I have been competing in pageants for about a year and a half now and I've only just dipped my toes into the realm of Miss America Organization pageants. I've watched a total of seven crowns be awarded to girls who stood just a few feet away from me on the stages full of glitter, platform heels, and butt glue. I've watched the eyes of the winners light up and fill with tears the moment their name gets called and the music begins to pipe triumphantly throughout the venue. I've felt their joy as a crown gets pinned to their head and a sash delicately draped over their shoulder. Then, about two weeks ago, I stood again among my friends and competitors, hands clasped and hearts beating, and it was my turn. Here are 5 thoughts every titleholder has once a crown is placed on her head.

What? It's actually happening?

All of the blisters, interview prep, and hardcore shopping sprees have all paid off. The moment has finally arrived! Whether you were crowned in a large venue or a town hall, you felt all of the world's joy welling up inside of you. And once the tears start coming, it's a challenge to get them to stop. The cameras are flashing and you're taking your first walk. Is this even real life? Yes, girl. Yes, it is.

Blessed and honored to serve.

Unless people are familiar with MAO, competitors and titleholders are a commonly misunderstood breed. It is not uncommon for us "pageant girls" to get a bad wrap, stereotyped as beauty queens who live for the spotlight. But when you live in the pageant scene, you know the real deal. As soon as you are awarded a title, you become a servant of the public. You see your sash and crown as a symbol of a schedule jam packed with volunteer work, appearances, and public service activities. There is truly no greater privilege than being given the opportunity to educate people about your platform and lend a helping hand wherever you are called to serve.

New sisters!

"Sister queens" is, by far, my favorite term to use as a titleholder. Once you get your crown, you join a new family of sisters that you never knew you had. Former titleholders will tell you, the friends that they made doing pageants have stood the test of time. When I won my title, I was overwhelmed by the support I received from my competitors and their families. As a current titleholder, watching other girls win their crowns also gives the me chance to welcome new sister queens into the family as well. Hugs all around!

Time to get serious.

A lot goes into preparation for states. The realization that you are only two pageants away from being Miss America is enough to give anyone the motivation to get on a meal plan immediately and start toning up their muscles... or curl up in bed and stress-eat several pints of Ben and Jerry's. But every titleholder knows, the hard work all pays off in the end. Having healthy habits and feeling confident with a positive body image are key to the lifestyle and fitness portion of the competition, and you are going to GLOW on that stage. Get pumped.

So. Much. Paperwork.

Yeah you thought the paperwork for the locals you competed in was tedious? Just you wait. But on the bright side, when you've sent it all in and the reality sets in that you're actually competing in a pageant you've dreamed of for your entire pageant experience, you're glad you got it done. And now you have an excuse to reward yourself with perhaps a new dress or a pair of heels. Shop therapy is a real thing.