Typically, I do not watch pageant competitions on TV because I thought they highlighted only a few aspects of what it should really mean to represent the whole country. I believed that the focus was all looks and no brains. What was the point of these competitions anyway? But, my opinion has changed when I heard about the 2016 crowning.

Last week, Deshauna Barber was chosen to be Miss USA 2016. She is not only stunning, but extremely talented and intelligent. Deshauna earned her bachelor's degree from Virginia State University and her master's from the University of Maryland. According to her Miss USA profile, she is currently an IT analyst for the US Department of Commerce and a Logistics Commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit at Fort Meade, Maryland. Deshauna has been in the army since the age of 17 and considers it to be a family tradition. In a pre-show interview she stated, "It’s something that runs through our veins -- patriotism and service for this country.”

During the question and answer round, Deshauna was asked about the recent changes to allow females in combat. With poise and confidence, Deshauna explained that women can be just as tough as men and that it is important to recognize that gender does not limit people in the United States. Deshauna intends to channel time as Miss USA to help those with PTSD.

We should be thanking Miss USA not only for her service and dedication to this country, but for also setting a wonderful example for women. She is an icon of womanly strength and courage. I believe we need more figures like Deshauna in the United States. She has broken stereotypes for participants in agents as well as of positions in the military.