Competing in pageants has been something I've done since my senior year in high school. I have done them here and there, but never got way into them. Sure, there is that obvious goal of winning that title along with the crown and sash, but there is way more to the pageant than that.

Walking into a pageant is something that is so unlike anything else. Makeup, dresses, and shoes out the boo-hoo. Sometimes you see girls you have never seen before. Other times you see girls you recognize from past pageants and you're super excited to compete against them again...or maybe not so much! Anyhow, it's a feeling you get no other day than pageant day. You know your game has to be turned onto to win that title.

The rehearsals are absolutely nuts. You have your opening number, swimsuit, talent, and formal wear. Oh, and guess what is between all of that? Most important of all, interview. It's a crazy day to balance everything. Your game face has to be on at all times and you can't ever have any downtime.

Well, finally after a long day of rehearsals, it is show time. Makeup and hair is done and every single girl there wants that crown.

Opening number starts off the show followed by swimsuit, talent, and finally, evening gown. Swimsuit entails lots of sass and confidence. Talent makes you show your ability in whatever talent you perform. Evening gown is the portion to show your elegance to the judges and the audience.

Well, crowning is soon. Everyone is up on that stage wanting the same thing; the crown, the sash, and the title.

When I stand up on that stage waiting, sure, I want to get that crown, but I went through whole day for more than that. I learned that I have the guts to get up in front of an audience and show my skills and talents. I took on an interview that I proudly survived and learned more about myself in the process. So no matter the outcome, I learned about myself and how to better myself because of that. The whole day of competition was not about the crown, it was about learning about myself.