Hair curlers, makeup, high heels and all smiles! That is what my weekend of October 16-18 consisted of at the 2016 Miss New Jersey USA Pageant. I had the privilege to compete with 83 influential girls in this top-scale pageant. I arrived on Friday and had my interview with a panel of five judges. The interviews were very relaxed and revolved around each individual girl and their resumes. Following that, we had intense rehearsals to learn the dance number. Saturday morning was an early morning as I woke up at 6 a.m. for breakfast. I was in hair and makeup by 8 a.m! Saturday afternoon was the preliminary competitions - bikini and formal wear. That night consisted of a yummy dinner and a private concert for all the contestants by the talented band Paul Childers & the Black Tie Affair. Sunday morning involved some more dance rehearsals and Sunday night was the final show. All contestants walked out in their beautiful gowns for the dress parade and then the Top 18 were announced. These girls then competed once again in bikini and formal wear, as well as an on-stage interview question. The glamorous Jessielyn Palumbo was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2016 and will be competing in Miss USA.

The overall experience I had, the memories I made, and the friends I met truly made my weekend unforgettable. This was my first time competing in the Miss New Jersey USA Pageant but certainly not my last! This pageant was great as it truly gave me a motivating incentive to eat extra healthy and hit the gym hard to stay in shape for the bikini competition. I further improved my interview skills and not to mention, it was really nice to be pampered like a princess, getting my hair and makeup done the entire weekend. Honestly, the whole weekend flew by so quickly it was all a blur. I miss it already!

I would strongly encourage every girl to compete in at least one pageant during their lifetime. The experience truly is indescribable. It is nothing like what people think is it based on "Honey Boo-Boo" or "Toddlers and Tiaras." Pageants build great skills and self-confidence as well as provide many opportunities in the modeling and acting world. They also encourage charity and who doesn't love giving back? It's a great way to stay active in your community as well.

I have competed in several different pageant companies and the Miss New Jersey USA system is definitely the most prestigious and top-notch pageant to compete in. I cannot wait to continue to compete as it is always so much fun! Hopefully I'll see some of you there.