The last few weeks of college I decided to embark on a new adventure.... enrolling in the Miss New York USA Pageant. While this is an exciting journey to partake in and it is another milestone that I have reached, as I will be representing the South Bronx, it has not been smooth. Despite the outpouring of support that I have received from family, friends, and even strangers, the process is nerve-racking and overwhelming at times. If anyone is participating in a pageant for the first time these three tips will assist you in having the perfect pageant preparation.

1. Consult with a Pageant Coach

If you are participating in a pageant for the first time I suggest hiring a pageant coach with experience who can assist you with all of your questions. From the best type of shoes to the color of your bathing suit that best suits your complexion to posing and poise, your coach knows all the answers. Your coach will be able to calm your fears and doubts that will arise throughout your months of preparation, and definitely shape you into a confident beauty queen.

2. Mentally prepare yourself

As mentioned before this will not be easy at all, unless you have been in pageants from the age of two. For a girl who was born and raised in the inner city, and has never been exposed to the pageant world, it is terrifying seeing contenders who have zero public speaking fears, can walk in platform heels, slay their makeup, and look gorgeous doing it all. You will have to be confident with yourself in order to not compare yourself to others, despite it being totally out of your comfort zone, and not knowing what to expect. You also have to prepare yourself for the possibility of defeat because you may need more preparation than you may have thought, but you also have to be optimistic because winning is probable as well. In other words be open to all possibilities, which are endless, and have fun because once the pageant is over, regular life will resume.

3. Stay fit

In a pageant there is the infamous swimsuit competition where the contestants have to show their toned figures in five inch platform heels. Looking your best is key because you will be in front of hundreds of people including judges who will be voting whether or not you are fit to compete in the national pageant. While it will be difficult to hit the gym or workout in your home each day, try to work out at least five days a week. Eating healthy goes hand in hand with working out because, if you don't, the results will show on stage. Remember you are competing to be the brand for your pageant organization and being intelligent, hardworking young women in our communities, and someone who is health conscious will get you one step closer to obtaining the crown.

I hope that my tips lead you to success and that hopefully soon I will be writing with my crown in my possession!