Since moving to college, watching TV has been a distant dream that I haven't quite been able to reach. Aside from the occasional Netflix binge if I have time, I have really only had time for homework, eating, laundry, and class.

Recently, the Miss America (MA) pageant was on TV - the night of Sunday Sept. 12th. I have never found myself watching the pageant, but my lovely roommate has an obsession with the contest, so all of us girls gathered around the main lobby TV on Sunday night to watch the beauty queens put on their smiles, their thinking caps, and their bikinis in hopes of becoming the next Miss America.

All my life, I always thought that the Miss America pageant was just a bunch of girls in pretty dresses, hoping that they could beat out all the other girls in pretty dresses, and then for a year, they got to wear a crown - kind of like a princess. But what I didn't know was how much more actually goes into this contest than I had ever even considered. Not only are all of the contestants beautiful, confident, and intelligent women, but they are all also pursuing an education and that the Miss America Foundation's goal is to change lives by helping all of the women continue their education by providing as much scholarship help as possible.

The most surprising thing to me about the annual competition, was the intelligence of these women and I want to particularly shout out Miss Texas for her intellectual rant on the Charlottesville, VA situation that happened last month. The question asked to 22-year-old Margana Wood was this:

"Last month, a demonstration of neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and the KKK in Charlottesville turned violent and a counterprotester was killed. The president said there was shared blame with 'very fine people on both sides.' Were there? Tell me yes or no and explain."

Wood stated in response to this question, "I think that the white supremacist issue was very obvious that it was a terrorist attack and I think that President Donald Trump should have made a statement earlier, addressing the fact and in making sure all Americans feel safe in this country. That is the number one issue right now."

She blew viewers away for her bold and beyond clear response and although she came out at fourth runner up in the competition, the young woman's response exploded on social media platforms with tremendous support and recognition.

Miss Texas, this one is for you.

All of the women in this year's MA competition were fantastic women with such bright futures ahead of them, and I can gladly say that I learned something from watching the pageant this year. Thank you Miss America Foundation for providing the opportunity for these young women to continue their education and make a difference in the world.

Also, a huge congratulations to Miss North Dakota - Cara Mund - for winning the competition and becoming Miss America 2018 - make this your year, girl!