Let’s go back in time for a second. The year is 2009. Honey Boo Boo and Toddlers and Tiaras are on televisions everywhere.
This was the peak moment I realized beauty pageants were not for me. The crazy girls with fake hair, nails, tan, and even teeth made for good entertainment but not the life I would ever commit myself to. Or so I thought. I realized that this beauty pageant was more than just prancing around in dresses and talking about world peace, it was a confidence builder.
I’ll admit, I did not think I would ever do this pageant. Period. I remember my freshman year of high school my track coach, who runs the pageant, told me I should run for Teen Miss. I happily said “no thank you, that’s not the life for me.” I forget how it all happened but somehow I promised her I would run for Miss Cass County the summer after senior year.
Three years pass and I totally forget about the pageant. Don’t even give it a second thought. Then I get a message from my old coach, sending me the application for the pageant. I was terrified. I had to get a sponsor, a business suit, evening gown, learn how to actually conversate with other people. This was no longer me doing this for a laugh, I was in this for the long haul.
As time went on, things became easier than the first initial email. My sponsor was my workplace, I got my suit on sale at Kohl’s, my evening gown was my prom dress I absolutely loved, everything was falling into place. I’ve never felt so prepared for an event in my life. Everyone was so supportive, always making sure we were comfortable. Me and all the contestants became so incredibly close. I made some of my best friends through this process. We did so many mock interviews that I believe I could go for a corporate job position without a problem. This process was life changing.
For many people who know me, I love self-deprecating humor. I felt like if I made fun of myself first that no one else would feel the need to. I was terrified to be in front of a crowd of people modeling and talking. I never wanted to be the center of attention. It scared me to have anyone other than my family looking at me and judging me. But finally, something clicked.
The night before the pageant I realized it didn’t matter if I won or if I walked away with nothing. I got the honor of experiencing such an event. I got to walk with confidence down a runway, show everyone that you can be whoever you want to be. I was a role model to all the little girls out in the crowd, so I was going to act like it. The pageant itself went great. I was very nervous but confident in everything I did.
Then came the crowning. I’ll admit, I was scared. Although I didn’t think I would win anything, you still have this voice in the back of your head saying “what if?” Then I heard my name called. I was in shock. As much as I hate to admit it I had total pageant ugly crying face going on. I was so happy, the happiest I had been in months. Finally getting a crown and sash really made me feel special. This was a true outlook changer, and best moment in my life so far.