Pageant Experience

Pageants are often seen by the public as being negative; something that is demeaning for women. However, it is my personal opinion that pageants can be extremely self-motivating and confidence building for girls trying to find their place in the world. Some pageants have talent or a swimsuit contest, however the International pageant mainly focuses on interview and community service. No matter how well you can belt a song, or no matter how great your body can look in a bikini, it can never compare to the fact that you can communicate with your community, and use these speaking skills to somehow better your society. The important thing to do is to not focus on how the pageant affects your life, but how you plan to affect others with this position. My particular goal is to share with children, my peers, and the elderly the importance of reaching out in your community.
I think it is critical to find an organization that fits your personality. If you are going to be making a difference, it should be done so by doing something you enjoy. This is the foundation for truly appreciating volunteerism. My particular passion happens to be Relay for Life within the American Cancer Society organization. I am using the pageant as a motivation to become a team captain and I am meeting many people who are just as eager to be helping the community. The International pageant system provides so many opportunities to discover your passions, live your dreams, and motivate others to find their dreams. However, you must find these for yourself. Of course, pageants provides support and encouragement, but initially you need to be the one to make your goals become a reality.
Also, pageants have given me the strength to be an individual. I have been blessed with an inner peace and self-confidence due to this whole experience. Many girls will tell you the same story. Through the process of working in the community and also by practicing interview, I have been able to verbalize my morals and make them a reality, instead of just thoughts. I appreciate the interview process for that very reason; your most deep questions, ideas, and beliefs can be openly stated so that everyone listening can better understand you as a person, but also you can understand yourself much better through this process.
I am learning that life has many wonderful blessings and beautiful moments, however, there are also times of stress and struggle. The experiences from pageants has rewarded me with grace to handle these challenges and also given me the integrity to uphold myself. I am discovering many new things through the process of listening and I am trying to find an inner peace to live life happily. There are so many people that you can learn from and the key is to take advantage of these many opportunities for knowledge. Be a leader and stand up for what you believe in. I am discovering how easy it can be to give in to peer pressure, however, I stand back because I realize that I have personal pride.
I am too thankful to properly verbalize my gratitude; there have been too many people to thank, too many moments to remember, and too many "precious moments" to look back on.
I would recommend this experience for anyone, no matter what the outcome. It does not change you, it only shapes you into a better version of you. I thank the Lord for his many blessings that he gives to each and every person and I pray that he will continue to strengthen and heal hearts.