If you are not aware, The Miss America Organization has decided to eliminate the swimsuit competition from the Miss America pageant this year. Many young women who have been apart of the organization have been very vocal about the change on whether the decision is best for the program. As a competitor in the organization, I respect all opinions on the adjustment, but I think this change is best for all who are apart of the organization and the many who want to embark on such an empowering opportunity.

Many may feel that this change is diminishing of the roots of the pageant for it had originated in 1921 in Atlantic City. The Miss America pageant came to be inspired by the pageant held in 1919, "The Bathing Beauty Review." From there, The idea of the competition then transitioned to the boardwalk in Atlantic City where contestants were clothed in white robes representing peace rolled around by decorated rolling wicker chairs.

Now present day, It is transparent that the competition has evolved overtime, phases such as interview, talent, scholarship, as well as a personal platform, has been added to the competition. Now is the time to continue to update the pageant and promote women who are healthy not only physically, but mentally.

Coming from a competitor, I cannot say I have spent a lot of time on stage in a bathing suit, but I did train for that moment on a preliminary stage. Although I have yet to compete at a state level in the swimsuit competition, I have to admit my focus was in the wrong places. If we're being honest, obtainable healthy eating does not always give you the stage ready body for the swimsuit competition.

During the time of preparing my body for this 20 second moment, I could have been taking the time to help promote my platform or focus on my studies for this organization is a scholarship program and that is what we are being awarded for. I spent more time in the gym than normal and added unneeded stress onto of attending school and keeping up with extracurricular activities.

As a past title holder, you meet many young girls and women with many stereotypes in their head. Either you have a young girl who looks at you and sees the crown and wants to grow up to be just like you, or you have the young individual feel that they are not thin or pretty enough to relate or earn such a title.

With this change, many women who were once self-conscious about gracing the stage in a bathing suit in heels can confidently run for the title of Miss America merely by the person she is and what she does for her community. I have confidence in the Miss America program and know that the intelligent women on the board are making the best decision for this program.