In recent news, the Miss America Organization has taken some heat. There has been endless chatter for months about changes to administration, competition and other aspects of the pageant. In all honesty, who cares? They are just a bunch of brainless beauty queens parading around, right? Well, I'm here to tell you a different story and not one that includes any of the changes occurring this September. This is more about my experience as a Miss America titleholder. Yep! Hello everyone, I am your current Miss Southern Delaware 2018!

I joined this organization two years ago and my eyes have forever been opened. When I was first told about this competition, I thought, "Are you kidding me. You want me to join Miss America…a beauty pageant." I truly believed the girls asking me to become involved thought I was stupid. I quickly learned they thought the exact opposite.

You see, in order to compete in any Miss America competition and succeed, you need to be up to date on every important event going on around the world currently, in the past and events that could occur in the future. You need to form an opinion and be able to eloquently speak on any topic thrown at you.

You must also have the drive to volunteer. Miss America is a scholarship-based community service organization. Without the drive to volunteer, no one can move forward in this competition. We each have a platform that we actively support for the entire year and beyond. This platform is something that will help out communities in the area we represent and on a broader scale. The amount of work that goes into a successful platform is truly phenomenal. Many girls start their own programs, policies and companies within local and state levels that often stay in place long after their title is passed down.

We are role models. Young girls look up to us, princesses in their eyes, for guidance. We have the ability to teach these young people how important hard work and dedication are. Many of us are involved in college curriculums and jobs that are not considered "normal" for women. By speaking to these children, we show them how courageous and beautiful they are and that they have the power to be whatever they want to be.

In my two years, I have taught different age groups about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and how truly rewarding these subjects can be. I've convinced young girls to go for their dreams even if most of the children in their class interested in those same dreams are boys.

Society attempts to hold women down, telling them that they can be strong but not TOO strong. The Miss America Organization does the exact opposite. I've learned that I am incredibly strong and can make an impact in the lives of others. This organization helped me come to that realization and I am forever grateful.

When you turn on ABC on September 9^th this year remember, these girls are brilliant and hard-working. They are changing the lives of others each and every day and we, as a country, should be extremely proud of them.