Prayer breakfast and singing in front of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stands out.

“I never thought I would meet the President of the United States and First Lady Michelle Obama. I could never imagine that happening and then actually getting to sing for them,” Murray said. “I actually got to sit at the same table with both of them and to be able to share my faith on that platform was absolutely incredible. It was an amazing experience, but to be able to give God the glory was the best part about the whole experience.”

Murray said while in Washington D.C. she also had the chance to tour the capital and meet other political figures and other believers.

“The best part is we were all there to glorify God. It wasn’t about me having a title, it was all about the Lord, and that was incredible,” she said. “This year has been so full of amazing opportunities.”

Once the crown is handed over, Murray said she has not completely decided what her future will hold.

“I am exploring my options,” she said. Returning to Mississippi State University to finish her degree in broadcast communication is among the options she is considering.

“I would also like to continue with my music career,” she said. “Music is a huge part of me. It’s my love. It’s my passion. I enjoy performing, I love writing, I love being in the studio and recording and being able to encourage people through music and being able to reach people and inspire them. Music is a language everyone understands and it unites people, and I want to be able to do that through song and lyrics.”

Throughout the year, Lisa Murray, Jasmine’s mother has had the opportunity to travel with her daughter.

“My mom and I are very close,” Murray said. “Having her with me this year has been very special, and I am thankful for that.”

As for Jasmine’s mother, Lisa, the year of Jasmine’s reign was the fulfillment of a vision.

“I always believed Jasmine would be Miss Mississippi. Even that Saturday I said to her ‘Jasmine get ready. Your life is fixing to change,’” Lisa said. “I believe you have to see something and believe it for it to come to pass.”