I am more than just a pretty girl in a crown. Sure, when you see me I have a full face of makeup, my hair is polished and I am usually in 4-inch heels, but I am so much more. I am not what you see when you flip on TLC to see young girls with fake hair, tan, teeth and eyelashes.

I am a pageant girl and I am proud.

Starting at a young age of 8, pageants have been a part of my life. Not only have I learned about myself through pageants, but I have learned about others, my community and many different philanthropies. I have clocked hours of volunteer service and have made friends that will last a lifetime.

I have always been aware of the stigma surrounding pageants, but I wasn’t bothered by it until recently. When people see me in my crown and sash, the first thing I am asked is “You’re a beauty queen?” and while I am flattered that people think I am beautiful, I am also frustrated that they don’t see what is beyond my appearance and the impact I can make with my title.

Pageants teach so many skills that help in everyday life. If it wasn’t for pageants, I would not have the confidence, public speaking skills or the passion for community service I have today.

Pageants are more than just smiling pretty.

While we are smiling pretty and carrying perfect posture, we are drilled for at least five minutes by a panel of judges about our aspirations, opinions on social and political events and about our platform. Speaking in front of hundreds of people about a platform that you are passionate about is frightening but very rewarding.

I have made a difference in so many people’s lives and that is something that I will always cherish. We don’t do pageants for the crowns, pretty dresses, awards or compliments we receive. We do it for the smile of a person we helped, for our community and to better ourselves as people. We wake up in the early hours to clean up the side of a highway or stay up late at night brainstorming events to create, that support our platform charity. We spend months preparing for the hour or so we are seen on stage just so we get one single year to make the biggest difference we can. It takes a lot of dedication, motivation and tears to get through pageant season.

So look past the crown and look at the girl wearing it.