“And your 2016 Miss Minnesota International is… Miss Hastings, Sabrina Astar!”

At the time I didn’t fully understand the impact that 20 minutes on stage could have on the next year of my life. The Miss Minnesota International pageant was the first pageant I had ever participated in, which means I literally started from the bottom of the pageant world and was thrown into the heart of it very quickly. For only being in this community for only a brief period I have experienced many judgements and assumptions about pageantry that are just, well, very false. I want to start off by saying that I feel continuously blessed each day to hold my title and am just here to explain what being a “pageant girl” is really like.

No, our mothers don't force us to participate in pageants.

Although some pageant ladies have been in the pageant community ever since they were kids (Toddlers in Tiaras style) many of us are relatively new to pageantry. My state pageant was the first pageant I had ever participated in and Miss MN USA, Bridget Jacobs, had only competed in two pageants before winning her title for example. To be frank, when I told my mother that I was going to compete in a pageant she said to me “ Okay, really?” Both of my parents fully support me in everything I do, but they never would've thought pageantry was on my radar. Personally, I am happy that I didn’t grow up doing pageants. I believe that it gave me the ability to show my individuality on stage, but if you were a Toddlers in Tiaras type of kid, go on with your bad self girl!

No, we do not sabotage one another

.I have never actually encountered a “mean pageant girl” in my life. This usually comes as a shock to people because of the way that media and movies represent pageantry as a catty activity full of narcissistic young attractive women. This is just not true. Many of my best friends are actually ladies that I have met through pageants whether that be my fellow competitors or women in other pageant systems. Pageant girls are women who want to see a change in the world for the better of humanity. Yes at times it does seem like we live in the pretend land of happiness, but it is because we are optimists who believe that all things are possible through working hard and continuing dedication to a cause. Really, what more could you want from young women?

No, we do not look amazing everyday

I get asked all of the time if I have to look good and “done up” every time I go out in public. Really? I would honestly say that I do not dress up anymore than an average person on a daily basis. Yes, we do dress up when we are attending an appearance for our title simply because we have to look professional and presentable when standing in front of audiences. However, in my day-to-day life as a college student, I would say my outfits consist of leggings, a T-shirt, high top converse shoes and possibly, on a fancy day, I will be wearing stud earrings. Sorry about the let down, but you couldn’t pay me enough money to walk around in heels everyday. All pageant queens are real people too, so just remember that we like to have days where we don't wear makeup and walk around town in sweats just like everyone else.

And no, we don't just do it for the crown

.Pageants are all about growing self confidence and becoming a respected member in the community. Although all of us would love to have our name called as being the next title holder, we all have unique reasons for why we compete. Many women compete for fun. Yes, just for fun. Others compete to gain self-reliance or to make friends. Personally I entered to have a goal to work towards and to be a voice for organizations that need more recognition. No matter the reason, no woman competes simply to win because at the end of the pageant only one woman gets the title and that person just might not be you.

Many of the women I have met through pageantry have become friends that will be with me for a lifetime. I think that the stereotype around pageantry is just not accurate in today’s society. I believe many of the women I have met are great role models for young women and I truly believe that being in pageants has helped those women become such impactful and strong women in our community. So basically, let's not judge a girl by her crown.