You did it! You won the pageant you spent months preparing for. The diets, the exercise, the interview preparation...it was all worth it. Now, back to your normal schedule, right? Think again! The job has just begun. As a titleholder, you are an ambassador for an organization that trusts you with their name. The year flies by, but you must always take the time to reflect on the lessons every pageant queen learns during her reign, including you. Pageantry is full of excitement, self-discovery, scholarship opportunities, and glamour. However, the reality of pageantry once you're crowned is it's not always a walk in the park, and it's not always glamorous, but you wouldn't trade this life for anything. I know I wouldn't! It is so important to have insight on what a title entails, besides the title itself. It can be an emotional roller coaster if you're not prepared. Been there. Done that. Once you learn these "terribly blunt" lessons most of us queens learn, you can conquer any feat without your crown going crooked even a little bit.
1. If you think you can get through the week without a planner, you should reconsider.
One of the most important duties as a titleholder is making appearances to various parades, charity events, grand openings, and visiting other pageants. Sometimes, appearances are planned months in advance, but sometimes you may be needed at the last minute as a guest at various events. It's important to keep a written schedule that's up to date so you never miss a beat...or an event!
2. If you have a job, be sure to express your plans to compete before you commit to the pageant.
This is especially important for Miss, Ms., and Mrs. queens. If you have a job you rely on for income you cannot survive without, be sure to speak to your boss before signing up for the pageant. Know the commitment level associated with the title if you were to win. Inform your boss of what days you would need to have off. If there is an issue, it's best not to risk your financial well-being. Furthermore, it's not fair to the other contestants who may have more time to devote to the title.
3. Not everyone will be happy for you
It sounds harsh, but it's the honest truth. From the first time you get crowned, be prepared for someone to try and hurt your feelings or even say things to others to discredit you. Unfortunately, this is all too common in pageantry. All of the contestants are there for the same reason, and it's devastating to whomever doesn't reach her goal. Some handle it better than others. If you happen to be the lucky lady that night, keep your head up, be gracious, and stay focused on those who are there to support you and the duties set forth for the year ahead. If another lucky lady gets crowned, save the tears for the car. Period.
4. You're still being judged after the pageant
Just because you captured the crown doesn't mean you can kick off the heels and brush out the curls. Like I said before, you're just getting started. With great power comes great responsibility (I love Spiderman), and there's some great power in that crown. For the next year, you're under a microscope that ensures you carry yourself with poise, professionalism, and class. After all, a pageant title is truly a public relations position entrusted to you to advocate the pageant system, get involved with charitable organizations, and recruit contestants. In turn, scholarships and prize packages that help you in furthering your education and career are awarded to you if you fulfill your responsibilities.
5. If you put your education on hold, you may lose your scholarship
This is another lesson important to Miss, Ms., and Mrs. queens. Many pageant systems have scholarship-based prize packages. Although it may seem commendable to take a semester or a year off of college to concentrate on your new title, you could potentially be risking your scholarship. Unless the system specifies a "cash scholarship" in which you get a check or cash at the end of your reign, there is no where for the pageant to send your scholarship if you're not enrolled in classes! Moreover, many systems also request academic transcripts to verify that you are a good student and have good study habits and time management skills. If your grades start to fall, your scholarship could be in danger.
