Sorority Girls and Tiaras

Kaylee Cochran
Kappa Kappa Gamma

Coming from a very small, southern town in Mississippi, I have always loved pageants. Whether it's participating or watching my friends, I have always been fascinated by pageantry and the entire process. My pageant experience is very, very slim, but somehow I landed myself in the Parade of Beauties hosted by Ole Miss. 

Some of you might be completely confused of what a pageant is, well let's be honest, most people have no clue. I have only been in a handful of high school beauty reviews. This is where we only wear a formal gown and prance around the stage. The difference with beauty reviews and pageants is the option to include an interview, talent, and/or outfit changes. LUCKILY, Ole Miss only includes an interview. Lord knows I don't have much talent in my genes. 

I was really nervous even during the paperwork process. I was about to debut myself in front of a huge audience in the Ford Center and have a row of judges watching my every move. My hand was shaking as I was filling out my school involvement and hobbies. If I wasn't already a nervous wreck, we had a mandatory meeting where we signed up for our interview time slots. Walking up to the fourth floor of the union, I was surrounded by the most beautiful girls on campus. They were only in their sorority T-shirts and Norts, and they looked like a million bucks. What was I getting myself into?

As we were sitting and waiting for the meeting to begin, I looked around the room. I know some of these girls had to have held many titles and were probably professional pageant girls. As I looked around, I couldn't help but think if any of these girls were feeling like they were in TLC's "Toddlers and Tiaras." I kept waiting for McKenzie or Eden to pop in at any moment! 

If you have never been in a beauty review or pageant before, then you probably have no idea what all it involves financially. Dress purchases, or rentals, can range from hundreds of dollars, and this does not include alterations, shoes and accessories. There is also hair and make-up appointments. A lot goes into looking like a "natural" beauty. 

After all the preparations are made, all there is to do is practice. Now, if you want to learn "the pageant walk," you have to brace yourself for a woman's worst enemy--high heeled shoes. Pageant shoes and slick wooden floors are not a great combination. I cannot tell you have many times my shoes have caught onto my dress, and I thought I was about to fall face-first in front of the judges.

Anticipation for this pageant has really been the most I have ever experienced, but I know it'll be worth the memories I will make. Who knows, I might be "that girl" that does trip and make a fool of myself. At least, I will take that place so none of the other beautiful contestants will have to endure the embarrassment. Girls, you can thank me later after I trip! 

Kaylee is a junior studying MS.  You may contact her at kecochra@olemiss.edu.