Like many other girls in the world, I am currently a contestant in a pageant. This is my second year giving this pageant a go, and this year, I have a completely different view on things.

Dear pageants,

First, just know this. No, I didn't win last year (obviously, if I am back again), but here's the thing: I didn't cry last year when I didn't win, and I can truly say that I will not cry if the same thing happens this year. So here's why. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.

Sure, you broke in your heels until your feet ached, or you pulled an all-nighter practicing pop questions, and trust me, I have been there. But I just keep in my mind that I should never tell myself, "Well, that's as good as it's gonna get," because like me, all of the girls want the same thing, and that is to be crowned the queen. So obviously every girl is going to work her butt off to get exactly what she wants. So don't quit, no matter what.

Remember that it is all in the judges' hands. Not the directors, the parents or the people helping with the pageant. It is all the judges. Unfortunately, your best might not have been good enough. You can't control what the judges think and who they like, but you can control doing everything that you can to impress those judges. Be yourself, not some emotionless robot who just gives them the answers they want. Have fun!

No matter what happens, whether you leave with that crown or nothing at all, just know that you're still a winner. There are plenty of girls who wouldn't be able to step foot on that stage. So no matter what the judges say, you're all queens. Don't let a contestant number tell you differently.

Also, go in with an open mind. Last year, I went in with such an awful mindset. I had fully convinced myself that I knew who was going to win and who was going to get the runner ups, and man, was I wrong. While, yes, I have doubted myself that I will actually win this year and yes, I have gotten discouraged by the large amount of girls. But I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

So whether I win the pageant and my number is called for me to be the next queen, or if I go home empty handed, no matter what, I am and always will be a queen in my own eyes.