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| Evening gown |
In February, I was able to participate in a local pageant with the Miss America Organization. I had done two pageants previously in my hometown of Sparta learning so much from the experience, I thought I would try it again at a local closer to where I go to school.
Miss Milwaukee Area was perfect, it gave me a month to settle back into being in the States before vying for the title. It was world wind of getting home, adjusting back to life and school, and on top of that practicing for pageant day. I tried my best while I was abroad to stay healthy, but when the sangria and croquetas are calling your name you must answer! When I got back I signed up for a gym, did yoga every morning, and started eating healthier. It was a quick month until it was pageant day. And let me tell you, it was a day.
To start I got up on stage in a swimsuit. Probably one of the most oddly satisfying, but terrifying experiences in my life. One of my earrings went flying when I walked on stage for the first time. I almost fell walking off the stage in my swimsuit. I did remember all my lines, and I walked gracefully without the audience hearing the metal running across the floor that held my dress down.
All in all, it was an eventful day with lessons I am so grateful I learned. Here are five that had the biggest impact on me!
1. Never underestimate the power within yourself
After competing in Miss Sparta a couple years ago I knew I wanted to compete in more. I knew that no matter what the outcome is, I would learn more about myself and who I am. At times leading up to Miss Milwaukee Area, I definitely underestimated myself and what I could do. I would get extremely upset with myself if I didn't do something like work out or eat right, which only made myself stress out more. Through that, I came to realize that although I am stressed, I am pushing myself to do something I know will help me learn more about myself. The power within myself is far stronger than the stress I feel.
2. Friends are everywhere
For me, walking into pageant day came with some hesitations as I did not know anyone personally very well. As we all chose our spots for the rest of the day and night I was incredibly lucky to be next to a girl named Tara. I had seen her last week at the Miss Madison-Capital City pageant where it was evident she was a ray of sunshine. She lit up our little area with her bubbly personality that it was hard to be nervous. I also was blessed with meeting a wonderful woman named Ashley, who has a very similar platform as mine. With similar stories, we were able to connect on a deeper level. I am so grateful that I got to meet these ladies through such an empowering experience.
3. Do not let fear stand in your way
One of the categories for vying for the title is talent. Mine was a monologue that I had written myself, about the hardship grief at a young age puts on a person. I was unbelievably worried that I would mess up and not remember what my lines were. Most of all, I was afraid the emotional aspect wouldn't get across to the audience. I wanted them to feel how hard it is to go through grief so young. After I said my last line I heard someone say "wow" that was all I needed. I had touched one person's life by my monologue. My fear could have stopped me from performing my monologue, instead, my faith in myself made someone step back and think about the people around them and what they are going through.
4. It isn't all about the crown and sash
At first, when I started competing in pageants I thought that having the crown and sash was the ultimate goal. That receiving the crown and sash would complete you as a person and for a year, one got to be in my spotlight. After participating in three pageants, I have learned that wearing a crown and sash gives you a spotlight, yes, but what you do with that spotlight is much more important. Advocating for something you believe is vital to the community gives purpose. Although I didn't walk away with a crown and sash, I know that my platform serves a purpose in this community and I will not stop finding ways for our grieving youth to locate sources of support.
5. You are far more than what the judges see you as
The judges are people too, they are making the best judgment they have on who would represent the Milwaukee area the best. Although I am sad that it wasn't me, I believe they saw Haley as the best person for the job! I can not wait to see what she does this year! I am a true believer that if you were not chosen for something, it was never meant for you. This was not my opportunity, something out there has my name written all over it and I can't wait to see what it is!
I may not know what my next move is going to be in life, however, I do know that after this adventure I am stronger, braver, and more confident in myself then I have been in my life.
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| On stage question |
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| Talent |
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| Swimsuit |
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| Opening introduction |
