Hundreds of young women across America did not hear their name called at the end of the night this past month. Hundreds of young women walked off the pageant stage and left the theatre crying. Gowns and rhinestones everywhere and the only thing on their mind was how fast it will take them to consume a large pizza. I was one of those girls. I was the one crying at the end of the night. I was the one who left not knowing where life would lead after watching a dream not turn into reality. But when I reflect on the time there I see so much more than a crown and sash- so here's to us, the girls who didn't win a crown but won so much more.

First, I want you to realize how many girls did not make it to the state pageant this year. Thousands of girls across the country competed for local titles and never won. They never got the chance to be a local titleholder. They did not have the opportunity to grace the stage at the state pageant- but you did. You are one of the lucky ones. You have already won because you made it that far- farther than many others.

You walked out of pageant week with friends who will most likely be in your wedding party. You met some of the most intelligent, beautiful, selfless girls in your state and now you're lucky enough to be friends with them. They are the girls you can lean on through this. They are the ones who had the same dream as you and the ones who will be more than happy to eat ice cream and pizza with you. They will be the ones who will be there to remind you that there is more to life than pageants.

You put in months and months of work. Woke up early and stayed out late to promote your platform. You did everything you could fit into your already packed schedule to show your dedication to the organization. You went above and beyond yet you walked away with no awards, no recognition for what you have accomplished in the past few months. Well you know what girl? You don’t need an award to be announced onstage to know in your heart that you have made a difference in the community. You do not need to be told by anyone that you are successful because you are the one who knew that first.

Take a look around you. How many people do you know that are as well versed about your state and politics as you? Probably not many. That's right girl- you is smart! All those days spent reading the Skimm, the newspaper, watching the news while running on the treadmill, and asking your parents questions about budget cuts and taxes paid off because you are now one of the most knowledgable people in your friend group.

As a society we are taught to seek validation from others and I am here to tell you that you do not need it. You are successful. You are beautiful. You are intelligent and you do not need a group of six judges to tell you that. Before you even entered the room for interview and before you took the stage for the live competition within you lay the most beautiful components a human being could poses.

You are better for having been there, for getting on that stage and staying true to yourself and life for you is just beginning.