Pretty girls on convertibles. Shiny tiaras. It's just like every princess story you ever heard. Don't get me wrong, that part of pageantry is really fun and is often one of the title holder's favorite parts of being Miss so-and-so, but there are so many more reasons why myself and countless others have fallen so deeply in love with this great American pastime. Reasons like scholarship money, a chance to perform your talent in front of the world, and traveling all over your city make the crown worthwhile. Remember the crown doesn't define you, you define the crown.
1. You make new friends.
I am not kidding when I say that friends you meet, that would've never been possible if it had not been for pageants, will become your new family. When you are as far away from home as college sometimes makes you, it is always so nice to have someone you can call just to talk or go eat at a local place for a little while.
2. You learn interview skills.
Standing alone in a room full of strangers asking you stressful questions that honestly do not have a right or a wrong answer is by far one of the scariest things. Pageant girls are ready to answer those questions about building a wall, handling the Syrian refugee crisis, or why you should be the next Miss so-and-so. Training for this part of competition honestly teaches us to be ready for anything.
3. You learn to make your own decisions.
My parents probably won't like this one, but honestly pageants teach you to fend for yourself in the real world. I was able to form an opinion on who my role model is, what I believe, and most importantly, what I am passionate about. I am also able to handle sticky situations like my car not starting after a pageant because cool, calm, and collected friends are there with me while I remember I have AAA.
4. The dresses.
This one might sound a little silly, but honestly, who doesn't love getting all dolled up and wearing your best dress, having your hair and makeup done, and prancing in your best heels. You want to feel like Kate Middleton for one day, is that so bad?
5. It teaches you how to lose.
This last point is the biggest thing that I have learned from pageantry. Unlike any other race or competition out there, the results for a pageant competition are completely subjective. This means on group of judges on one certain day will connect with one certain girl. You can train for months on end, compete better than you ever have before, but not come away with the crown. At the same time, you can either cry and lick your wounds, or you can focus on the fact you did your best and love cherish and support your new Miss so-and-so. It just wasn't your turn yet. Keep trying, your turn will come.
Until then,
Keep calm and rhinestone on!
