Coming to Butler as my county queen, it only made sense that I'd be known as "The Pageant Queen." For awhile, I wasn't proud of that nickname. When we think of pageants, we think of the stereotypical "Miss America:" Bombshells who are thin and attractive, with nothing in their heads. The reality is that most "pageant girls" aren't like that at all; and through meeting the girls I've met and doing a few more pageants, I've come to embrace my title as the Pageant Girl. So here are just a few things to remember from an average, not-so-pageanty pageant girl.

1. Not every girl is stick-thin or model material, and that's amazing.

There isn't one type of look for girls who do pageants. Participating in pageants for causes you feel passionate about makes it so much more than just a title, and you will encounter girls of all different shapes and sizes--who are all beautiful, nonetheless. There isn't a "pageant girl" mold.

2. We aren't airheads.

This was the biggest reason I hated being the "pageant girl." I am an individual who does her best to keep herself informed on the world and what's happening around her. I am not an airhead--most pageant girls aren't. It takes a huge amount of intelligence to be able to represent and articulate yourself well on stage and in an interview. This stereotype is absolutely a ridiculous one.

3. It's not about winning.

There is so much more to a pageant than winning a title. You learn things about yourself, about what you love or feel strongly about; and you make some amazing friends (@Jayde, Kayla, Sabrina) who will follow you and support you in any future endeavors you take on. You also make memories that will last you a lifetime.

4. Strong women CAN do pageants.

I don't even know why this is a stereotype, but news flash: Most pageant girls are strong, ambitious young women who use pageants as a way to better their interview and presentation skills, as well as earn scholarships and network. There are a lot of benefits to pageantry that don't get recognized, and many young women take advantage of those benefits.

5. It's fun.

Not all of our parents are crazy, and neither are we. Pageants are a lot of fun--I mean, who doesn't like getting dressed up and talking to people? Believe it or not, pageants are just something fun to do--there's not always an ulterior motive behind our participation, nor are we being forced by parents trying to live through us (Thanks, Toddlers in Tiaras).

6. YES, WE EAT.

I can't get through this one without laughing. "So, like, since you do pageants, do you limit what you eat or something?" No. The answer is no. I love myself a good 4 slices of pepperoni pizza just like the next girl.

7. We aren't just "pageant girls."

The fact of the matter is that there isn't one specific type of pageant girl. We are all regular girls doing something we enjoy doing; there's no specific mold or requirement, and by actually doing pageants, you meet all kinds of girls that you learn and grow with. We all have passions, dreams, lives, and families. The pageant community provides a support system you will have for the rest of your life.