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My pageant experience.

The music blares backstage as I wait for my cue to walk on stage, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I feel the sudden wave of calm rush over me, each foot slowly making its way in front of the other as I make my way down the runway. This is the moment I've been waiting for, the moment I've been diligently preparing for. It's the day of the Miss Texas Teen USA pageant.





I grew up watching the Miss Universe and Miss America pageants on my grandmother's TV screen. Clad in pair of comfortable pajamas, a bowl of warm popcorn in my hands, I watched as countless women displayed their confidence on stage in stunning evening gowns, each woman ready to share their inspiring stories and various brilliant accomplishments. While I admired the world of pageantry, I never thought that one day I would take the stage, competing for the crown as I've seen numerous times on TV.


It wasn't until May of 2020 that my pageant journey began. I had received a pamphlet advertising the Texas state pageant in the mail, and I was intrigued. It had been a few months of utter boredom, and I was eager to dedicate my time to a new, glamorous hobby. While I knew that competing in a pageant took work, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Viewers of pageants only witness the few glitzy seconds of each contestant competing on stage in a sort of "celebration" of the hard work that it takes to prepare for the competition. They are not able to witness the contestant display their personality in the interview portion of competition, nor do they see the behind-the-scenes work that it takes to compete.


My preparation? Transitioning from an athlete to a confident young woman with stage presence. For several years prior to my pageant career, I was a competitive volleyball player. I was used to court shoes, not heels, shorts, not evening gowns. At the beginning phases of my training I lived in heels. For a few weeks, I walked in heels each day to get used to the height, the new feel. Confidence comes in comfort, and if you are not comfortable in walking, your confidence will not shine through on stage. I did extensive research, and found a great walking coach in my area. We started walking sessions, and my walk transformed drastically within a few weeks. I learned that there are several different walks: evening wear, fun fashion, and athletic wear. I learned how to navigate through different formats of these walks, and this portion of preparation is where my confidence was born. I learned how to command a room just by walking into it. I learned how to be comfortable in myself, confident in myself, and most importantly: I learned how to love myself.





Next: interview. Public speaking has always been a strong suit of mine, but honing that skill, and translating it to an interview style conversation was a new endeavor. I love this portion of preparation, for it easily translates to life outside of pageantry, and it gives you ample confidence while speaking in job interviews, class presentations, and other situations in which you may be speaking under pressure. In my experience, interview training also develops mental toughness. It trains your mind to think of fear, or anxiety, in a different light. When I first started interview training, my biggest fault was letting my nerves get the best of me. I was fearful that I would mess up, that I would say something wrong. Though it sounds odd, I learned how to turn my anxiety into eagerness while speaking to judges. I learned how to ground myself. Interviewers are people, too. They are doing their job, judging, while you are doing yours, competing.





Pageantry isn't just just about the dresses, crowns, and titles. It's about having a deep passion for service, and for others. Many girls use their competition time to advocate for a cause near to their heart. For me, I used my time in the interview room to talk about my family's non-profit organization, Harrison's Heroes. This non-profit was founded in 2016, after my younger brother, Harrison, passed away after enduring an extended hospital stay. The mission of our non-profit is to bring normalcy back into the lives of children undergoing extended hospital stays. In my pageant interviews, I make sure to share this side of my life, and my heart, with the judges, and spread my story to inspire others.







The next phase is the most outward form of expression: wardrobe. Prior to competing, I never knew how long it took to curate a full, unique wardrobe. The attire that I needed for Miss Texas Teen USA consisted of an arrival outfit, a formal interview suit, athletic wear (sports bra and leggings), rehearsal outfits, various colors and styles of heels, white tennis shoes, and lastly, my evening gown. Because contestants had over a year to prepare for Miss Texas Teen USA, my wardrobe continued to change as I gained more pageant experience. Due to the extra time, I ended up competing in a local, preliminary pageant prior to competing in Miss Texas Teen. Because of this, both my gown and interview attire changed before competing at State. While picking out wardrobe, contestants consider pieces that reflect their personality. When it comes to accessories, such as earrings, many contestants choose symbols that represent important causes that they support, or themes throughout their life.





Another important factor of competition: hair and makeup. Prior to competing, I thought that every pageant contestant had a makeup artist on hand. For several years, the Texas contestants were required to style their own hair and makeup, and no outside help was allowed. This year, in light of COVID-19, the contestants were allowed to receive outside help from professionals. This decision was made rather close to the competition date, so many contestants learned how to do their own hair and makeup before the official decision was announced. I was one of those girls. Early on in my pageant career, I received a makeup lesson from a phenomenal local artist. With much practice, especially with false lashes, I was able to replicate the look that she taught me. I am so glad that I made that decision, because it has been very useful in every day life. When it comes to school dances, functions, or photoshoots, I am able to create a look for any occasion.


My first makeup lesson:

My most recent photoshoot, in which I did my own hair and makeup:



Pageantry preparation prepares you for life. While that might sound redundant, it's true. The road to competition is a journey of growth. It truly betters you inside and out, and pushes you to find yourself. Pageantry is about becoming the best version of yourself, and learning about who you are along the way.





My team:

Hair/Makeup: Misty Rockwell, Jason Melgar

Interview: Heather Bassham Sumlin, Jimmy Langhoff

Walking: Mariah Chaney

Wardrobe: Muzzies Prom

Directorship: Texas Crown Productions - Lynn Red

Photography: GrantFoto





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