With Miss USA here, I decided to write about the ever-so-controversial subject of a "pageant girl". I know what most of you are thinking, "I believe that US Americans don't have maps." Yeah. I remember it all too well. I understand how the spray tans, fake eyelashes, and endless amounts of hairspray and make up look. I get that, at first, these girls can seem like nothing more than a pretty face. However, as a former "pageant girl" myself, I can tell you these thoughts could not be further from the truth.
I competed in my first pageant at the age 4 and fell in love. My mom never forced me to be in a pageant; it was always my choice. I enjoyed the friendships made more than anything, and I believe there are three very important life skills I have learned from my experience with pageants. I know that not everyone has had a good experience with them, and I do not mean to speak for everyone. I am simply speaking from my experience and a lot of my friends' experiences, as well.
1. Interview Skills
My parents and closest friends can tell you this: I could talk to a fence post. As long as you're willing to listen, I'm willing to talk. I enjoy having long and educated conversations with people. I accredit my ability to interview and converse with my background in pageants. I have learned how to answer open-ended questions fully and efficiently. I have learned to answer closed-ended questions with the adequate amount of information needed. I have learned that keeping up with what's going on in the world is so very important. I have learned how to conduct myself when talking to complete strangers. I have learned to look people in the eye and make sure they know I am interested in what they have to say, as well. This quality is very common among the girls that I have met through pageants, and I think it gives us a leg up in any interview every time.
2. Confidence
A big part of my confidence-building when I was growing up is because of pageants. And it's not because a crown has been placed on my head or a first-place trophy I've been given. It is because pageants have taught me, whether win or lose, that I should be proud of myself and all that I stand for. The thing is, there are a lot of sore losers in the world. Competing in pageants has taught me how to win humbly and lose gracefully. When you see a first runner up with an expression just as excited as the winner, don't be confused and don't think it's fake. She is genuinely happy for the winner. That's due to the confidence in herself and the third and greatest gift pageants have given me:
3. Lifelong Friendships
Competing in pageants is just like competing in anything else (football, dance competitions, spelling bee, etc). You grow close and form bonds with the people who share a common interest with you. I have made friendships to last a lifetime through my involvement with pageants. Regardless of whether or not I walked away with a crown, I've gained best friends, bridesmaids, and confidants. Pageants open up a whole world of opportunities including potential future jobs, chances to travel the world, and memories to last forever. The biggest blessing from competing in pageants, however, will always be the friendships I have made. The girls I have met are some of the most genuine, kind-hearted, compassionate, and intelligent individuals this world has ever been blessed with.
Pageants aren't for everyone. I get that. Loving people like Jesus does is, though. Let's not be so quick to judge, and that goes for people from all walks of life: pageant girls, football jocks, book worms, and people who are just plain different from us. Love like we're called to love. No matter if you're involved in pageants or not, improve your interview skills, be confident in who you are, and open yourself up to new friendships. Oh, and get to know a "pageant girl;" I promise you won't be disappointed.
